© 2025

For assistance accessing the Online Public File for KAXE or KBXE, please contact: Steve Neu, IT Engineer, at 800-662-5799.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Itasca County Board 2025 Special Election Guide

Daniel E. Chase, Larry Hopkins, Pat Medure, Robert Preble and Dick Sackett are running for Itasca County District 4.

About the Election

Itasca County will have a special election to fill the County Board seat left vacant by Burl Ives, who died in September 2024.

Ives was up for reelection in 2024 for the District 4 seat. He died too close to Election Day for his name to be removed from the ballot.

District 4 is in southwestern Itasca County and includes southwestern Grand Rapids and Harris, Blackberry, Splithand, Wildwood and Spang townships.

The primary will be Feb. 11, and the top two candidates will move on to the special election April 8.

Voting Information

Early voting at the Itasca County Courthouse began in December and continues through Feb. 10. Early voters can cast their ballots in-person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Mail ballots can be mailed back or dropped off at the courthouse until 8 p.m. Feb. 11.

Not sure where to vote on Election Day? Use the Secretary of State Office's Polling Place Finder.

More Resources

ICTV and the Itasca Township Assocation recorded a candidate forum with Larry Hopkins, Pat Medure, Robert Preble and Dick Sackett.

You can watch the forum on ICTV's website.

Know of more forums, guides or other types of information? Email news@kaxe.org.

Candidate responses for KAXE's Election Guide 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. We have made 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.


District 4

Daniel E. Chase

Incumbent: No

Age on Election Day: 62

City/Township of residence: Grand Rapids

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Semi-Retired

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have experience working with both the private and the government sector. I have lots of experience dealing with the rules and regulatory apparatus of Federal, State, County and Municipal governments. I also have worked as a managing engineer in platinum group metals mining in Montana, taconite mining in Minnesota, electrical power generation and substation installations in several locations in the United States and in the Philippines. These positions required a close collaboration with government regulators and boards. I have managed up to 300 union mine employees and have been heavily involved in labor collective bargaining agreement negotiation. I think that I would make a good advocate for people of Itasca County in the effort to fairly administer the business and policies of the County Government.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
I am running for Commissioner of Itasca County District 4. I will be one voice out of 5 that works toward setting administrative and operations policy of Itasca County. As a Commissioner, I will strive to represent interests of the citizen of Itasca County.

Why are you running for office?
The people of Itasca County pay some of the highest taxes and have the lowest median incomes in the state. The path that we are on is not sustainable. Itasca County ranks 15th highest out of 86 counties in total expenditures. We need to make county government a sustainable endeavor both for the citizens that bear the cost and the employees of the county that depend on stable and secure employment. It is important to mention that I have been employed by both the public sector and the private sector and understand the challenges we all face.

Editor's note: Itasca County had the 19th highest levy of the state's 87 counties in 2024, the most recent year for which certified data is available. The county's sales tax rate (7.875%) is roughly 0.5-1% higher than most Northern Minnesota counties, but it is lower than Beltrami (8%) and Cook (8.375%) counties and the same as Carlton County.

Itasca County has the 17th lowest median household income in the state at $63,962. This is comparable to surrounding counties.

Itasca County was ranked 15th of Minnesota's 87 counties in terms of total expenditures in 2022. The county was ranked 12th in 2024.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
1. It is important to get some of the county held properties back onto the tax rolls in an effort to relieve the tax burden of county residents and provide sustainable revenue for the county operating expense.

2. It is important to continually monitor the validity and extent of government mandates. We need to explore the legal avenues to question unfunded mandates and assure that many of these mandates are not just vendor driven.

3. How did the county residents benefit from switching the type of county government from the 'County Board of Commissioners Plan' to the optional 'County Administrator Plan' under Minnesota Statutes? Did relieving the county board of administration duties reduce our costs? This needs to be reviewed by using the State of Minnesota Auditor Comparison Tools of all 87 counties as to the administration cost of government cost per capita. All facets of Itasca County Government should be continually benchmarked against other 86 counties by using the State Auditor Tools. I would encourage anybody to take a look at the most recent State Auditor numbers.

Itasca County has been working toward a short-term rental ordinance for some time now but faced pushback from multiple sides. Do you think an ordinance is needed? What elements of an ordinance do you support or oppose?
I do not believe that controlling rent should be a function of government. The pressures of the market must control rent pricing. I would oppose any rent ordinance. It is counterproductive to the housing supply. Property Owners will withdraw their rental property from the market thereby reducing supply and provide pressure to increase rental prices. As property owners sell their rental property real estate prices will fall and property values will decrease due to oversupply.

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?
The question addresses owners and renters. If you are an owner you are not struggling to afford housing. You already own housing. In order to address rental housing, the question speaks directly to your previous question of applying rental cost controls to drive the cost of housing up. These questions of housing are not appropriate because they are based upon a preconceived hypothesis. There are many other factors involved here. Doesn't subsidized housing increases pressure on other social programs?

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
I know as an engineer that many climate change policies are 'feel good' only and do nothing to control climate change. We have made great progress in producing green energy systems, but the fact remains that the combined energy output of all green energy production is less then energy requirements to manufacture any green energy equipment.
A quotation that applies to climate change, "The problem is not to find the answer, the problem is to face the answer.

I would like to be able to affect "Climate Change" however technology has not proven to be successful. I hope that someday we will get there but we just are not there yet.

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.
First of all every spending program needs to be evaluated for effectiveness and cost. I believe that Itasca County has room to greatly reduce costs of operation.
I think it is imperative that we review the Minnesota State Auditor's site. We can easily benchmark our progress using the Minnesota State Auditors Comparison Chart Tables of all 87 counties in the State of Minnesota. It is available to all voters and it's certainly available to all elected officials. The Minnesota State Auditors Comparison Chart provides many additional resources that will help us benchmark every county expense category. The data provided on the State Auditor's website can be used to help public officials make a more informed decision and move forward in running a more efficient County government. I have studied this for a number of years, and it is a valuable tool to benchmark your progress as a County. I urge everybody reading this to take a minute and go to the Minnesota State Auditor's website and take a look for yourself at the Comparison tables. This information is extremely valuable to all.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
Throughout my life, I have gathered quotations that guide how I function in life.
1. "If it has to be done in the shadows there is a good chance that it should not be done".
2. I once asked, "Can a governmental body like the county go broke?" I was told, "not as long as you have a nickel's worth of equity in your property".
3. I have always admired the quote, "I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned".
4. A true warrior fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.

Larry Hopkins

Larry Hopkins is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.
Contributed
/
Larry Hopkins
Larry Hopkins is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.

Incumbent: No

Age on Election Day: 61

City/Township of residence: Harris township

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?

Hopkins Electric, Owner

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.

I have been a successful business owner for 34 years. Hopkins electric, and 3 restaurants. I was on my church board. On the executive board we were in charge of the building and the finances, as well as being on the elder board.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

To make decisions regaurding,land use, public safety, Human services, Infrastructure, taxes and budgets to name a few. They are also responsible for making polices and proceedings for county departments and administration. This and much more is done while trying to do what is best for the residents of Itasca county.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for Itasca County Commissioner because I believe our community deserves strong leadership that prioritizes accountability, fiscal responsibility, and common sense. I’ve lived, worked, and raised my family in Itasca County, and I’m deeply invested in its success. Over the years, I’ve seen our challenges grow—rising taxes, inefficient spending, and a lack of transparency in decision-making. It’s time for leadership that listens to the people, acts with integrity, and ensures that our government works for all residents. I’m committed to protecting what makes Itasca County special while building a better future for the generations to come.
My goal is to bring common-sense leadership to the county, ensuring that our resources are managed wisely and that we focus on the issues that truly matter—affordable housing, infrastructure, economic development, and creating opportunities for our families and businesses. I’m running to be a voice for the people of Itasca County and to work toward a future where everyone can thrive.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

Fiscal Responsibility: My top priority is ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely. I’ll work to identify inefficiencies in the county budget, eliminate unnecessary spending, and focus resources on areas that truly benefit our residents, like public safety and infrastructure.

Land Management: I want to revisit how the county manages its 300,000+ acres of tax-forfeited land. By evaluating opportunities to put more of this land back on the tax rolls, we can create revenue, reduce the tax burden, and encourage small business growth while protecting vital timberland and recreational areas.

Transparency and Accountability: It’s time for open, honest leadership. I’ll push for more transparency in county decisions and make sure residents have a voice in the process. My focus will always be on what’s best for the people of Itasca County, not bureaucracy.

Balanced Growth: I’ll support policies that encourage thoughtful growth, such as improving local infrastructure, fostering small business opportunities, and maintaining our natural resources for future generations. I also want to be sure that we are an community that other, larger businesses want to move to and put down roots

Itasca County has been working toward a short-term rental ordinance for some time now but faced pushback from multiple sides. Do you think an ordinance is needed? What elements of an ordinance do you support or oppose?

Yes, I believe an ordinance for short-term rentals is necessary to strike a balance between preserving our community’s character and supporting economic opportunities. Short-term rentals bring valuable tourism dollars to our area, but they can also create challenges like noise, parking issues, and impacts on housing availability.
What I Support:

  • Clear Guidelines: Establishing clear, consistent rules for short-term rental owners to ensure property upkeep, safety, and respect for neighbors.
  • Reasonable Registration: A simple, affordable registration process that allows the county to track short-term rentals without creating an unnecessary burden on property owners.
  • Community Input: Including feedback from residents and stakeholders to ensure the ordinance reflects the unique needs of our county.
  • Differentiation between small and large operators: We all know there is a difference between someone who has one or two short term rentals and someone who owns and operates many. There is clearly a difference between someone who rents their home while going south for the winter and someone from out of the area who buys multiple houses just to short term rent them.

What I Oppose:

  • Overregulation: I would oppose measures that impose excessive fees or unnecessary restrictions on responsible rental owners.
  • Unfair Policies: Regulations that disproportionately impact small property owners while allowing larger corporations to bypass oversight.
  • Overregulation of other housing: Just because things like resorts and hotels are highly regulated doesn’t mean that we should overregulate short term rentals. If anything we might want to examine how we can revitalize our resort industry to bring tourism dollars to our community.

The goal should be to create an ordinance that protects neighborhood integrity while fostering responsible short-term rental growth to benefit our local economy. It’s about finding the right balance that works for everyone.

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?

Affordable housing is an issue in our region, affecting both renters and homeowners. If elected, I would focus on practical solutions to increase housing options while keeping costs down.
When we waste money on bloated budgets, we limit what the county can do to fix the housing crisis. It’s like trying to rebuild a house while the fire is still burning—we need to fix our spending before we can invest in real solutions. Fiscal responsibility is the first step to freeing up resources for housing.
Incentivizing Development
To encourage more housing, we need to make it easier for developers to build here:

  • Streamline permits and reduce red tape.
  • Offer incentives for building the workforce and retirement housing we need.
  • Use unused county-owned land for housing projects in high-demand areas.

Support Existing Housing
We should also help maintain the housing we already have by supporting programs that help homeowners and landlords repair and update their properties. This doesn’t have to mean handing out money. The homeowners and landlords should be pulling the wagon but the county doesn’t need to drag their feet.
Invest in Infrastructure
Good roads, utilities, and public services make it easier to build housing and attract development. Strategic investment in these areas benefits everyone.

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?

I do think this is an issue that that we need to keep in mind, as a county. Our actions at the local level have limited impact on global climate change, but we should do what we can so long as it is reasonable and not fiscally prohibitive for businesses /manufacturing. We risk neglecting the most pressing issues our community faces.

Our county’s resources are best focused on immediate and pressing local issues, such as affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development. While global climate change is an important topic, the impact of small-scale local actions is limited. We must prioritize our efforts on policies that directly affect the well-being of Itasca County residents today and in the near future. Ensuring fiscal responsibility, supporting growth, and maintaining critical services will build a strong foundation for our community to handle challenges as they arise.

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 taxes are a burden for Northern Minnesotans, and I believe we must focus on fiscal responsibility to ease that load. Before raising taxes, we need to ensure every dollar is spent wisely by cutting waste and prioritizing essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and housing.
I will push for transparency, so taxpayers know where their money goes and work to reduce the tax burden by finding cost savings and responsibly managing county resources. Tax dollars should directly benefit the community, and I’ll ensure they’re used efficiently to support the needs of Itasca County.
High taxes are a major concern, and we must ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely while building a stronger tax base to ease the burden on individuals.

  • Encourage Development: Incentivize the construction of both residential and commercial properties, particularly workforce and retirement housing and spaces for new businesses. Thoughtful development brings more residents and businesses to the area, which directly increases the tax base and reduces the financial strain on current taxpayers.
  • Promote Economic Growth: Leverage Itasca County’s natural resources, skilled workforce, and regional assets to attract new industries and opportunities. Economic development not only provides jobs but also ensures a sustainable source of revenue for the county.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?

Restoring trust in government starts with clear communication and accountability. Here’s how I plan to improve transparency and trust in Itasca County:

  • Open Meetings and Accessible Information: Ensure all county meetings are easily accessible to the public, both in-person and online. Transparency begins with making information available to everyone.
  • Regular Updates to Constituents: Commit to regular updates through newsletters, town halls, and social media to keep residents informed on county decisions, budgets, and initiatives. This creates a direct line of communication with the community.
  • Accountability for Decisions: Hold county leaders accountable by setting clear benchmarks for projects and providing regular progress reports. When goals aren’t met, it’s important to address why and learn from it.
  • Ethical Leadership: Lead by example with honesty and integrity in all decisions. Trust is earned by doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

Pat Medure

Pat Medure is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.
Contributed
/
Pat Medure
Pat Medure is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.

Incumbent: No

Age on Election Day: 68

City/Township of residence: Harris Township

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?

Retired as the Itasca County Sheriff, and small business owner, DP Stump Grinding LLC.

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.

I have been a resident of Itasca County for 46 years. I have resided in Harris Township for the past twenty plus years. I spent thirty four years as a law enforcement officer in the county and retired after sixteen year career as Itasca County Sheriff. I served for 12 years as a member of the ISD 318 School Board. As Itasca County Sheriff, I was responsible for fourteen different budgets totaling. $6.5 million, managed a staff of 68 employees and was responsible for a 107 bed correctional facility and the county's emergency management system. I believe this financial and leadership experience with Itasca County has been and will be beneficial as a county commissioner.

As a school board member, I along with the other board members have been responsible for a budget of $61million, and the work of over 500 employees. We set policy for the district and provide direction for the superintendent.

I have served and still serve as a member on many local, regional asd state organizations, including the Range Association of Municipalities & Schools, which provides problem-solving leadership for cities, townships, and school districts in Northern Minnesota across the Taconite Relief Area. I currently serve as chair. I'm also a member of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. I have served as a trustee on both the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation and the Itasca Community College Foundation boards.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

The county board (commissioner) has many roles and responsibilities including but not limited to policymaking. Commissioners are key policymakers for the county, they set goals and priorities for the county's future. The board is responsible for setting the annual budget for the county and determining the tax levy. I see the county board working in collaboration with other elected people from local town boards, city councils and state and federal representatives for the good of the county.

Why are you running for office?

I'm running for the County Board because Itasca County needs practical, common-sense leadership that understands the unique challenges we face. From expanding our commercial/industrial tax base and balancing the county budget to ensuring our essential services are accessible without putting a strain or taxpayers, my focus is on responsible decision-making that supports the needs of our community.

I have spent years listening to the concerns of our residents, and I'm ready to bring that understanding and my strong work ethic to the County Board. With transparency, integrity, and a focus on what matters most to the people of Itasca County, I'm committed to making sure our county continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

If elected to the county board, I come with no specific agenda/priorities. I will look at all issues with an open mind and listen to the concerns of the people. My focus is on responsible decision making that supports the needs of our community/county. Since I made my announcement to run for county commissioner, the concerns that people are sharing with me are taxes, property valuations and spending. People are also concerned about Minnesota Power closing in Cohasset and what that will do tour tax base in the county. Concern is property owners taxes will in increase.

We need to come together (cities/county) and work together to increase our commercial/industrial tax base. Economic development is going to be key going forward. And tied to that is affordable housing. You can't have one and not the other.

Itasca County has been working toward a short-term rental ordinance for some time now but faced pushback from multiple sides. Do you think an ordinance is needed? What elements of an ordinance do you support or oppose?

I have reviewed the draft ordinance as proposed by the county. I do support the draft as presented today. Some things come to mind when reading the draft ordinance, for instance, the ordinance addresses issues like the health, safety, welfare and quality of life to surrounding properties, as well as water and environmental quality. All of these issues could/would have an affect on us directly or indirectly as residence of the county. The ordinance spells out the how and the why the issues need to be addressed.

The safety, the health of people, should be important to all of us. Water quality is another issue addressed through water testing and septic system inspections.

We have a very pristine area in Itasca County and our quality of life is special. I believe this draft ordinance will help to maintain this.

There is one part that is not addressed in the ordinance and that is the taxation of the short term rental properties. Short term rental property location are not known to the county as of today. So these properties are taxed as a homestead property or non homestead property. They compete against hotel/motel properties and resort properties. My understanding, commercial properties are taxed at 2 times the amount of residential properties and resorts are taxed 1 1/2 times the amount of residential properties. This is a fairness issue for all involved. The question is should short term have less of a tax than hotel/motels and resorts? I believe not.

Editor's note: While classification varies based on a property's value, resorts are taxed at a comparable rate to residential properties and commercial property is taxed at twice that amount.

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?

The housing study that was completed and released in September of 2024 spooks for itself. There is a shortage in Itasca County. First I want to give the county and city some credit, they merged the county housing authority and city hosing authority into one organization. This makes perfect sense to me. We can't tackle this alone.

This consolidation gives us a larger and louder voice to talk about the housing issue as one voice.

The county, if it makes sense, needs to be a partner, with our cities within the county that are working on potential housing projects. Whether that be providing tax abatements or tax increment financing, and providing land if possible, etc. We need to have a seat at the table.

The more housing stock we can provide, will help drive the costs down, (competition). The study speaks to affordability, the shortage of housing drives the prices up, whether you're trying to purchase a home or looking to rent.

The county needs to lobby our state/federal leaders for more funding. City of Grand Rapids was successful in applying and receiving a grant for the development of a new housing project in southwest Grand Rapids. This was funding that was appropriated by (I believe) the legislature.

The study outlines some recommendations that need to be looked at to help elevate the housing issue. Enhance rehab programs to homeowners, landlords, and realtors, enhance the counties existing housing trust fund and leverage statewide tools, identify and quantify potential developable land, update zoning codes to allow a wider range of housing options and remove development barriers, and focus housing development efforts on sites that have access to municipal utilities. And the last part is to have the information collected, stored and accessible in one spot for review.

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?

Climate change is real and a big animal. As we all know it's not just a local issue. This is a global issue that we all need to be doing are part to mitigate.

I look at climate change, first from an individual and ask myself what can I do to make a difference. Somethings that my wife and I have done at home, reducing energy use (LED bulbs, energy efficient appliances, and cold water clothes washing, etc), conserving on water, (changed out water fixtures to more efficient fixtures, etc) and we bought e-bikes to use locally for transportation instead of driving a vehicle.

While on the 318 school board, this past year, we moved an initiative forward to install solar panels at the Bigfork School that will reduce our energy costs at the school. The district was successful in obtaining a grant to cover the costs of the program. There will be a course developed about renewable energy that will be taught to students at the school.

As a county, we can advocate and support federal/state policy that supports renewable energy options for individuals and businesses. Continued tax breaks for individuals and businesses that support builds renewable energy into their projects. Also support federal/and state policy that reduce our carbon emissions.

I don't know of specific policy/policies that would be effective for us at the county level because my knowledge about climate change is limited.

I would reach out to other government agencies (counties/cities) to see what policies they have about climate change and are they effective.

The county board could have a community discussion about climate change, take input and develop a position/policy going forward.

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.

Taxes are one of the main issues that has been shared with me while talking with people. Along with property valuations and county spending.

I support holding the line on taxes, but holding can be very challenging. Some of the challenges, contract settlements, inflation, and increases in property valuations.

The county board is responsible for setting an annual balanced budget for the county as a whole and each individual department with in the county. And there are some statutory requirements the county has to levy for, for example, ARDC and Arrowhead Library System.

If there is any increase in the budget from the previous year, this could increase the levy or the board could use money out of the county reserves to balance the budget.

In regards to the spending, I would challenge the department heads to look at how they are spending their budgeted dollars. Can we do things differently or do we continue do as we have done in the past, because this is the way we have always done it. Some things for consideration and to think about, cooperative purchasing with other government agencies, can we come up with better ways to provide the service. Etc.

When I was sheriff, we looked at how we made our purchases of supplies, service contracts, etc. We would shop around with the understanding that we wanted to purchase local if at all possible to keep the money local.

One other thought for consideration would be to go to a zero base budgeting for each department in the county. Each line item within their budget would need to be justified in their budget proposal to the county board.

One final comment, there are fourteen different reasons why taxes can go up or down. The county is one of the reasons.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?

Transparency and trust is a two way street from my set of lenses. We need our constituents to participate in our government process. I hear and have heard many times from the public "How come you didn't tell us". All levels of government are open to the public (with a few exceptions) for participation, but we lack public participation most of the time. Communication has to be both ways to build trust and have transparency. Communication is key!

I have been one over my career to go to the people and have discussions about issues that concern them. If they don't come to you, you have to go to them and seek input. A few years ago, the county board started Coffee and Conversation with the public. They went to all five commissioner districts. Brilliant idea. I would like to see the resurrected again. A great way to get input and have transparency and build trust. At times people feel intimidated by coming to county board meetings and I think going to them on their turf breaks that barrier.

If elected, I will make my phone number and email available as well as some time set aside at the court house for the public to communicate with me.

My cell is 218-244-1122 and email pmedure9016@gmail.com

Robert Preble

Robert Preble is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.
Contributed
/
Robert Preble
Robert Preble is running for Itasca County Board in the 2025 special election.

Incumbent: No

Age on Election Day: 42

City/Township of residence: Harris township

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?

Raveill trucking OTR truck driver

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.

With a background as an OTR truck driver, I understand the potential of rural communities like ours to grow and prosper. I’ve seen firsthand how targeted investments and responsible leadership transform regions into thriving economic hubs. I’m ready to bring that vision to Itasca Count

For far too long, Itasca County has burdened its residents with skyrocketing taxes, reckless spending, and costly projects that we simply cannot afford. Our families and businesses are being priced out, and transparency in government has taken a back seat. We cannot endure another decade of tax-and-spend leadership. It’s time to elect leaders who will stand up for the hardworking people of Itasca County not for bureaucracies or special interests.

I’m running for District 4 Commissioner because I share your concerns. I live this reality every day, just like you. I’m committed to fighting for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a county government that works for us.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

As your Itasca County District 4 Commissioner, I am committed to putting fiscal responsibility at the forefront of our county’s decision-making. I believe every dollar spent should benefit our community, ensuring that we provide essential services, invest in the future, and protect the interests of taxpayers.

Here are some key points that I have

1. Fiscal Responsibility
Prioritizing efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars. Cutting unnecessary expenses while funding critical needs like public safety, infrastructure, and promoting transparency and accountability in every financial decision.

2. Economic Growth
Attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs to create jobs and strengthen our economy. Investing in sustainable development that balances growth

3. Community-Centered Leadership
Listening to the voices of District 4 residents to ensure your priorities guide my decisions. Advocating for programs and policies that improve quality of life for all.

4. Smart Investments for the Future
Maintaining and improving ideas to support economic development. Planning for future challenges by building financial reserves and pursuing state and federal funding opportunities.

Why vote for Robert Preble? You ask here's why

As your commissioner, I will bring strong leadership, sound financial management, and a commitment to transparency. I will work tirelessly to make District 4 a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and communities grow stronger.

Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Itasca County. Vote Robert Preble for District 4 Commissioner – Leadership You Can Trust, Results You Deserve.

Why are you running for office?

For far too long, Itasca County has burdened its residents with skyrocketing taxes, reckless spending, and costly projects that we simply cannot afford. Our families and businesses are being priced out, and transparency in government has taken a back seat. We cannot endure another decade of tax-and-spend leadership. It’s time to elect leaders who will stand up for the hardworking people of Itasca County not for bureaucracies or special interests.

I’m running for District 4 Commissioner because I share your concerns. I live this reality every day, just like you. I’m committed to fighting for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a county government that works for us.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

My 5 Key Objectives as Your District 4 Commissioner:

1. Ensure Fiscal Responsibility – Implement effective budget management to protect taxpayer dollars.

2. Foster Economic Development – Promote growth through strategic investments and partnerships.

3. Promote Government Transparency – Advocate for open communication and accountability.

4. Eliminate Wasteful Expenditures – Identify and remove inefficiencies in county spending.

5. Support Youth Retention in Itasca County – Create opportunities for young residents to build their futures locally.

Itasca County has been working toward a short-term rental ordinance for some time now but faced pushback from multiple sides. Do you think an ordinance is needed? What elements of an ordinance do you support or oppose?

In Itasca County, we value freedom—freedom to make the most of your property and contribute to our local economy. While some argue for more government oversight, I believe in solutions that respect property owners' rights and foster community collaboration without heavy-handed regulations.

Our neighbors should feel secure in their homes, and visitors should feel welcome in ours. That's why I stand for smart, fair policies that:

Respect property owners’ rights to responsibly manage short-term rentals. Promote voluntary standards for safety and neighborhood harmony. Avoid excessive fees or bureaucracy that harm our local people.

Let’s work together to keep Itasca County a place of opportunity and shared success. Government overreach isn’t the answer—community-driven solutions are.

Vote for a balanced approach. Vote for Robert Preble

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?

Every family deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Across our region, rising costs have made it harder for renters and homeowners alike to make ends meet. If elected, I will champion policies that increase the supply of affordable housing, protect renters, and empower first-time homebuyers. By fostering economic growth, streamlining development, and creating opportunities for all, we can ensure that our neighborhoods remain vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?

I believe in taking action to ensure our community thrives—today, next year, and for generations to come. While we may not all agree on the causes of certain challenges, we can all agree on the need to protect our homes, strengthen our economy, and safeguard our future.

As your representative, I will aim to Invest in resilient infrastructure to protect against severe weather and keep our roads and bridges safe. Support energy efficiency programs that lower utility costs for families and businesses. Enhance disaster preparedness plans to keep our community safe and ready for emergencies. Strengthen resource management to ensure clean air, water, and land for future generations.

These are common-sense solutions that work for everyone, rooted in practical action, not political agendas. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.

Vote Robert Preble Leadership with Vision, Action, and Results.

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 have a question for the people of our community when MP&L shuts down and if Blandins were to close, would this area survive, or would we face financial collapse due to the failures of our current leadership? Our economy is too fragile to rely on outdated strategies that prioritize spending without accountability.

It’s time to take a different approach one focused on fiscal responsibility and long-term economic growth. Over-taxation and the underutilization of taxpayers’ money are holding us back. As I drive through the city of Grand Rapids, I see the consequences of overspending and neglect. Our community is beginning to mirror other Northern Minnesota cities that have struggled under poor financial management. This trend must STOP.

If elected as District 4 Commissioner, my priorities will include:

1. Cutting Wasteful Spending – I will push for a comprehensive review of the county’s budget to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring we focus resources on critical infrastructure, public safety, and essential services.

2. Attracting New Industries – We must diversify our local economy by incentivizing industries to invest in our area, providing stable jobs and reducing reliance on a few large employers.

3. Supporting Small Businesses – Strengthening local businesses through, community partnerships is key to building a resilient economy.

4. Balanced Taxation – While taxes fund important services, overburdening residents and businesses is not the answer. I will advocate for using our tax dollars strategically to foster growth and reduce long-term dependency on tax increases.

This is not just a campaign about stopping government duties its about creating a sustainable, thriving future for District 4 and beyond. With efficient leadership, we can address challenges without placing undue burdens on our community.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?

I’m committed to building a government that listens to you, keeps you informed, and spends your money wisely. Together, we can create a future where your voice shapes our community’s success.

Open Door and Open Phone Policy I will be accessible to all residents, encouraging open communication and providing a direct line for feedback and concerns. I will Publish easy-to-understand, detailed reports on government spending, making it clear how taxpayer dollars are being used.

I think we should have a better Citizen Advisory Committees and i would like to Establish advisory boards made up of community members to provide oversight, input, and guidance on key policies and initiatives.

Dick Sackett

Incumbent: No

Age on Election Day: 50

City/Township of residence: Grand Rapids

Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?

Minnesota Power, Lead Plant Electrician

Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.

I was an elected official in my Union. Full time representative that serviced 20 labor agreements. I handled Contract administration for each of those agreements sometimes mediation and arbitration. The job also included representing members in many capacities including in St Paul, a couple of times Washington DC,. I am currently on an Energy Transition Advisory Committee with MN DEED. We are helping to determine how to lessen impacts to Coal Communitiies when power plants are idled. The areas we are focusing on are as follows: Workforce, Tax base, Community engagement, Re-use and economic diversification. We submitted a plan to the legislature which can be viewed on the DEED website under ETAC plan. All of these experiences have taught me that things can get done with people working together for a common goal. Through building relationships we can open the lines of communication and tackle complex issues.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

I am hoping to be elected to manage the administration and the operations of the county. I will work hard with the people and the employees of the county.

Why are you running for office?

I like to help people. I believe that we all have an obligation as community members to look out for each other. My family has been active in the community for many years in different capacities, I would like to continue that service.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

I truly do not have a specific agenda. I do feel like I could help to create a more positive environment for the employees in our counties governemnt all while keeping the budget in check.

Itasca County has been working toward a short-term rental ordinance for some time now but faced pushback from multiple sides. Do you think an ordinance is needed? What elements of an ordinance do you support or oppose?

I am not familiar with this issue. I would need to educate myself on all sides of this issue to be able to stand opposed or in favor.

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?

I would need to understand that impacts and the breadth of this issue. I suppose I could research and reach out to others that are experts in these areas to see if there are short term and long term solutions available to people of the county.

What effective policies will you support that will prepare your county now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?

I would research what others are doing to prepare for this issue. Consult experts and the other board members to come up with ideas and potential solutions that may fit our needs as they relate to Itasca county and its communities.

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.

Taxes are high for the people of Itasca county. There is no doubt that people are feeling that way. I for my part need to understand how they can be addressed in the county. I know that some of the contributing factors are, that we have spent money on infrastructure at the county level and in the school district. Apart from that I believe in making sure that we are spending our money in the most efficient manner. I am certain there are many costs in the county. We need to attract and retain our talented employees blending with that staying true to budget is something I would strive for. I believe in fair wages and benefits for employees and also ensuring that we can all afford to live and do business here at home. Striking that balance is to me the way I will approach this seat.

How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?

Communication is critical to trust and transparency in any institution. I would do the best I can to be honest and up front with the people of Itasca county. I would be available to answer questions and try to show how processes work to those who don't understand them. I feel like education of process can help to bring light to complex issues and how those issues are addressed. I belive that is how things become more transparent. Once things are more out in the open, people will start to build trust.


Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found on Itasca County's website.