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
Pamela Nordstrom
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Barb Packer
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Gaylene Spolarich
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 64
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Department of Children, Youth, and Families-Project Manager
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
8 years on the city council and 11 years as the city clerk
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The role of mayor is a political office filled through a municipal election. Voters choose who will make important decisions that affect those who live in the town or city. A mayor typically works with municipal officials and other leaders to oversee the day-to-day operations of the local government.
Why are you running for office?
Constituents deserve transparency and for their voices to be heard.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Building back an ethical and lawful local government structure is my top priority. Our local government has been severely fractured by the current council and mayor. We are ready for positive change and accountability, and that is what I will bring as the next Mayor.
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?
Develop a long term strategic plan that currently doesn't exist.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Develop a long term strategic plan that currently doesn't exist.
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.
The current tax structure is based on basic operations of the City, imposing an increase would be a burden to the taxpayers. A long tern strategic plan would need to be developed to have a vision of what economic development would look like in this community.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Constituents deserve transparency and for their voices to be heard. I understand the law with respect to public meetings and will strive to improve communication between residents and city government.
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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Chastity Brown returns to Northern Minnesota for Get Downtown with KBXE on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
