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
Jerry D. Smith
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Wendy Thoreson
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
City Council (Elect Two)
Michael Hanson
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Carla Jones-Leecy
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Cecil Reams
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 61
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Retired
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
34 years working for the federal government both in the military and civil service.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Role is as a council member and responsibilities are to listen to the issues and provide non-biased option's
Why are you running for office?
To stay active in the community now that I'm retired.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
No specific policy agenda - just common sense and fairness in government operations.
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?
That is outside the scope of a town this small.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
None, if any come-up after election I will give due consideration.
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 do believe it is the cities governments responsibility to reduce costs wherever feasible without reducing services.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
N/A
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.
-
The undefeated Crosby-Ironton Rangers met their match in No. 1-ranked and also undefeated Providence Academy in the championship game on Saturday, March 15, 2025. -
The open house will be 3-5 p.m. March 18, 2025, at Warroad City Hall. -
The Northern Waters Land Trust and Minnesota Land Trust say nearly 500 acres will be protected from development in perpetuity at 3M's 680-acre Camp Wonewok in Hubbard County.
