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
Jennifer Carnahan
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 47
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Owner, Primrose Park Boutique, Downtown Nisswa
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
As a former Fortune 500 marketing leader turned small business owner, I bring a unique combination of corporate expertise and entrepreneurial experience that qualifies me for office. I’ve run my own business for over 10 years, following a distinguished career with some of the world’s most respected companies, including General Mills, McDonald's Corporation, and Ecolab. My background in both large-scale operations and small business ownership gives me a deep understanding of the financial management and strategic planning required to lead effectively.
In addition to my business experience, I’ve dedicated myself to serving the community, founding a cancer charity in my late husband's name that has donated more than $25,000 to families in our local area. I have also served on the Nisswa Downtown Council and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Government Relations Committee, where I have worked to support local businesses and improve communication between the community and local government.
With my strong background in leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community service, I am committed to leading Nisswa with integrity and ensuring our city's resources are managed wisely and that our community stays vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The role of the mayor in Nisswa is to provide leadership and vision for the city while ensuring that the needs and concerns of the residents are addressed. As mayor, I would be responsible for presiding over city council meetings, setting the agenda, and guiding discussions to ensure productive decision-making that reflects the interests of the community. One of the key responsibilities is overseeing the city’s budget and working with the city council to make fiscally responsible decisions that prioritize essential services and maintain the city's financial health.
The mayor also serves as the chief representative of the city in dealings with other governmental agencies, businesses, and community organizations. In this capacity, I would work to promote economic development, support local businesses, and advocate for policies that preserve the natural beauty of Nisswa while fostering sustainable growth.
Additionally, it is the mayor's duty to ensure that city departments, including public safety, public works, and administration, operate efficiently and in alignment with the needs of the community. I would also be responsible for listening to and collaborating with residents to address their concerns, improve transparency, and enhance community engagement.
Ultimately, the mayor must lead with integrity and inclusiveness, acting as a steward of the city’s resources and a voice for all its citizens.
Why are you running for office?
’m running for office because I believe Nisswa deserves leadership that is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of its residents. As a small business owner and community member, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our city faces, from rising taxes to concerns about transparency and accountability in local government. I want to ensure that every decision made prioritizes the well-being of our residents and protects the financial health of Nisswa, so we can continue to thrive without burdening families and businesses with unnecessary tax increases.
I also want to foster a more inclusive and transparent government—one that actively engages with the community and listens to their concerns. My experience as a former Fortune 500 leader and small business owner gives me the skill set to navigate complex issues, manage resources effectively, and advocate for policies that benefit both our economy and our natural environment.
My candidacy is about bringing fresh, accountable leadership to Nisswa, one that ensures every voice is heard, every dollar is spent wisely, and the future of our city is protected for generations to come.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
If elected, my top priorities will be focused on fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and enhancing community engagement.
Fiscal Responsibility: I am committed to ensuring that Nisswa's finances are managed prudently. My goal is to avoid unnecessary tax increases by promoting efficient spending and prioritizing projects that directly benefit the community. I will work to maintain essential services while finding ways to cut waste and streamline operations.
Supporting Local Businesses: I will advocate for policies that make it easier for local businesses to thrive by lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens, and ensuring swift approval processes. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I want to create an environment where they can flourish without excessive government interference.
Protecting Our Natural Environment: Nisswa's natural beauty is one of our greatest assets, and preserving it is critical. I will promote responsible stewardship of our lakes and environment while balancing sustainable growth for the community.
Transparent and Inclusive Leadership: I believe that government should be open and accessible to everyone. I will prioritize improving communication between the city government and residents, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and that decisions are made with full transparency.
By focusing on these priorities, I am confident we can create a stronger, more connected, and financially secure Nisswa that serves both current and future generations.
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?
Housing affordability and availability are important issues in Nisswa and the surrounding region. As a resort community, we need to balance maintaining the character of our area with ensuring that people who work and live here can find suitable housing.
If elected, I would prioritize working with local developers, homeowners, and city leaders to explore practical, market-driven solutions that expand housing options without overregulating. This could include encouraging the development of a variety of housing types that respect our community’s aesthetic and natural environment, such as townhomes or smaller single-family homes that fit the needs of working families, young professionals, and seniors.
Additionally, I would focus on ensuring that any housing growth is thoughtfully planned and in harmony with our community’s unique resort character. By supporting responsible development that meets the needs of both residents and seasonal workers, we can maintain Nisswa’s appeal while providing opportunities for people to live and work here affordably.
My approach would be grounded in collaboration with local stakeholders, ensuring that housing initiatives enhance our community while respecting property rights and maintaining the charm that makes Nisswa a special place.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Nisswa’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets, and it's important that we preserve it for future generations. While conversations around climate change can be divisive, I believe in promoting practical, locally focused solutions that protect our lakes, forests, and wildlife.
If elected, I would support policies that encourage responsible stewardship of our natural resources. This includes maintaining clean water, preventing erosion, and ensuring that development respects the natural landscape. I also believe that improving our infrastructure—such as upgrading stormwater systems and roads—will help protect our community from potential environmental challenges in the future.
By working with local businesses and residents, we can adopt strategies that support the long-term sustainability of Nisswa without unnecessary government overreach or burdensome regulations. My goal is to ensure that our city remains a vibrant and beautiful place for years to come, while being good stewards of the natural beauty that defines Nisswa.
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.
High taxation is a significant concern for many Northern Minnesotans, and I share that concern. As a small business owner, I understand the financial burden that rising taxes can place on families and businesses. I am committed to ensuring that Nisswa’s residents are not overburdened with unnecessary tax increases.
If elected, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility by focusing on efficient spending and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to benefit our community. My goal is to promote smart budgeting practices that allow us to maintain essential services without increasing the tax burden on our residents. While I will not vote to raise taxes, I recognize that I may be outvoted by the city council. However, I will always advocate for responsible spending and look for ways to streamline city operations, reduce waste, and make the most of our resources.
I believe we can achieve economic growth and maintain the high quality of life in Nisswa without overtaxing our residents. By carefully managing our budget and focusing on efficiency, we can keep taxes low while still investing in the needs of our community.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Improving transparency and restoring trust in government are top priorities for me. I believe that a responsive and open government is essential to building a strong relationship with the community. To achieve this, I would focus on a few key areas:
Open Communication: I will ensure that residents have clear and timely access to information about city decisions, policies, and budget allocations. This includes making council meetings more accessible, either through live streaming or publishing detailed summaries online, so everyone can stay informed.
Public Input: I will prioritize creating more opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and concerns before major decisions are made. Whether through town halls, surveys, or other forums, I want to ensure that the community has a voice in shaping the future of Nisswa.
Accountability: I believe that leaders should be accountable to the people they serve. I will work to establish clear metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of city programs and spending, so that residents can see the impact of government actions and where improvements are needed.
Transparency in Spending: I will advocate for greater clarity on how tax dollars are spent, providing detailed reports on city expenditures and ensuring that our budget is managed responsibly and openly.
By focusing on these principles, I am confident we can build a more transparent and trusted government that truly serves the people of Nisswa.
John Ryan
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
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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