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.
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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 town board of supervisors is responsible for governing the township, including approving a budget and passing city ordinances. Supervisors do not have any individual authority and can only exercise power as part of the board.
Town budgets primarily go toward managing roads and bridges, though the exact services offered vary widely from township to township.
David Johnson is the incumbent Seat A supervisor. He is running for reelection.
The winner of the election will begin their four-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Incumbent
Age on Election Day: 66
Employment: Pharmacist for Genoa Pharmacies, casual trying to fully retire
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have served as both a retail pharmacy manager and a hospital pharmacy director. In these roles, I supervised employees, developed and managed budgets, and communicated effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and community members. I was responsible for policy development with both positions.I feel these experiences have strengthened my leadership, financial management, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which would help me effectively serve our township residents.
Why are you running?
I am running because I have served on the township board for many years and want to continue contributing to our township We are just beginning the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan, and I have been involved in developing policies related to development and township roads. Since these are still in their early stages, I would like the opportunity to help see them through to completion.
Why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me because I feel I bring strong managerial experience, sound judgment, and a proven commitment to serving our township. Having retired from a demanding 40–60-hour-per-week career, I now have the time and energy to devote to this position.
Although I had not initially planned to run again, encouragement from the current township board led me to reconsider. Since we are in the early stages of the projects I mentioned, they asked that I continue to see them through. My goal is to develop an orderly process that protects the interests of all township residents and helps our community move forward.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Township supervisors are primarily responsible for maintaining and overseeing the township’s roads. They also advocate for the township’s interests when working with county and state governments on policies, regulations, and ordinances.
In addition, supervisors are responsible for developing and approving a cost-effective annual budget, establishing sound financial policies, and adopting resolutions and ordinances that address the needs and priorities of the township. Supervisors help ensure that township services are managed effectively, resources are used responsibly, and the community’s interests are represented.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
John McCain’. His service to our country was extraordinary. After being shot down and captured during the Vietnam War, he refused early release because his father was an admiral, believing that prisoners who had been held longer should be released first. ( I will note that I just discovered this fact last weekend) His commitment to his fellow prisoners contributed to the injuries and lasting disabilities he suffered during captivity.
After returning home, he continued his public service in the U.S. Senate. I admired Senator McCain because he consistently sought to represent all Americans and approached policy decisions with a strong sense of duty, principle, and service.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
Goals:
Update the Comprehensive Plan and finalize a subdivision ordinance: Establish a clear process for reviewing new developments and ensure that proposed roads and driveway approaches are appropriate, safe, and consistent with the township’s Comprehensive Plan.
Finalize an assessment policy for road improvements: Develop a fair and equitable process for assessing and funding road improvements that appropriately considers the interests of property owners and township residents.
Refine our five-year road plan: Continue the five-year road improvement plan initiated this year, making adjustments as needed and establishing a consistent, repeatable method for prioritizing and maintaining township roadways.
Develop additional policies to guide decision-making: Create clear and consistent policies that promote fair and repeatable decisions on township matters while addressing the needs of the entire community.
Age on Election Day: 52
Employment: Self Employed
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
9 years with MN/DOT and 4 years with Crow Wing Co. both in road maintenance and road construction contract administration.
Why are you running?
I would like to change how our roads are being maintained from a high cost/low benefit to a lower cost/higher benefit for the residents of Long Lake township.
Why should voters elect you?
I have knowledge of cost saving ways and will do my absolute best to stop rising taxes and possibly lower them.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
To keep our road system maintained with cost effective ways and to make educated decisions when it comes to spending the townships tax dollars.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Mr.Jesse Ventura Although he wasn't liked by everyone as Governor of Minnesota, he saved alot of money for the pockets of all Minnesotans.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
To have smooth maintained roads that will last years longer for less price.
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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