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Hendrum 2024 Election Guide

Curt H. Johannsen, Lues Lopez and Terry Torgerson are running for Hendrum mayor.
Stephanie Kaasa, Brian Schlapkohl, Michael Smart and Krista Timm are running for 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

Curt H. Johannsen

Incumbent: Yes

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Lues Lopez

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Terry Torgerson

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

City Council (Elect Two)

Stephanie Kaasa

Incumbent: No

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Brian Schlapkohl

Incumbent: Yes

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Michael Smart

Incumbent: Yes

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Krista Timm

Krista Timm is running for Hendrum City Council in the 2024 election.
Contributed
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Krista Timm
Krista Timm is running for Hendrum City Council in the 2024 election.

Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 37

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Wex , Fraud Program Manager

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have expertise in managing projects, budgets, and teams thst can contribute significantly to the effective governance of Hendrum.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Key roles and responsibilities for city council :

Lawmaking: Creating laws for the city.
BUdgeting: Approving the city's budget.
Oversight: Monitoring city departments.
Policy: Shaping public policy.
Engagement: Interacting with the community.

Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office because I believe Hendrum has the potential to be an even more thriving community. I’m committed to taking action and delivering results, not just talking about them. Hendrum’s strong sense of community is one of its greatest assets, and I want to attract new residents who share our values. But to achieve our goals, we need to be open to new ideas and challenge the status quo. I believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for Hendrum.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
One of my top priorities is to secure funding for community grants that will help us realize our vision for Hendrum. We can’t achieve our goals without adequate resources.
I also plan to address the current challenges facing our town by working with residents to brainstorm solutions. Too often, people feel like their voices aren’t heard. I want to create a community where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas and be part of the change. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Hendrum.

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?
Hendrum has a unique opportunity to repurpose our old school building into affordable housing.
This project would require careful planning and investment, but it could make a significant difference in our community.
By offering additional services like a food shelf and electric assistance, ect we can help struggling families reduce their financial burden and focus on keeping a roof over their heads.
These initiatives will not only improve the lives of our residents but also strengthen our community as a whole.

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 would like to invest in infrastructure that can includes upgrading drainage systems, strengthening buildings, continued work on water improvements.

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.
A clear budget and allocation of funds are essential for Hendrum’s future. If we need to increase taxes, we must provide a transparent explanation of why and how the additional revenue will be used.
Open communication is crucial to build trust with our citizens. By sharing a comprehensive plan for our finances, we can ensure that everyone understands the impact of our decisions and feels invested in our community’s progress.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
To effectively leverage technology in our city, we need to prioritize several key areas. First, our website should be updated to provide comprehensive information, including data, budgets, and other relevant details. This will ensure that citizens have easy access to essential information and can stay informed about city operations.
Second, we should enhance our online presence on social media platforms. By actively engaging with our community through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we can build stronger connections, share important updates, and address concerns in real-time. This will help us attract new families and foster a sense of community involvement.
Finally, establishing a robust whistleblower protection system is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability. By providing a safe and anonymous channel for citizens to report concerns, we can encourage ethical behavior, address potential wrongdoing, and build trust in our government. This system should include clear guidelines, independent investigations, and safeguards to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.


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.