KAXE contacted every candidate twice using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics, though responses have not been uniformly fact-checked. With our small team of three, we are unable to proactively fact check every statement made by candidates. But 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 only includes candidates in contested races. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else is on the ballot.
Mayor
Daniel Jourdain
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 39
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
New Day Center Coordinator
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
previous At Large city council member
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Bemidji is a weak mayoral system whereas the state laws and city charter limit authority to only do a few more things than other council members. The city manager is responsible for direction of the city and informs council.
Why are you running for office?
I feel that this current city council has hindered the city's progress to move forward in a positive way. I watched the city council fully equipped with information, to make a decision, push decision down the road costing taxpayers money, time and potentially loss of funding and other consequences. It is the Mayors job to get to decisions and that is not happening. I seen the one sided partial information being spread to get public approval and then throw staff under the bus when things don't go the way they want. I care about the city, the department staff and its residence. I have no special interest except good to the city. Key decisions need to be made and that's what I plan on doing, putting the people first! I am different because I know how to work as a team and not in own interest.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Public Safety, Local Infrastructure, Planning and Housing are my list of priorities to work on from Day 1. I would make policy decisions that guide the work staff does. I would also like to sit down with staff and hear what the challenges are.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
Look to find ways to encourage more affordable developments and making zoning changes to encourage more housing developments. I would encourage staff to seek grant opportunities. Find more ways to work closely with county and tribal partners on housing opportunities.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Work with sustainability committee on climate action plan. Encourage purchase of electric vehicle fleet are some ideas.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
We pay taxes to cover the cost of doing business as a city. Nearly half of property taxes go to public safety. Find ways to maximize the special fund sources available to the city, look to save future interest by paying off debt early whenever possible. I would look at options of a special use tax or hospitality tax that would capture visitor dollars and take pressure off residents and businesses.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
The city needs to have a wage study to make sure we are paying a competitive wage. In 2025 they will have to disclose to applicants the pay range and other information. Have a wage study is important for transparency. A mayor should not go out and only share one side of an issue like what is happening now. It doesn't allow for people to know all sides of an issue. Transparency happens when people are fully informed. The police advisory was created for more transparency with law enforcement, I supported that while on previous city council.
Jorge Prince
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 53
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
LaValley Industries - Chief Financial Officer and Partner
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have been a member of our community since 1976 and have been actively engaged in helping our community grow from a small rural town to a busy regional center. I have a 35-year career as a multiple-business owner and finance professional with a B.S in Accounting from Bemidji State University. I have also been personally involved with many charities, non-profits and civic organizations during my forty-five years in Bemidji. For a decade, I served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Occupational Development Center (ODC), which is a regional organization dedicated to finding employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. I also previously served as a Commissioner for the Bemidji Housing and Rehabilitation Association (HRA) which is funded through HUD to assist in providing affordable housing and have been a church treasurer for over twenty-five years. Like many, I have worked hard to give back to a community that has richly blessed me and my family. I am the first Hispanic mayor of our city and a first-generation immigrant. As Mayor, I have served on numerous boards and commissions having just been named to the League of Minnesota Cities and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund Board of Directors.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As Mayor, it is my responsibility to bring people together on our city council and in our community to capitalize on opportunities and resolve challenges to move Bemidji forward in a positive way. This means being active and engaged in our community to listen to citizens facilitating respectful conversations around difficult topics and being accessible to all people. At times, this also means making difficult decisions with common sense, courage and conviction keeping in mind the best interests of all those impacted.
Why are you running for office?
I was elected Mayor of Bemidji four years ago and am seeking re-election so that we can continue to build upon the successes our council has achieved on behalf of our citizens and continue moving Bemidji forward. I believe that progress in a city is driven by the daily work of everyone in the community and that good local government creates a safe and stable environment where everyone can pursue their dreams and build the life they want for themselves and their family.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
From affordable housing shortages, to crime, poverty, and property tax concerns — the decisions made in the coming years will define the opportunities for everyone who calls Bemidji home. My goals are to strengthen our public safety partnerships and funding so that we can have a positive impact on the level of crime in our city, drive economic development so we can create better paying jobs and a larger tax base while finding efficiencies in our city operations to keep taxes as low as possible. In achieving these goals, it will be important for us to seek community input on these issues, challenge the status quo and find creative solutions.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
As a city, we are about to begin work on a new comprehensive land use plan for our city. We need that plan to be friendly to housing development by positively impacting planning and zoning ordinances. We will also need to use city financial tools such as tax abatement, fee reduction and tax incremental financing to lower the costs of housing development and associated rents. We must continue to create positive relationships with developers as we explore additional creative housing solutions such as the repurposing of buildings like the federal building, tiny homes and cottage homes with shared spaces. Lastly, we will need to continue to improve our rental code to reward good landlords/tenants while holding those who need to improve accountable.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
I am proud of many of the efforts our city has taken regarding environmental stewardship. This has included establishing our first ever City Sustainability Commission, authorizing our first two city solar projects and signing a memo-of-understanding with our fellow Mississippi cites and tribal neighbors to protect our river. We are also a green steps city with the intent to improve our rating. We have begun important discussion around recycling and increasing access to charging stations in our city and I look forward to more of these kinds of projects moving forward.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Taxes are always a balance between what can people reasonably afford and what they receive in return. Given how badly inflation is impacting everyone, keeping property taxes as low as possible must be an important goal for city government. This means operating our city departments as efficiently as possible while maximizing our partnerships with other government units and community partners to accomplish more with less. Seeking additional funding streams through federal, state and grant funding will also be critical. Lastly, growing our tax base through economic development will be important so that our tax revenues can increase overall without causing significant increase to existing taxpayers.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
When I entered office, our city was at odds with many parts of our community. From citizens who openly questioned whether their voice mattered; to entire communities who felt unheard; to members of our business and nonprofit communities believing that city government was not invested in their success; to our tribal and township neighbors being overlooked — I knew we had much work to do.
Over the past three years, I have worked to be actively engaged and present across our entire community to bridge those gaps. Whether one-on-one with individual people, holding listening sessions with our business and nonprofit communities, or historic first-time council-to-council meetings with our neighboring tribal nations — relationship building has been at the core of my decision making.
I also have an active social media presence where I can interact with people, a weekly podcast where I recap every city council meeting and I appear monthly on our local radio stations to give city updates. I have found these efforts to work well in keeping people informed and in creating dialogue around the topics important to our community. If re-elected, I will continue to build on these efforts.
City Council
Ward 1
Gwenia Fiskevold Gould
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 36
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
BSU Alumni & Foundation, Director of Annual Giving
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
In the first half of my professional life, I organized my neighbors, discussing local issues and the impact of voting. As a legislative assistant in the Minnesota Senate, I connected hundreds of Minnesotans to resources, answered questions, and gathered feedback on legislation. This work made me an active listener and informs today how I work to build stronger relationships between Bemidji residents and their leaders and community resources.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Our role is to represent the interests of our community when making decisions on local policies, and overseeing the city’s budget and financial management. We have regular meetings to discuss and address community issues and provide residents with a platform for us to receive feedback. We also collaborate with city staff and other government entities to ensure effective service delivery and community development. We do all this through the lens of setting long-term goals for Bemidji's growth and sustainability. Our work balances the needs of the community with the resources available.
Why are you running for office?
I decided to run for city council because I believe it's crucial to step up if you have something to offer your community. With my background in community engagement and fresh perspective, I saw an opportunity to bring my collaborative working style and offer a new generation of leadership.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
There are two big issues that I hear from my neighbors as I have conversations with them on the doors, and that is increasing public safety and addressing housing issues such as increasing housing stock and continuing to work on our rental ordinance.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
While housing is an issue nationwide, it requires a local focus. As a council, we have begun addressing our housing shortage by approving workforce housing and a senior living cooperative. We know more needs to be done which is why we will be conducting a housing study so we can ensure that we are properly addressing the housing needs of our community in strategic and thoughtful ways.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Supporting the work of our Sustainability Commission and promoting collaboration with city staff in their work. I will also vote and advocate for policies that help Bemidji receive the fifth step in becoming a GreenStep City.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Ensuring that city services run effectively is crucial for creating a thriving community; it directly affects how satisfied residents are with their local government. When services are working well, they can attract businesses and investments, boosting economic development and broadening the tax base. This means the tax burden gets spread out more evenly, allowing the city to keep tax rates lower while still funding essential services without putting too much pressure on residents.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
We live in an age where people receive information in a variety of different formats and platforms. I would like us invest some of our city budget towards either a full or part-time position devoted to disseminating city communications. Some of the tasks I see this role undertaking is ensuring that our city website is easy for residents to navigate, identifying the social media sites that our residents use the most and creating content that is engaging and informative, and providing information to organizations and spaces that serve our residents that are not online. By keeping our residents informed of the work of the city, the better they can provide feedback on our service delivery.
Ron Johnson
Incumbent: I am an incumbent having represented Ward 3 for 24 years (6 4 year terms). My residence was redistricted into Ward 1 in 2021 creating a rare election where you have 2 sitting council members seeking the same council seat.
Editor's note: The city of Bemidji was most recently redistricted in 2022.
Age on Election Day: 74
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I am a recently retired employee of Lakeland Public Television where I worked for 43 years as Promotion/Design Manager
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I was born and raised in Bemidji. I am a graduate of Bemidji High and Bemidji State University. I am former faculty member at Bemidji State University. In 2010, I was named an Outstanding Alumni of Bemidji State University. I feel Bemidji State University is Bemidji’s most important asset and my connections with the BSU are importance. I served 10 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Following my active duty, I spent the remainder of my service with the local Bemidji unit. Honorable discharge. In 1979, I was one of six individuals hired to help bring a public television station to Bemidji. In 1980, KAWE-TV signed on the air. I remained employed at KAWE ( now Lakeland Public Television) as their Design/Promotion Manager for the next 43 years retiring in 2023. I’ve been a Bemidji homeowner and city property taxpayer since 1986. I have served on the Bemidji City Council representing Ward 3 since 2001. Also, I currently serve in the role as Mayo pro tem. I have represented Bemidji on the Bemidji Regional Airport Authority since 2001. I have represented Bemidji on the Headwaters Regional Development Commission since 2001. I represented Bemidji on the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors for 8.5 years. I have represented Bemidji on the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Board of Directors since 2002. I am the only elected official in the history of Bemidji to have served as president of both of these important nonpartisan cities organizations. I have represented Bemidji on the Visit Bemidji Board of Directors since 2022.
Building a Better Bemidji is not just a campaign slogan. For me, it’s been a lifelong commitment!
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The city council is responsible for setting policy and goals. The city manager (our only employee) is responsible for implementing these goals and policies and the management our city and its employees.
The way I see it, the city council is responsible
for three basic services;
Public Safety (Police and Fire)
Sewer and Water
Streets
Everything else is secondary. Bemidji certainly provides much more to its residents (parks, trails, transportation, etc.) but the main reason city governments exist is to provide the three previously mentioned basic services. We need to make sure Bemidji’s three priorities are fully funded before we address anything else.
Why are you running for office?
To continue “Building a Better Bemidji”. Like I stated in an earlier response… this is not just a campaign slogan. For me, it’s a lifelong commitment! I love my town.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
If re-elected, I plan to continue focusing on three basic areas:
My first priority will be improving public safety by fully funding our police and fire departments.
My second priority will be working with community partners to address Bemidji’s housing shortage (especially workforce and affordable housing).
My third priority is growing Bemidji’s economy to provide better paying jobs for our citizens.
I believe these three important goals can be accomplished without increasing property taxes.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
The city has been successful in applying for - and receiving - community block grants to assist property owners in making cost effective improvements to their homes. We need to continue this effort. We have also been successful partnering with other organizations and government entities (HRDC, local tribes, etc.) to address our housing needs. Conifer Estates & Villas is an excellent example. The city can do more to encourage home ownership by reducing or waiving sewer and water access charges and having less restrictive building and renovation guidelines. We can also encourage home ownership by reducing property taxes!
I was not supportive of last year’s significant city property tax increase and I recently voted against a 2025 preliminary levy increase of 9%. Our taxpayers simply can’t afford these annual increases. We can do better!
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
I have been supportive of energy efficient initiatives throughout my 24 years on the city council. Participation in the League of Minnesota Cities Green Step program (Bemidji is currently at level 3 of 5) has served as a catalyst for the city council to make numerous energy efficient and cost saving improvements to our city. I certainly support competing the remaining steps during my next term on the council. Many cities have successfully completed all 5 steps. Bemidji needs to be next!
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
I believe I addressed my concern for Bemidj property taxpayers in an earlier response.
More and more cities are using a city sales tax to address their city streets and infrastructure. Perhaps Bemidji should consider something similar. The county was able to create a sales tax to improve county roads without a vote of the taxpayers. Bemidji generates a very large percentage of those sales tax dollars for the county but we do not receive any of the dollars for our streets (that are in Beltrami County). This doesn’t seem fair. I believe percentage of those dollars should go to the city to help fund our street improvements. I have… and will continue to seek legislative action to address this issue.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
I have been a proponent to hire a city public relations coordinator to be responsible for all city communications. While I believe we do a good job communicating and being transparent, we could do better. I believe a coordinated, responsive communication plan would make a significant impact on improving trust and transparency in local government.
Ward 3
Katie Carter
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Mark Dickinson
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 65
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Century 21 Dickinson Realtors, broker/owner
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am a lifelong resident of Bemidji, graduating from Bemidji High School in 1977 and Bemidji State University in 1982 with a Business Degree.
I worked at Buena Vista Ski Area when I was in high school and college. I also raised livestock for several years and did carpentry work. For the last 40 years I have worked in the real estate business in Bemidji and now own the company that my Dad started in 1954. I also own a few residential/commercial rental properties in Bemidji.
I love my hometown and am passionate about seeing our area and its residents thrive.
My knowledge of the area and my diversified work experience give me a unique perspective which I hope helps in looking at all sides of the various issues that arise.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
If elected, I will represent the citizens of Bemidji's Ward 3 to the best my ability, while also
doing the best I can to make decisions that are good for ALL of Bemidji and the surrounding townships and communities.
Why are you running for office?
I care about our town. I want it to be the best it can be, and I feel like it's my turn to step up and help out.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Public safety, making our city more open to residential and commercial development, and operating within a reasonable budget.
We need to be competitive in our compensation to public safety workers and all city staff.
We need to take down barriers to development within our city and we need to balance the decisions we make with how much the average family/citizen is going to be asked to pay for those decisions.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
In my opinion, the private sector is best able to deal with the demands and expenses of providing affordable housing.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
I support everyone doing what they can to be environmentally conscious.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Everyone needs to realize that every dollar the city spends has to come out of somebody else's pocket.
I will do my best to weigh out the pros and cons of taking money from some hard-working family, person, or business to fund the desires of others.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
By making all decisions with public knowledge and input and holding our staff and elected officials accountable for their actions and expenditures.
Ward 5
William J Batchelder
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 64
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Bemidji Woolen Mills, President
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
The Bemidji Community has blessed me with incredible opportunity to be successful. It is now my time to share with the residents of Bemidji my success. Working hard, listening, and doing the right thing are values that are core in my Heart.
I Was:
Born in Bemidji
I grew up in Bemidji
I was educated in Bemidji
I know the people of Bemidji
I know the history of Bemidji
I work in Bemidji
I Love Bemidji
I want Bemidji to be successful, safe, and comfortable for all, no matter your lot in life.
“Bemidji First City of the Mississippi, Big enough to be convenient, Small enough to be comfortable.” Jim Stanton
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
First and foremost being a steward of our communities tax dollars and make sure each and every dollar is spent in the best way possible.
Why are you running for office?
Ward 5 City of Bemidji, City Council
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
#1. Working hard to expand the tax base in Bemidji. We are currently 4th in the state for tax exempt property, sitting at over 50% Tax Exempt, I will work hard to increase taxable property while maintaining our incredible non-profit tax exempt organizations. #2 Individual Home Ownership #3 Growth in our Technology Park, Airport Park, and Industrial Park. #4 Public Safety, critical important for all our residents.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
Support building affordable housing on every available city owned lot in Ward 5. Home ownership is important make buying a house cheaper than renting. In the long term community pride of home ownership will ad to property Tax Revenue and help the city budget. Take a all hand on deck approach. Work with and listen to all ideas.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
E-Bikes, Standard Bikes, Trails, Green Space, Solar Panels. Campaign for green steps to lessen the carbon footprint.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
I feel our recent levies are way to high. I would support levies that are closer to the rate of inflation. We need to work to gather to expand our tax base and let taxes and slow down government spending.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
I want to hear the concerns of Citizens. Open-door policy, call or better yet stop by anytime. Most days you can find me at Bemidji Woolen Mills. I am a good listener. I know first hand the importance of being transparent in governing. The utmost transparency is key in our form of government. Very much dislike back door deals.
Lynn Eaton
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 73
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I am semi-retired and continue to hold my professional civil engineer license.
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
Eaton professional career began with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in 1984. During his 30-year tenure he held various engineering positions before becoming a manager there. He was the District Engineer for the NW District during his last eight years in Bemidji. In that role he was responsible for 200 employees, an operating budget of $20 million per year, and a construction budget of $30 million. His last two years of State service were in Saint Paul as the Department's Assistant Division Director for Operations.
Eaton has served in a long list of community organizations such as: Bemidji Youth Hockey Board where he was President for six years, St. Philip’s School Board, Sacred Heart Church Pastoral Council, Bemidji Youth Soccer Assoc. Beltrami County DFL Executive Committee, among others. He is an active youth soccer coach and has coached Bemidji youth and high school teams since 1990.
Eaton was born and raised on a farm in Nebraska. He is a 1969 graduate of Aurora High School in Aurora, Nebraska. His wife of 47 years is the former Mary Zavoral of East Grand Forks, Minnesota. They have lived in Bemidji since 1984 and have three children: Laura, Todd, and Sarah.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The work of a city councilor goes far beyond participating in City Council meeting once a week. All councilors have several committee assignments that required time during each week of the month. To do good service to the community a councilor needs to study the issues under their assignments and make informed decisions nearly every day of the week.
Why are you running for office?
I put service to others above my own priorities. I enjoy analyzing problems, researching strategies and coordinating solutions. People come first and I try to offer an understandable response to constituent questions and concern.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Keeping property taxes at a fiscally responsible level. Development of the Rail Corridor. Keeping our public safety departments staffed to keep Bemidji safe. Find solutions to our long-term capital needs.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
We have favored single family homes above all else for years and years. We need to turn our focus on affordability in smaller homes, duplexes, etc.--more of a mixed-use approach. The City does not have the means to finance housing but it can get out of the way, be more flexible, and enable good developers and homeowners to try some new approaches.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
The City can set a good example. Install LED Street lighting. Take advantage of opportunities to add solar collection to City buildings and properties that are conducive to that approach.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Our City is a center for Federal and state governments and we proudly are home to Bemidji State University and a great number of churches. Nearly 50% of the property value in the City is non-taxable. To remain vibrant, we need to take advantage of opportunities to broaden our tax base. Investing in our property values (housing and business stock) helps keep pace with inflationary dynamics that put pressure on property taxes.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Transparency is one of my skills in that I enjoy learning about complicated issues and being able to explain to residents how things work. The more people understand how things work the greater understanding throughout the community. It also gives potential office seekers the confidence to step forward and make Bemidji a better place for all.
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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Sheriffs Joe Dasovich and Bryan Welk say joining will increase safety in their Northern Minnesota communities, but the program carries profiling and liability concerns. -
And: Minnesotans want more "town halls" with federal lawmakers; and three North Central MN school districts are trying to pass referendums.
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A recent study highlighted the economic impact of ATV riders in northeastern Minnesota. The information comes in the second light-snow winter in a row.
