KAXE contacted each candidate at least twice to invite them to participate in our Election Guide, using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published exactly as submitted, including typos and formatting.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Election Guide includes contested races in communities with at least 100 people. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About this race
The mayor has no more voting power than a city councilor. Additional duties include presiding over city council meetings and acting as the ceremonial head of the city, often representing the city before the Legislature and in other official capacities.
The current mayor is Jody Bjornson, who is running for reelection.
The winner of the election will begin their two-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: 65
Employment: Retired activity aide and former social worker at Greenwood Connections, the Menahga-owned skilled nursing facility.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Listening before taking action was a major component of my career; it's an attribute necessary when considering matters that affect fellow citizens. I got a 'taste' of the role/responsibilities when my mother was Menahga's mayor while I was growing up.
Why are you running?
To give Menahga voters a choice, and, if elected, to assist in running the city effectively.
Why should voters elect you?
My decades of working for the city demonstrate my dedication to my hometown, which will continue in this new capacity.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
To represent the City of Menahga at appropriate events outside of town, to conduct the council's meetings, participate in discussions, and vote to break ties in the council's voting on the motions presented.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Durwin Tomperi, a current Menahga councilman, as he appears to always be prepared, interested in new ideas and protective of Menahga's interests.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Inadequate communication between our government and its citizens. Not securing financial assistance with major infrastructure projects before going ahead with them. Need to attract more new businesses in Menahga to create more variety in what we can offer others as reasons to come to 'The Gateway to the Pines'.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
City finances. Reminding the council of whose money we're working with, being open to alternatives, and encouraging staff to explore all grant opportunities.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
As I don't know the specifics about requirements for the creation of/operation of data centers, I can't say whether Menahga would be considered for having one, so I have no opinion at this time.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
Beach life guards, part-time positions of some current full-time office positions.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Mesabi Metallics plant, which will source iron from the company's mine in Nashwauk, may begin producing steel as early as 2030. -
Malachy Koons/ContributedThe KAXE Music Team on new releases from The Mary Wallopers, Humbird, Leon Bridges, Julia Jacklin, Jake Bugg, Kelley Smith, and Kings of Leon and Petty's debut as our Pick Of '76. -
Contributed/Book covers—publisher websites; Tracy KampaChildren's librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Sophie Blackall, Chelsea Lin Wallace, Steve Sheinkin and Meaghan McIsaac. -
The retired DNR forester gave a walking tour of his forest property as part of a Cass Soil and Water Conservation District forest management event.
