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Crosslake 2024 Election Guide

Dave Nevin and Jackson M. Purfeerst are running for Crosslake mayor.
Bob Heales, Jayme Knapp and Robin M. Sylvester are running for Crosslake City Council.

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.

Election Guide Homepage


Mayor

Dave Nevin

Incumbent: Yes

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Jackson M. Purfeerst

Jackson Purfeerst is running for Crosslake mayor in the 2024 election.
Contributed
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Jackson Purfeerst
Jackson Purfeerst is running for Crosslake mayor in the 2024 election.

Incumbent: Currently on City Council
Age on Election Day: 24

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I’m currently a college student at the University of Minnesota- Crookston finishing my bachelors in business (online). I work at Lakes Area Rental in Crosslake and hold numerous side jobs as well. I also currently serve on the Crosslake City Council.

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
Currently serve on Crosslake City Council.
Currently serve on the Crow Wing Power Board of Trustees.
Currently serve as the Big Pine Lake Association President and served as Secretary.
Was an intern with the Minnesota Senate.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The Mayor is the figure head of the city! The mayor must be able to relate to their citizens needs while ensuring a positive work environment at city hall. As the mayor, you are responsible for running the city council meetings, showing up for other meetings, and events in the community.

Why are you running for office?
I’m running for mayor because people are ready for change in leadership. They are excited to see someone who is dedicated to the city at my age and has the energy and the want to lead the city in a positive direction. Many generations before me have made Crosslake what it is today, and it’s my generations turn to get involved and continue their work.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
My only “plan” as mayor is to do what is right for the city! I have no personal agenda, my only agenda is to run the city with integrity and honesty. What you see with me is what you get, energetic, honest, and driven!

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?
After attending many EDA meetings, we have come to a conclusion that Crosslake’s model doesn’t fit affordable housing at this current moment. With the current economic situation, quite frankly everyday goods are on the rise, just as is housing. If a developer wanted to come in, a city could extend TIF financing, and other financial assistance. It is not a cities responsibility to bring in or seek out affordable housing, apartments, or act as the developer, nor should they waive hookup fees, electrical hook ups, etc.

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Crosslake is very efficient when it comes to this subject. We have many local organizations that work to protect our lakes and wildlife. Our city isn’t excessive on salting in the winter, etc. We recognize that our water and nature is what makes Crosslake, Crosslake!

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 must always recognize that our citizens are paying the bills. We always need to be as fiscally conservative as possible and not blowing tax dollars on pet projects or unnecessary expenditures.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
I currently do all city business through my city email and understand that there can’t be more than 3 council members in one area unless stated or posted with a meeting notice by our city clerk. I don’t attend meetings where other members are unless posted. I will continue to serve in a transparent manner.

City Council (Elect Two)

Bob Heales

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Jayme Knapp

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Robin M. Sylvester

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.


Return to Election Guide

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.