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.
City Council (Elect Two)
Troy DeWall
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Derek Pederson
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Don Raihala
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Marshal Walters
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 33
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Usps, a mail carrier
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have worked as a union steward before. This taught me a lot about bureaucracy.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
I believe that a city council's role is to serve the will of the people of that city/area. I believe that city councilors are to remember that they are being entrusted with the People's money and trust. All government is only to help people with "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Whenever a city council does anything, they should always have these in mind.
Why are you running for office?
I want to keep the residents of Proctor safe. I believe this sometimes means from the government.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
We need to invest/incentivize new businesses.
I believe trying to get more restaurants or even try to bring back a grocery store.
I would also love to improve the sidewalks and a few more of the roads in town. These, all people use.
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?
Lessen taxes. This would help in many ways.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
This is not a city council matter.
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 need to lessen taxes, but this can be achieved though bringing business to the area.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
To be honest up front. To always be willing to listen to people if they have an issue.
Travis White
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I'm a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service.
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have previously served as a City Councilor, and I bring over 26 years of experience as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. This role has allowed me to connect with residents daily, discussing their concerns and aspirations. Through these interactions, I’ve honed my communication skills, learning to express my ideas clearly while also listening with empathy and understanding.
My diverse experiences as a husband, father, youth coach, union member, and former union steward have instilled in me the values of effective leadership, collaboration, teamwork, and compromise. These roles have taught me the significance of working together to achieve common goals, which is essential for effectively representing our community on the City Council.
Running for city council is a decision rooted in my commitment to our community. As a mail carrier, I continue to learn about the needs of our residents, and my previous time on the council equipped me to navigate challenges with confidence. My experiences in family life and coaching youth sports have deepened my appreciation for community support, reinforcing my belief in kindness, active listening, and teamwork.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
I believe the role of this office is fundamentally about serving our community and upholding the principles that Thomas Jefferson articulated in the Declaration of Independence—namely, securing the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness for all citizens.
City council members are tasked with a range of responsibilities that include representing the interests of their constituents, making decisions on local policies, and overseeing the functioning of city services. This means actively listening to the voices of the community, advocating for their needs, and ensuring that local government operates within the framework of the U.S. Constitution, which we solemnly swear to uphold.
I see the city council as a vital bridge between the government and the people, championing individual liberties while ensuring that the city runs efficiently and equitably. It is essential that we protect property rights, oversee local regulations, and foster an environment where civic engagement thrives. My role would also involve collaborating with residents, businesses, and local organizations to create a vibrant and sustainable community.
Moreover, I recognize the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility and promoting effective governance. As a city council member, I would prioritize the well-being of our citizens, ensuring resources are allocated wisely and that every voice in our community is heard and valued.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for city council because I believe in the power of community and the importance of thoughtful leadership. My vision is to enhance our city by promoting individual liberty, reducing government interference, and ensuring that every resident has a voice in local governance.
With years of experience delivering mail and engaging with residents, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our community faces. As a husband and father of four, I want to create a thriving environment for families, where opportunities are accessible to all and government is efficient and transparent. I believe it’s time to cut bureaucracy and wasteful spending, allowing us to focus our tax dollars on essential services that truly benefit our citizens.
I’m motivated to restore individual freedom and decentralize power, putting it back in the hands of the people. I stand for conservative values that empower citizens and promote personal responsibility, while also advocating for environmental protection and economic growth.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
If elected, my top priorities will focus on three key areas: fiscal responsibility, supporting local businesses, and protecting personal freedoms.
I am committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility. I plan to cut wasteful spending, audit city resources, and manage taxpayer money wisely. This approach will enable us to advocate for a balanced budget and reduce the tax burden on our residents, fostering a more financially sustainable community.
Supporting local businesses is another cornerstone of my agenda. By reducing unnecessary regulations and streamlining city processes, I aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and economic growth. This will not only stimulate job creation but also enhance the unique character of our city. I will work closely with local businesses to identify their needs and ensure they have the resources to thrive.
I will prioritize protecting personal freedoms and individual rights. I believe in minimizing government intervention in our lives and preserving private property rights. By limiting unnecessary restrictions, we can foster a community where individuals feel empowered to pursue their goals without undue government oversight.
In addition to these priorities, I will focus on enhancing public services and infrastructure. Investing in our community will be essential for ensuring that all residents have access to clean water, safe recreational spaces, and opportunities for civic engagement.
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?
Addressing the housing affordability and availability crisis requires a balanced and proactive approach. If elected to the city council, I would advocate for free-market solutions that empower the private sector to play a pivotal role in creating more housing options.
I would push for reducing zoning restrictions and streamlining the permitting process for new developments. These regulatory changes would significantly lower construction costs and increase the speed at which new housing can be built, ultimately leading to more affordable options for both renters and homeowners.
While I focus on reducing government intervention, I also recognize the importance of tenant protections. It’s vital that we protect renters’ rights and hold landlords accountable for unfair practices. We need to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe and stable place to live, which is not just a housing issue but a moral imperative for community stability.
Engaging with community members to understand their housing needs will be essential in crafting effective policies. I am committed to listening to residents and ensuring that our solutions reflect the realities they face.
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 believe in promoting energy independence while reducing unnecessary government intervention in energy markets. Supporting policies that encourage renewable energy and energy efficiency will not only help our environment but also create local jobs and foster innovation. I envision a future where our city invests in green infrastructure, like rain gardens and permeable pavement, to mitigate flooding and enhance resilience against extreme weather.
I also recognize the importance of protecting our natural resources and preserving the city's beauty for future generations. Supporting local initiatives, such as community gardens and green spaces, will not only beautify our neighborhoods but also promote biodiversity and improve air quality. These voluntary, community-led projects can strengthen our collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship without imposing heavy taxes or mandates.
Furthermore, I would advocate for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes energy-efficient buildings and green business practices. By enhancing energy efficiency in public facilities and promoting conservation efforts, we can reduce our carbon footprint while fostering a vibrant economy.
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 firmly believe that high taxation can stifle economic growth and burden our community. Therefore, my approach to taxation is centered on three key principles: fairness, efficiency, and transparency.
First, I advocate for a tax structure that is fair and minimizes the burden on individuals and businesses. Taxation should reflect our shared responsibility to support essential public services without placing undue strain on our residents.
Second, I believe in the importance of using tax dollars efficiently. This means prioritizing essential services and eliminating wasteful spending. I will work towards regular audits of government expenditures to ensure that every dollar is being put to good use. By focusing on proven programs that enhance our community, we can maximize the value of taxpayer contributions.
Finally, transparency in budgeting is vital for fostering public trust. I will advocate for clear reporting on how tax dollars are allocated, enabling residents to see the impact of their contributions firsthand.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
I will lead with honesty and integrity, upholding the constitutional principles that ensure fair governance. My plan includes advocating for open access to city records, which will allow residents to easily obtain the information they need. I will promote open meetings where community members can participate and express their concerns, fostering a sense of inclusion.
Fiscal responsibility is also a priority for me. I will push for clear financial reporting and regular audits of city spending, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively. Additionally, I believe that reducing bureaucracy will make government more accessible, empowering citizens with the information they need.
Community engagement is essential, and I will actively seek input from constituents, encouraging their participation in decision-making processes. Regular updates and open dialogues will ensure that every voice is heard and respected.
To further strengthen trust, I support implementing term limits for council members, reinforcing the idea that public officials are accountable to the people they serve. By promoting transparency and responsibility, we can rebuild trust and hold our officials accountable.
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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