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 these races
The county board is responsible for governing its county, including by approving the budget. Generally, counties are responsible for the following: property tax assessment, tax administration, elections, record keeping, transportation, planning and zoning, solid waste management, environment, parks and water management, law enforcement, courts and health and human services.
County Commissioner District 2 includes Climax, Nielsville and East Grand Forks Wards 1 and 2. The current commissioner is Warren Strandell, who is not running for reelection.
County Commissioner District 4 includes Fosston, Erskine, McIntosh, Winger, Lengby, Trail and Gully. The current commissioner is Joan Lee, who is not running for reelection.
The winners of the elections will begin their four-year terms in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Age on Election Day: 69
Community: Roome Township, Fisher, MN
Employment: Owner and Farmer at CJ Knutson Farm Inc
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
My experience has always been rooted in service to the people and communities around me.
For 16½ years, I served on the Fisher School Board, including several years as chairman. I learned to listen carefully, ask difficult questions, and consider how every decision affects students, families, teachers, taxpayers, and the district’s future.
I also served 12 years on American Crystal Sugar Company's Board of Directors, including two years as chairman, bringing different perspectives together and navigating complex decisions while remaining accountable to growers.
Two terms on the Town Board reinforced my belief that public service requires accessibility, responsible resource management, and an understanding of residents’ everyday needs.
As owner and operator of CJ Knutson Farm, Inc., I understand long-term planning, financial stewardship, uncertainty, and adapting to change.
With 11 grandchildren in the district, this work is personal. My experience prepared me to lead; family and community inspire my service today.
Why are you running?
With 11 grandchildren residing in Polk County District 2, I have a deeply personal investment in its future. I am running for this position because I believe the decisions we make today will shape the opportunities available to our children, grandchildren, and generations to come while continuing to keep in mind what is best for the current taxpayers.
Why should voters elect you?
Throughout my years of board service, I have thoroughly learned the importance of gathering all the facts, deeply listening to different perspectives, and carefully considering the long-term impact before making a decision. I also understand that leadership, at times, requires making difficult choices while remaining accountable to the people you serve.
I believe my experience on a variety of boards has prepared me to bring thoughtful, practical leadership to this office. The legacy we leave should strengthen our communities and I look forward to creating a better future for every family in District 2.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I admire Ronald Reagan for his common-sense approach to leadership. He had a way of taking complicated issues and bringing them back to practical principles people could understand. I respect his belief in personal responsibility and trusting people and communities to know what works best for them. That practical, grounded approach to public service is something I value in leadership.
What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?
The three biggest issues facing our county are supporting local law enforcement, caring for our senior citizens, and maintaining our roads and bridges. These are essential services that directly affect the safety, well-being, and quality of life of the people who live and work here.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
I cannot choose just one because they are all interconnected. Safe communities depend on strong law enforcement, reliable roads and bridges, and support for our seniors. If elected, I will approach each with the same priority: gather the facts, listen to those affected, and make responsible decisions.
What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?
My priority is making sure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while maintaining the essential services our county depends on. As a landowner and taxpayer myself, I understand the impact of rising costs. I would carefully evaluate spending, look for efficiencies, and make sure we are accountable for every dollar.
Rising property taxes are a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. How would you aim to minimize levy increases?
I would scrutinize every expenditure, understand the reason behind it, and determine whether it is truly necessary. County government has a responsibility to provide essential services while respecting the taxpayers who fund them. I believe careful budgeting and asking tough questions are key to keeping levy increases to a minimum.
Age on Election Day: 74
Community: Huntsville Township, East Grand Forks
Employment: Retired, volunteer at Sacred Heart church, Altru hospital, and two Senior Care facilities
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have served in township zoning for over 30 years, and Polk County Planning and Zoning for several years, and even to this day. I was born and raised here in Polk County on a farm near EGF, still live here, and I was only not here during my time in the military. I served in the Army 1971-1977.
I have been in the construction and concrete business all my life, held contractors licenses in Minnesota and North Dakota. I have continuing education in soil, water, and rock, earth science .
I am Christian, Catholic, and believe in fair trade, fair taxation, and representing the people I will serve.
Why are you running?
I am a family man with good work ethic, and I think I have something to offer that will benefit our people.
Why should voters elect you?
I plan to listen to all sides of discussion, and to vote consciously, representing the people of District Two
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I am running for the seat currently held by Warren Strandell, who is retiring, after many years of faithful service. There are many good people in service as commissioners, and I would be proud to be one of them.
What are the three biggest issues your county is facing?
Fair taxation; road, highway and bridge; and water.
Which of those three issues is most important to you, and how would you address it if elected?
In Minnesota, we have 87 counties. I would like to see more state funding for Polk county than we have seen in the past.
What would be your top spending priorities and savings priorities in the county budget?
We need our schools, we need our highways and transportation. I am not saying that I know how to change the way things are right now, but I am willing to learn, and I think we need to look forward, and protect and preserve what we have for future generations.
Editor's note: The county is not responsible for funding school districts, and the two are separate, independent governments. School boards approve tax levies for their district.
Rising property taxes are a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. How would you aim to minimize levy increases?
KAXE did not receive a response to this question.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
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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