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.
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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 city council is responsible for governing the city, including overseeing administrators, approving a budget and passing city ordinances. Councilors do not have any individual authority and can only exercise power as part of the council.
This is the first election for a city council in what currently is Northern Township. Early in 2026, an administrative law judge granted Northern Township's petition to become a city while rejecting the city of Bemidji's counterpetition to extend its city limits around Lake Bemidji.
Longtime town board member Jess Frenzel is running unopposed for mayor, slated for a two-year term beginning in January 2027. Fellow town board members Michael Kelly and Gary Barnard are running for the two available two-year council seats. Town board member Rhonda Dockendorf did not file for election to the new city council.
Curt Blumhagen also sits on the township board. He running for one of two four-year seats.
The top two vote-getters in this election will start their four-year terms in January.
Northern will officially become a city when it reorganizes as a five-member body with four at-large members and a mayor in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Age on Election Day: 68
Employment: I was the Store Manager at Target, but I am now retired.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I was in many different management roles with Target Corporation and have been a Northern Township Supervisor for the past 12 years.
Why are you running?
I am proud to have served on our town board through some difficult changes and would like the opportunity to continue serving as we become a city.
Why should voters elect you?
I have served on the Northern Township Board for the past 12 years and my primary goal has always been to represent my neighbors and constituents to the best of my ability. We still have some big changes coming and I believe I have the experience and leadership skills to help guide us through them.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
1. Approve and oversee the city budget.
2. Make decisions regarding land use, zoning and local services.
3. Roads, taxation and economic development.
These responsibilities encompass numerous other issues that require attention.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
In my opinion, there is no single public leader who stands out to me. I genuinely admire individuals who invest their time and effort in support of our government.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
1. Strategies for urban expansion while preserving the rural character of our city.
2. Collaborative efforts to insure the successful completion of our sewer project.
3. Working and adapting to a tight budget.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Maintaining the city’s rural ambiance while fostering growth is very important to me. I would use my influence and voting power to uphold Northern’s residents’ aspirations.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
Prior to forming an opinion on data centers, I would require extensive research on them.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each city is unique, so the best places to make cuts will depend on their specific needs and will require consideration by each city council.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: 81years of learning from life and serving my country and my community.
Employment: Retired, 20 year veteran and present caregiver for my wife of 59 years.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Life long resident of Northern Township except time deployed serving in the U.S. Navy
Married to my wife Annette for 59 years, have 3 daughters-Laura, Sharon and Molly, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grand children.
Faith in God, saved by Jesus Christ, born again by the Holy Spirit
Served 20 years in the U.S. Navy
Served on the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners
Served on the Northern Township Board of Supervisors
Served on the Northern Township Board of Adjustment
Served as Sextant for Northern Township cemetery for 40 years
Served Beltrami County as Alternative Sentencing Coordinator - 15 years
Ordained Minister- served in multiple leadership and ministry roles
School Bus Driver in Northern Township serving public schools and families for 20 years
Why are you running?
I am a lifelong resident of Northern Township, MN and a 20 year U.S. Navy veteran who deeply loves this community. I am running for town council because the direction of our state and country is drifting from the foundations of our Democratic Republic. Recent Islamic influences and socialist advancements threaten the principles that secure our God-given rights. Government was instituted to protect those rights; not to control our lives or property. It must remain limited, yet it always tends to overreach. Establishing Northern on a firm foundation of limited government and individual liberty is essential to the long-term well-being of our residents and future city. I am passionate about preserving our freedoms and will work to keep local government accountable and restrained. I respectfully ask for your vote and your trust to serve Northern in this role.
Why should voters elect you?
There are two four-year seats open and six candidates have filed. Kurt Blumhagen currently serves on the Northern Township board and has earned the right continue. I respectfully encourage you to vote for him for one of those seats. For the remaining seat, I ask only that you give careful consideration to the other five candidates, including me. As a lifelong resident and 20 year Navy veteran, I offer steady judgment, a commitment to limited government, protection of your rights and a deep respect for the people of Northern. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Making Laws
Establish and oversee budget and finance
Set policy that ensures citizens' rights
Supervision of city activities and programs
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Ronald Reagan due to his ability to reach all people through his diplomacy in communication.
Martin Luther King Jr due to his passion that we all be seen as equal citizens being judged only by our character.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Bringing solutions for our pending sewer development for all residents.
Infiltration of overreaching government control that impacts all areas of our lives.
Accountability for increased taxation on the citizens of Northern
All three of these issues coming under honest transparency to the residents by the city council.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Our responsibility is to be open and accountable to the citizens of Northern and all three of these issues demand attention and are important to me and my fellow citizens.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
I would first become informed about data centers and their relevancy to our community.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
All areas of the budget need to first come under careful review and consideration. The purpose of government and the priorities and wishes of the people within the boundaries of government will direct the spending, and any cuts that fall outside those boundaries.
Age on Election Day: 41
Employment: Clearbrook-Gonvick School, Superintendent
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
My experience as a Superintendent working with our local school board and other committees and board of directors through different educational organizations, has prepared me for the position of city council. As a school leader, I also currently serve on the Bemidji Regional Interdistrict Council Board of Directors.
Why are you running?
I am running for city council because I have an interest in being a servant leader, as well as leading our city into the future through fiscally responsible decision making.
Why should voters elect you?
I have lived in Bemidji for the past 23 years, the last 10 years in Northern Township, so I understand the demographics, challenges, and opportunities that await our newly created city. I believe through my education and experiences working with, and serving on different boards and committees, I am prepared for the position of Northern City Council. I look forward to your support and please vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
To listen and represent the citizens of the City of Northern, and to make sound decisions that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the city.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I have always respected U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for his willingness, dedication, and knowledge to take on challenging critics and political topics when others may not.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
Financial stability for the future, long-term sewer and/or water infrastructure plans, and business recruitment.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Financial stability is going to be the biggest issue moving forward and I would like to start planning right away for the future. I believe the city will need to explore additional state and federal revenue streams, as well as grants for small cities. As a city, we need to advocate to our local legislatures the need for increased funding to municipalities, as well as develop plans locally on how revenue can be generated, and make fiscally responsible decisions with expenditures.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
This would be a decision that would require input from all stakeholders before making a decision either way.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
As a school Superintendent, I experience tightening budgets every year. I would take a similar approach as a city council member and consult with the appropriate stakeholders to gather input and facts, then make the best decision necessary based upon the findings. My theory when making such decisions, will be to make as little of an impact to the citizens as possible, while still providing the necessary services they deserve.
Age on Election Day: 56
Employment: Bemidji Area Schools - Bemidji Middle School Principal
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
My educational background includes a Master’s in Educational Administration from BSU. I hold Superintendent and K-12 Principal licenses attained from SCSU. I am actively involved in our community and was a member of the Evergreen Board of Directors for 13 years. I currently serve as the vice chair of Bemidji’s United Way and also was appointed by the governor to the Board of School Administrators and serve as the chair of the ethics committee.
Why are you running?
I want to see the city of Northern succeed in its endeavor to become a brand new city. I have lived in Northern Township for 23 years and appreciate the values we hold in this area. I feel I possess the background and experience to organize and plan a new city charter.
Why should voters elect you?
Integrity and accountability have been staples in my career thus far, and I want bring my 35 years of school administration and teaching experience to the newly forming City Council.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Budgetary Oversight, Oversight of City Administrator, collaborating with fellow council members to establish a new city charter
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Richard Anderson, Former Beltrami County Commissioner and Bemidji High School principal. Richard continues to possess the old school values of rural Minnesota while also being fiscally conservative. He was able to see the big picture and move ahead on long term projects that will benefit Beltrami County and our school district for many decades. I also appreciate his integrity, sincerity and listening abilities.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
1. Creating a new city charter while managing new and emerging issues.
2. Developing and partnering with MPCA to create an affordable, effective and efficient water treatment system for our Northern residents.
3. Rebuild and repair effective communication with the City of Bemidji.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
Creating a new city charter and managing emerging issues will take time, patience and perseverance. It will also take extra hours and meetings to address the issues as they arise. I am confident with proper collaboration and working with Chris Lahn, current city administrator, and the other council members we can make this happen.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
From what I currently know, I am not in favor of a Data Center being located in Northern Township. A data center would use our water and electric resources without proper reimbursement. A data center would possibly disturb our pristine natural resources this close to the Mississippi River.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
As a new member of this council I would want to see the audits from the last three fiscal years to determine spending patterns and look for waste. We as a council would need to prioritize our needs from our wants and look for cost savings from those detailed audits.
Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)
Employment: I am self emplyed as a Furniture Sales Rep
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
When I lived in Becker, MN I served on the City Council for 8 years. During that i helped guide major community projects, including the development of an 18-hole golf coursse, a community center, a new waste water treatment plant and an industrial park.
Why are you running?
To give the residents of the City of Northern a voice and that they feel heard, valued and proud to call their city home.
Why should voters elect you?
I have the experience to sit on the City Council and make hard decisions that will benefit everyone in the City of Northern.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
With a new city just starting there are many things that will need to be done. Setting a budget, setting policies, setting priorities for the city services. We will need to plan for growth, oversee leadership, represent residents, participate in public meetings and plan for the cities long tern future.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
The late Dolly Paton wasn't just iconic because of her larger -than -life look and her talents in showbusiness, also because of all the words and wisdom she shared in her songs and interviews. As a avid reader I was impressed with Dolly Parton an the Imagination Library that she build for the children in her home county. Dolly had a lot to say about life, having risen from poverty to becoming a world-famous singer-songwriter and actor, successful businesswoman and beloved philanthropist.
What are the three biggest issues your city is facing?
As the City of Northern gets started we will have to take the issues one at time to make the best decisions for our community. As we learn what the issues are we will come together as a council to build the best city possible.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
We will hold public meetings; have discussion ; and research issues and whatever it takes to tack the situation for a better City of Northern.
What steps, if any, would you take to support or oppose data centers?
Data Centers are a big topic of conversation among Northern MN towns. As our city gets going and if we are approached we will have to carefully consider what decision we will make. We will need to take into consideration the growth of our community, the fairness of the data center paying their fair share so they don't impact rates.
Many Northern Minnesota cities are experiencing tightening budgets. Where would you propose making cuts, if needed?
As our City gets established will take into consideration a very conversative budget.
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.
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