VOTERS GUIDE 2012

Each of the candidates in races were limited to 500 words in their total responses to the following:

1. Briefly summarize your personal background and experiences.

2. Why are you running for office?

3. What are your priorities?

4. Why are you the best candidate for this office?

5. Is there something else you want to tell constituents about 

yourself or your views?

U.S. Senator

Kurt Bills

1. I am married, have 4 children, and have been a high school economics teacher for the past decade and a half. Four years ago I ran for city council and won. We balanced the budget, reduced taxes, and paid down debt. I was elected to the Minnesota House two years ago, while continuing to teach at my high school. We balanced the budget, created a surplus from a deficit, and reformed government. I want to bring that common sense to Washington.

2. It’s pretty simple, really. I am a high school economics teacher. For the past decade and a half I have been teaching my students at Rosemount High School the basics of how an economy works. A few years ago, I started noticing how anxious my students were as they watched our national debt climb and the American economy stall. One day, a student asked me “what can we do about this?”

That is the day I decided I had to run for office. I got elected to the Rosemount City Council, then the Minnesota House of Representatives. And today I am running for U.S. Senate.

I still teach my first hour economics class. It reminds me why I am involved. Every day I leave the classroom knowing exactly who I am running for. My kids and my students.

3. America’s economy is stalled. Household income is down. Net worth is down. Housing prices are down. Unemployment is up. Gas prices are up. Food prices are up. Long-term unemployment is at the greatest level since the Great Depression. For the first time in our history America is no longer AAA-rated.

There is a reason for all this: government spending is at its highest level ever. And the national debt has doubled since Amy Klobuchar was elected. The US Senate has not passed a budget in over 3 years.

We need to get the economy moving again, and there is a simple way to do that: quit messing it up. Government needs to have a budget and stick to it. We need to quit spending money we don’t have, and begin paying down the debt. We need to eliminate crony capitalism by stopping the bailouts and subsidies for politically connected businesses. And we need to pass tax reforms to make it easier to start and run a business.

President Obama said “the private economy is doing just fine.”

No, it isn’t.

4. Since Klobuchar got elected, gas prices have doubled. Unemployment has doubled. The national debt has doubled. Household net worth is down 40 percent. The Senate has not passed a budget in over three years. Amy Klobuchar voted for the policies which made that happen. I wouldn’t have.

5. Every morning I wake up and go to work, teaching my students basic economics. In return, they remind me how important it is that we get this economy growing again. That is why I am running.

Amy Klobuchar

1. My grandfather worked 1,500 feet underground in the iron ore mines of Northern Minnesota. My dad, Jim, was a newspaperman, and my mother, Rose, was an elementary school teacher who was still teaching a classroom of thirty second-graders at age seventy. I learned the value of hard work from my parents and grandparents. As the former chief prosecutor in Hennepin County, I bring the values that I learned growing up in Minnesota to my work every day. Whether it’s standing up for middle-class families, fighting for tourism and highway funding in Northern Minnesota, working to get members of the Minnesota National Guard the benefits they were promised, or cutting through red tape to help our businesses grow and thrive, I will continue to put Minnesota first and fight for the people of our state.

2. As Minnesota’s U.S. Senator, my work has been defined by a simple value — putting Minnesota first. I am committed to continuing that work, focusing on revitalizing our economy by working with our businesses to increase private sector jobs, standing up for middle-class families, ensuring our students have the education and skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy, developing homegrown energy, and reducing our debt in a balanced way.  Now more than ever we need elected officials who can set aside partisan divisions and find common ground on solutions to move our state and our nation forward.

3. We need an economy that is built to last and that creates economic opportunity for all Americans. I have been working to advance a Competitive Agenda for America that promotes long-term economic growth and private sector jobs, including revitalizing America’s innovative edge, educating the next generation of American innovators, opening up new markets abroad for U.S. producers, cutting through regulatory red tape, developing homegrown energy, and reducing our nation’s debt in a balanced way. I will continue to work with Minnesota businesses and workers to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.

4. While many in Washington focus on scoring political points, I’ve always focused on getting things done for the people of Minnesota. I’ve worked across the aisle to help our businesses add jobs, strengthen our economy in greater Minnesota, increase exports, support our veterans, and reduce our debt in a balanced way. I've worked with our forestry industry to even the playing field against foreign competitors.

5. I believe that courage in the coming years is not going to be defined by standing alone and giving speeches. Courage is going to be defined by whether you’re willing to stand next to someone you don’t always agree with for the betterment of our country and our state. I have a consistent track record of reaching across the aisle to get things done on issues from international adoption to improving veterans benefits and reducing veterans homelessness, to working to help our tourism and forestry industries. That’s how we’re going to move this country forward.

U.S. Representative

Chip Cravaack

1. As a first-term Congressman from North Branch, I have proudly served the citizens of the 8th District since 2011. As a former Navy captain and third generation military serviceman, I learned the importance and developed a true understanding of duty, honor, and country, along with a deep appreciation of hard work and service. I am a former airline pilot and union representative. My experiences have prepared me to represent the citizens of the 8th District, and I have worked each day to carry with me the values important to the people that make up our diverse region. 

2. I am running for office to continue representing the good, hardworking people of Minnesota’s 8th District. Our country has reached a critical point. When I ran for office in 2010, I knew Washington was broken and wanted to stand up for hard-working Minnesotans. When I joined Congress, I realized just how dysfunctional Washington really is. With out of control spending and the size of government continuing to grow, we must send representatives to Washington who will fight for common-sense solutions to the challenges facing our country.

3. My priority is jobs and the economy. Federal unemployment has been above 8 percent for over 43 straight months, and its time for our representatives in Washington to support policies that will turn our economy around and bring quality jobs back to our district. Mining wages are some of the best paying jobs in our district, and coupled with our strong timber harvesting and tourism industry in our district, the Northland is blessed with rich resources and hardworking citizens that are ready to move our economy forward.

4. I bring a solid record of supporting common sense policies that will help to create quality jobs and get people back to work and have worked to implement policies that will benefit our district. These include important policies like the “Buy America” amendment and the BWCA land swap bill that will increase revenue for our schools and children while bringing back well-paying mining jobs to the district. Further, I have been a consistent voice for the values important to families and citizens in the district, including my unwavering support for Second Amendment rights and right to life.

5. Since joining Congress, I have done my best to work for the citizens of the 8th District regardless of party or affiliation by supporting common sense policies that positively impact our district. Citizens across the district are beginning to see that policies like these are why I am proud to run on my record as their US Representative. As I’ve traveled across the district and met with constituents, I continue to be reminded how fortunate I am to have been elected almost two years ago. I was honored to receive their vote in 2010, and I would be honored to receive it in November.

Rick Nolan

1. I was born and raised on the Cuyuna Range in Minnesota’s 8th District. I raised my family here. I hunt, fish, garden and harvest maple syrup. My wife, Mary, and I live on a small farm near Crosby.  After serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress, I was founder and CEO of the Minnesota World Trade Center Corporation under Gov. Rudy Perpich, helping to create 328,000 jobs. I ran a local sawmill and pallet factory and am Chairman of my township planning committee and active community volunteer.

2. America is at a tipping point. Our budget deficit, wars of choice and economic inequities are not financially sustainable. The Republican Party has declared war on the middle class. Millions of Americans, their families and their neighbors, face job loss, foreclosure and economic ruin as small towns and working families fight to survive while the rich get richer. Meanwhile, the U.S. is deeply involved in expensive wars and nation-building in the Middle East, while our national debt soars out of control. 

With extensive experience in business, elected office and volunteer/community service, I know I have the ability to make a difference and help turn this nation around.

3. -Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! I will fight to change budget priorities so that we end nation-building abroad and invest in the bridges, roads, schools, community hospitals and health clinics, high speed rail, universal broadband internet service, municipal water and sewer facilities, and other critical infrastructure investments for our 8th district communities.

-Protect Medicare and Social Security! I will vigorously oppose the Ryan Budget priorities that would turn Social Security over to Wall Street and end Medicare and add $6,400 in annual out-of-pocket expenses for seniors.

-Change the way we do politics! We need to move toward public financing of campaigns for public office, and restore a work ethic to Congress that provides for longer work weeks and increased bipartisan cooperation.

4. After raising a family in northern Minnesota and spending my life in business, elected office and community service, I feel I bring a wealth of experience to this campaign. My roots are in this district, and I feel I understand what the people of this district want because these are the same thing I want for my friends, family and neighbors.

Congressman Cravaack’s roots are elsewhere and his record shows it. Cravaack represents the views and interests of radical, right wing do nothing Republican Congress. He has shown this on issue after issue, from supporting efforts to dismantle Social Security and Medicare, to cutting funding for education for disadvantaged students to cutting funding for homeless veterans’ services. We need someone who represents us.

5. This is the most important election of our lives.  You can vote to keep a Congressman who supports gridlock and inaction in Washington DC, or you can vote to send an experienced neighbor who understands the values of the northwoods and has the determination and ability to make a difference immediately. I believe the choice is clear and I ask for your support.

Supreme Court

Lorie Skjerven Gildea

1. I was born and raised in a small town in northwestern Minnesota (Plummer), and I have what has been described as a “fierce and unreasonable pride in my Minnesota heritage.”

Before becoming a judge in 2005, I was a trial and appellate lawyer for nineteen years. I became a judge after going through the merit selection process before the Minnesota judicial selection process. I was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2006 and elected by the people in 2008. I have served as chief justice since July 2010.

2. Your individual rights and family's safety depend on an adequately funding and well-run court system, one that has your trust and confidence. When I took over as chief justice, Minnesota’s courts had suffered years of budget slashes, and backlogs were building. I was successful in reversing that trend, and am leading reforms that are cutting backlogs and will reduce future costs. My record demonstrates that I am committed to preserving equal justice under law and the rule of law in guiding our society. I am honored to be Minnesota’s Chief Justice and I work every day to earn your trust. 

3. During my service as chief justice, I have worked to ensure that the people have confidence in their courts, and that the courts are well-run and efficiently managed. I also have as a priority visiting with as many people as I can to describe the work of the courts and to hear from the people about how we can do our work more effectively. Since becoming chief justice, I have participated in over 350 such events. These will continue to be my priorities in the future.

4. I am the best qualified candidate for chief justice because I am the only candidate with experience doing the job and because my record proves that I am an effective chief justice. My record of service on the court demonstrates that I am an innovative leader, a good manager, and a person of principle, someone who believes in the rule of law, understands the value of precedent, and believes that a judge should exercise her judgment, not impose her will. I am also a clear and effective communicator. It matters a great deal who leads the Minnesota judicial branch, the third branch of our state government. In terms of academic qualifications, prior work experience, leadership capabilities, management abilities, communication skills, work ethic, nonpartisanship and impartiality, my opponent cannot come close to my record of achievement.

5. Based on my record, I have received public support from many leaders, including endorsements from leaders in all three political parties; my supporters include Vice President Mondale, Congressman Tim Penny and Governor Tim Pawlenty. I am also proud to have been endorsed by the people who best understand the challenges and work of the chief justice, Minnesota’s last four chief justices.

Dan Griffith

1. I grew up in International Falls. My wife Debbie and I have been married for 21 years and we are raising four sons.  I have practiced law for nearly 19 years, served our country in the military, and litigated 100s of cases in court.  I have worked as an Assistant City Attorney, Assistant County Attorney, Adjunct Professor at RRCC and Judicare member for two legal aid services. In 2008 I was awarded the Legal Services Award, “In recognition of providing outstanding legal work making a difference for the disadvantaged.” More than all that, I love my wife, my children, our Lord and our country.  

2. I see the freedom we had when I was a child slipping away. I am running because it is time to stand up for our state and country while we still can. I am proud to be an American and believe we need to be Americans first. We are the UNITED states, not the divided states. For too long we have separated ourselves into opposing parties or groups.  If a house divided against itself cannot stand, then how can a state or country? When people ask me what party I am I tell them I am an American.

3. I believe in justice, fairness and accountability for all of our leaders, including our judges.  I believe if we are going to stay free, then we also need to be brave enough to elect leaders who will apply our Constitution.  I believe a judge’s job is to listen to the facts, find the truth and apply the law, not rewrite it. Government is important and necessary, but is also like fire, which needs to be controlled.  Fire can heat your home. It can also burn it down.  Similarly, workers do not want to destroy the company they depend upon for their livelihood.  They just want a seat at the table. Our vote is our seat at the table.

4. I offer a servant’s perspective as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead and doesn’t exploit.  In America “We the People” are the masters, and our government leaders are our “public servants,” including our judges. In order for that to be true we must exercise our vote.

 However, the old rules for judicial elections had the impact of keeping voters ignorant of judicial candidates, which many believe had the additional impact of ensuring that only the incumbents won.  If you want to know more about this please go to www.griffithforjudge.com. 

5. I believe we are at a crossroad. One reason is our government has grown too big and people have become too small. We keep sending people to Washington with the same message of reasonable government and reasonable taxes. They come back with bigger government and higher taxes. We need the change that our Constitution provides. "The  Constitution  is  not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people  to restrain the government — lest it come to  dominate our lives and  interests." - Patrick Henry

Associate Justice Supreme Court

David Stras

1. I began my service as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court on July 1, 2010.  Before my appointment, I was a professor of law at the University of Minnesota and served as counsel to the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP.  I have also served as a law clerk to three different federal appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.  I currently live in Wayzata with my wife and two sons.  

2. It has been my great privilege to serve the people of Minnesota in my current role as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.  The job of a Justice is a challenging one: it requires members of the court to consider and decide some of the most important legal issues facing Minnesota.  Minnesota citizens deserve to have Justices who have the integrity, experience, and mature judgment to make these important decisions.  I believe that my record over the past two years demonstrates that I am up to the challenge.

3. I believe the most important attribute for a judge is to faithfully interpret and apply the Constitution and laws passed by our elected representatives, without favor toward any political party, power broker, or special interest group.   Judges should decide cases in an impartial, even-handed, and objective manner.  In the current political and economic climate, Minnesota is facing increasing challenges to the independence and integrity of the state judiciary through declining budgets and external pressures.  We should retain experienced judges to guide the judiciary through these challenging times.   

4. My two years of experience as a member of the Minnesota Supreme Court provides the best evidence for why I am the best candidate to continue in the position.  Indeed, I am the only candidate running in this race that has experience as an appellate judge.  I have authored more than 25 opinions during my two years on the court, including 16 majority opinions.   If I am elected this fall, I will continue to bring the same commitment, judgment, and dedication to the position that I have displayed over the past two years.   

Moreover, I am honored to have earned broad, bipartisan support from over 300 of Minnesota’s citizens and leaders, including eight former Justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court, two former governors, and eight former members of the United States Congress, all of whom publicly support my bid to retain my job as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

5. No matter who you are, you can know that I will consider your case and all cases without bias or partiality, to the very best of my ability, and decide them based on the law.  If that is what you hope for in a judge, then it would be my honor to serve the people of Minnesota for an additional six years.

Tim Tingelstad

Over the next few years our Minnesota Supreme Court will face issues that will define our families, determine the education of our children, and establish our civil and religious liberty for generations to come. We the people of Minnesota have the Constitutional right and responsibility to know the hearts of the men and women we place on our State Supreme Court.

With more than 27 years of legal experience, including 12 years of serving on the district court bench as a magistrate for the Ninth Judicial District, three years as an administrative law judge, nine years in private practice, and six years as an assistant county attorney, I am prepared to serve the people on our state’s highest court.

I am committed to preserving the people’s constitutional right to meaningful judicial elections. I believe that justice is served when judges fear God and serve the people. And as a Supreme Court Justice I will always submit my will to the will of the people, as expressed through the original intent of our Constitution.

Each generation must remain diligent to retain our authority over our government through education and political involvement. Our judges must be our greatest servants, not our rulers.

State Senate District 3

Tom Bakk

1. I was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1994 and have been serving my constituents in the Minnesota Senate since 2002. I chaired the Senate tax committee for four years and in 2010 my colleagues selected me to serve as leader of the Senate DFL Caucus.

Prior to running for public office, I worked as a journeyman carpenter for 11 years until I was elected to lead my union in 1987, a position I held until my retirement. In 2009, I also served as president of the Iron Range Building and Construction Trades Council. 

I have deep roots in northern Minnesota, growing up at a church camp on Lake Vermilion where my dad was the camp director. I raised my family here and currently reside on Lake Vermilion with my wife Laura. We are blessed with four adult children and four grandchildren, all under three years old. I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling here in northern Minnesota and Ontario.

2. As a new grandfather, I am more determined than ever to leave our state in better shape for the next generation. But for the past two years, the Republicans in control of the legislature have taken Minnesota in the wrong direction. After dragging our state through a 21-day government shutdown, the best they could offer Minnesotans was borrowing $2.4 billion from our schools, eliminating the Homestead Credit, and budget cuts for our nursing homes and vulnerable citizens.

Next year Minnesota faces a $4.5 billion deficit, and I’m running for office to ensure that we start making the right decisions for our kids and grandkids. They deserve a world-class education, college tuition that middle-income families can afford, and good-paying jobs right here in northern Minnesota.

3. Improving the standard of living for workers and their families is my guiding principle as a legislator. This means my priorities are brining family-supporting jobs to our region, enhancing the tourism industry, and growing our natural resource-based economy.

Additionally, I believe that playing outside is a huge part of why we live in northern Minnesota. I am a strong voice for hunters, anglers, trappers, snowmobilers and ATVers and will fight to make sure future generations can enjoy our great outdoors.

4. Voters should expect that their elected officials listen to them, focus on the issues that matter to them, and — most importantly — get results.

My experience as a leader in the legislature will allow me to hit the ground running in St. Paul. Although “compromise” has become a dirty word for many politicians, I believe putting constituents first means working with anyone, from any party, to end the gridlock and move our state forward.

5. I could not be more pleased that Koochiching County is part of the district I’m running to represent. I’ve enjoyed meeting with residents of Mizpah, Northhome, Birchdale, and Littlefork—some of the county’s smallest cities—as well as attending multiple events in International Falls over the course of the summer. I am looking forward to meeting more of you between now and the election.

Jennifer Havlick

1. I lived in Minnesota since 1996. In 2001 I met my husband Scott and moved to northeast Minnesota.  Before coming to Minnesota I was as an Emergency Medical Technician for both professional and volunteer agencies throughout New York.  I am currently the Two Harbors Public Access Coordinator for the City of Two Harbors and site on several boards and committees in the community.

 2. Over the past few months I have been asked on numerous occasions why I am running for Minnesota Senate. The simple reason is that I believe that District 3 deserves more effective representation in Minnesota State government. The more complicated answer is that I firmly believe that there are significant issues preventing northern Minnesota from becoming the best place in America to work and raise a family. 

3. In 2010 the United States Census and redistricting laid out the best evidence that the northland is trouble. As a result of the census and redistricting more than 13,000 people in the form of Koochiching County was added to an already expansive Senate district. What this indicates is that residents are leaving the northland by the thousands. Why? Well the sad reality is that the expansion of regulation, increasing taxes and excessive permitting processes are discouraging new businesses and in some cases pushing existing businesses out of the area, all while long time DFL posy of representatives spear head project everywhere but their own districts. 

 3. My main priority would be to stop the mass exudes from northern Minnesota by streamlining regulations that strangle existing businesses and discourage new business.  It should never take 8 years to get permits to start a business in Minnesota. More streamline regulations and permitting processes will announce to would be business owners that northern Minnesota is most definitely open for business.

4. Northern Minnesota school districts are spending so much time fighting off statutory operating debt that there is little time or money for their most important task of providing a quality education for our children.  School boards across the northland are forced to make deep, sometimes catastrophic, cuts to the very programs that our children need to be successful. One of my greatest concerns is that if we continue to allow our public schools to disappear those families that cannot afford private school for their children will be faced with the inability to provide their children with the quality education they need.  It is no secret that without a quality education those children will stand little chance at a happy and successful life.  At worst, instead of providing them with a quality education we, as a community, will be forced to provide them with a jail cell or a funeral.  We cannot afford to allow the next generation to fail, as they are our future.

5. In the coming weeks I will be visiting communities across the senate district to discuss what residents what to see from their state legislators. I look forward to talking with as many of you as possible.

Koochiching County Commissioner District 5

Linda Dreher

1. My name is Linda Dreher, and I am a successful business woman. My family contributes to the area by having run a dairy farm, logging, beef farming and most of all they now crop farm. We consist of avid outdoorsmen who enjoy hunting, fishing, ATV’s and snowmobiling.

 I was a 4-H Leader for Mizpah Ace Hi 4-H and therefore I am concerned about our young people. My husband Richard was president of Koochiching County Farm Bureau for many years. I instruct CPR  for the American Red Cross, I am an EMT-B, also serving as V.P. of the board of directors for Blackduck Ambulance and chairman of the Koochiching County Extension Committee. I am a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

2. I am running for office because we need to preserve logging, crop farming, and all the businessea in our county and I think I can help with that. I am concerned that our young people are being educated to leave our area, we need to help more of them start and maintain businesses to build our communities and also a tax base. I am a tax payer and long time resident of Koochiching County.

 3. Although I would be representing District 5, it is the whole of Koochiching County that needs to work together for job growth and ultimately a better economy and a stronger County. I will be a full-time commissioner. In my own businesses I have learned about budgets and working within them. I have had experience working on committees with several of the current board members and I would work well with them if elected. County roads are a big issue and also the lack of Hospice in some areas. If elected Iwould keep people informed by writing a column and also a face book page.

4. I would be a full-time commissioner. 7 days a week!  I would like the chance to bring a few new ideas “to the table.” Having been in the dairy business, I am not afraid of putting in long days and many hours. I have always had a strong desire to help people and have done so all my life.

Wayne Skoe

1. I am a life time resident of Koochiching County and owner of Skoe Lumber & Timber for over 35 years. Carol is my wife of 33 years and we have two grown sons, Paul and Erik. I have always been involved in county government, especially in the county’s connection to the major industries in Koochiching — logging and papermaking.  I have also served on the Koochiching County Land Use Advisory Board, and the board of directors of Minnesota Timber Producers.  

2. I would like the opportunity to represent District 5 and work together with other commissioners  to tackle the difficult issues facing our county. It would be a rewarding challenge to successfully come up with solutions. I want to be an active advocate for all the citizens I would represent. 

3. My priorities include continuing to provide vital services for county residents without any significant tax increases. Another priority would be to find businesses and industries to create job growth and improvement in the county’s economy. We have a really good employer in Boise Cascade with their payroll contributing significantly to our county. We need to look at new, similar opportunities and show potential businesses and industries the advantages of locating in Koochiching County. We need to highlight to them our many good points and create jobs for our citizens.

4. I believe that when you have lived somewhere your entire life, you have an especially strong desire to see your home county thrive and prosper. You also want to be of service to others, and I have been in the Northome Fire Department for 35 year and served as fire chief for 20 years. I was also a Northome First Responder for five years. Being a business owner, I have always worked well with the general public. I am in tune with their concerns and needs. With the timber industry being the major source of revenue for District 5, I believe my experience in this area also makes me the most qualified candidate.

International Falls Mayor

Bob Anderson

1. Lifelong resident of International Falls, married to Carol (both Falls High grads); three grown children (all Falls High grads); five grandchildren. Attended Rainy River Community College.  Former city councilor 14 years representing East Ward and mayor 4 years.  Airport commission member and chair for over 35 years; chair of the Highway 53 Four-Lane Task Force; chair and organizer of the city July 4th celebration for 25 years; former regional representative for the International Woodworkers of America Union; past president of two statewide organizations, the League of Minnesota Cities (800+ member cities) and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (2300+ member businesses).  Active in recreation and high school hockey programs for over 30 years.

2. Businesses in our community are challenged in this recession and therefore it is my belief that our city must focus on spending and keeping taxes and service costs down. My experience in both business and government will guide me in this area.

 Also, recent council activities regarding the governance of our city have concerned me. More of the city’s business is conducted in committee meetings and not enough at the city council table with the media present.

3. My first priority is openness on what is happening and how city funds are being expended. Tax dollars are being spent for many activities and only some costs are published. Another priority will be the efficient delivery of city services and the need to focus on our infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, water, sewer and parks).  To be vigilant and work continually to protect the jobs we have in the community and create an environment where local businesses desire to expand and local entrepreneurs want to invest in a business. There are few opportunities for our young citizens to secure a living wage job here. 

Developing a strong working and healing relationship with the county board and city council of Ranier. 

4. My having spent my entire life here, I love this town and it has been a pleasure to serve on many committees and foundations in service to our community.

My experience in having served as a city councilor and mayor in the past.  

My having led state and national organizations in government and business has given me great experience in dealing with complex issues and how to resolve them. My experience of testifying before the state legislature numerous times and the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Transportation committees will serve the community well on issues. 

My having served as a public affairs manager for the major employer in our community has given me the business understanding and skills needed to analyze potential businesses and work with business owners. The experiences I have had in representing my union, the business community and local government, along with citizen input, will be most helpful in guiding me as mayor.

5. My desire is to change the direction of our city to focus on the basics of city government. It is also my intention if elected, to serve in an unselfish manner as an elected official should and not serve myself or allow personal goals to interfere. I have the time, passion and energy to devote to our community.

Paul Eklund

1. I have been employed at Rainy Lake Medical Center for 22 years. I have been an active union member at the hospital for 22 years and the President of AFSCME Local 1843 for the past 10 years. I have represented the East Ward of the City of International Falls as City Counselor for the past eight years. I am the chair of the Human Resources Committee and a member of the Public Works, Finance and Legislation, Economic Development Committees and the International Falls Labor/Management Committee. I am a member of the International Falls Economic Development Authority and was recently appointed vice president of the IFEDA. I serve on the Recreation Commission with our partners from the ISD 361 School Board and am very proud to also serve on the Drug Court Steering Committee. 

2. I have been an integral part of a dynamic team that has aggressively sought to create jobs, engage citizens, and create healthy work environments for city employees. We are proactive on legislative issues that affect our community and we strive to deliver city government services within our budget. 

3. My priority is to actively develop jobs for our community by following the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) created by the city council. The SAP is our road map for the future of International Falls. The #1 strategy of our plan is to “Provide Proactive Economic and Community Development Leadership and Support”, which was the first step in organizing International Falls Economic Development Authority. The first project resulted in the new Voyagers National Park headquarters, maintaining valuable VNP jobs in this community, and a closer working relationship between the VNP and the City of International Falls. As part of the EDA initiative, the City, aided by a State grant, recently purchased 79 acres of land from Boise to develop a warehouse district. We expect at least 50 new jobs to be created from this private/public partnership. As mayor, I will strive to continue to create a vibrant atmosphere that is conducive to business development, leveraging the successful public and private partnerships we have built over the last eight years, including our local Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center.  

4. I am not a politician, I just love our town. I am a hard working man who has raised my family in International Falls. I believe strongly in honesty, character and integrity. I am not hungry for power; in fact my leadership style is to include and empower others — whether our elders, my generation or the youngest generation. It has been my great honor to serve the East Ward. Now I ask my fellow citizens to vote for me as mayor of this great city. Together let’s keep International Falls moving forward.

International Falls At-Large Councilor

Pete Kalar

1. My name is Pete Kalar. I am a lifelong resident of International Falls. I have been employed by Koochiching County as a corrections officer/dispatcher since 1994. Previously to that I was employed by the International Falls school district as a paraprofessional. I am a graduate of Rainy River Community College and Bemidji State University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. At different times during the last 25 years I have coached football, basketball and baseball. I currently coach recreation hockey at the Pee Wee level.

2. The reason I am running for office is the opportunity to give back to a community that has been a wonderful place to live and work. I also feel it is important for citizens to give to their community to make it a better place for everyone to live. I saw seeking the open councilor at large seat as an opportunity to do this.

3. I want to give future generations the opportunity to live, work and raise their families here in International Falls if that is what they choose. The way to do this is do what we can to help our local businesses no matter the size flourish and grow. Part of this long range plan would be to continue to try to attract new business to locate here in International Falls. To do that we need to work on the city’s infrastructure to keep it up to date and functioning. We also need to keep a high level of public services, from public works to public safety. These things along with cultural and recreational opportunities for everyone are what do and will continue to make International Falls a great place to live.

4. I have no reason for wanting to run for office other than to do the best I can to make International Falls the best city it can be. I have not held elected office before. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will enter the position with an open mind and a willingness to learn and work hard. I also realize to reach our goals for the city. We as a council will have to work together with ourselves putting personal agendas aside. We will also need to work with other government agencies starting with Koochiching County, then the state and federal agencies. Most of all I will always keep the citizens concerns in mind.

Please remember to vote on Nov. 6.

Willi Kostiuk

1. I’ve been married to my wife Kami for 29 years and have two children, Tyler and Abby. Tyler, after graduating from FHS and St. John’s University/ROTC, entered the U.S. Army and is now a captain serving in Afghanistan as a military advisor. Tyler and his wife, Andrea, also an officer in the army recently had a baby girl, Anna. Abby is a freshman at FHS, honor student and three sport athlete for our school. I recently retired from the International Falls Police department after 28 years of service to our community.  I’m currently serving on the school board for ISD 361 as vice chair. Over the last 23 years I’ve been volunteering as a coach in basketball, football, wrestling and baseball in the local youth organizations.

2. I’ve been interested in city government for several years.  I’ve always wanted to be involved in the decision making process and hope that I can help move our city forward in the future as a city representative with the experience I have gained over the years through law enforcement and the school district .

3. Create a strong infrastructure because I believe the basics of just keeping up and maintaining our streets, sidewalks and buildings need improvement.  This will help attract new people and business to our area and give our community a sense of pride.

Over the years I have seen city departments such as police and others take increased workloads with fewer personnel.  My goal would be to focus on, not just getting by, but giving the citizens the service they deserve by trying to give these departments the needed employees to get the jobs done.

4. Develop a good working relationship with the county and state agencies.  This can create a healthier economic environment for our community.  By working together we all benefit.

The recent EDA position added to our city government has, to say the least, raised several eyebrows in our community.  I totally believe in the economic development idea because it is crucial to our area but the process didn’t appear unbiased in many ways.  This has caused distrust with many citizens and agencies within our community.  Creation of new positions needs to involve citizen input and discussion to maintain openness throughout the process with our citizens.  I will work as a councilor to make sure this happens in the future when taxpayer money is at stake.

I feel that I have served this community as a police officer for 28 years to the best of my abilities. I have always had the citizens’ best interest in mind and treated people the way I would have wanted to be treated.  Now I want to continue to serve but as a representative.  My four years of service on the school board 361 has given me the experience of working with a multimillion dollar budget each year and I feel that I can bring this experience to the city council.

5. I have always made myself available to the people of our community as an officer, board member, coach and as a citizen.  I have listened to their concerns and made decisions based on their input.  I have the time; compassion and ability to help the people of our community move forward and will always take the time to listen to my constituents concerns.

International Falls School Board

Gordy Dault

1. I grew up in Int’l Falls and graduated from Falls High School in 1968. I attended Bemidji State College, graduating in 1973. I taught in the Northome School for two years and then Littlefork-Big Falls for 13 years. I was also football coach and athletic director. After receiving my master’s degree in educational administration, I became a principal at Falls High School. I was the ass’t principal for eight years, and the head principal for 10 years. I retired in 2006, and have been working part time as a guardian ad litem, advocating best interests of children in the juvenile and family court systems. I have also served a term on the recreation commission.

2. I am running for school board because my experience in the field of education gives me insight into how the educational process works. Specifically, federal and state revenue sources as well as the regulations that go along with them are important to understand for decision making. I also strongly believe that in our rural community, achieving a quality education is the key to opening opportunities for our children. I believe I can provide positive leadership and guidance on the school board to enhance a quality education in our school district.

I have two priorities for our school district. Short term is to make sure our school district remains financially stable in the face declining enrollment and fiscal austerity at the state and federal levels of government. The school board and district staff must work together positively to maintain financial stability. Another short term priority is to resolve any conflict within the school board and district staff in a open, honest, and respectful manner. Conflict is a drag on school staff and the community.

3. My long-term priority is to work toward reforming how schools are funded. Our school district has faced financial losses for years from enrollment options. Our neighboring school districts receive sparsity aide from the state, enabling them to offer smaller class sizes and to transport students from within our district through the open enrollment option. The community college is right next door to the high school, which makes receiving high school and college credit simultaneously attractive through the Post-Secondary Options Program (for juniors and seniors). Online schools have also attracted students out of our district. The results of enrollment options are a huge financial loss for our district. The point is that the current funding system is based on the number of students a district has, not on the actual cost of educating those students. Per pupil funding is outdated and inadequate under current circumstances. Our school district must work the legislative process hard for reform of school funding.

4. I believe I am the best candidate because of my experience and knowledge of public education, and my desire to make our school system the best it can be to serve the best interests of our students.

Harley Droba

1. I am a 1996 graduate of Falls High School. After graduation I joined the US Army’s Signal Corp and graduated both basic training and individual training with honors. I have management experience throughout my career, including:

Team Chief, 1997-2000 U.S. Army

Local Technician, 2000-2002 WorldCom

Barista, 2002-2006 Coffee Landing 

Barista, 2006-Present Stewart’s Super One

Co-Owner, 2011-Present International House of Bowling

I also have served on the following boards:

 Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers 1997-1998

Big Brothers Big Sisters 2000-2002

International Falls Jaycee’s 2003-2005

Icebox Radio Theater 2005-2011

St. Thomas Fundraising Committee 2012-Present

2. I believe that the school board has provided a disservice to the students, teachers, and the community throughout the past years. Their inability to make key decisions on fundamental issues in a timely manner has caused the focus to stray from education to other priorities. Two examples of this can be found in the hiring of the Falls Elementary principal and the teachers union contract.  In regards to the principal hiring, the board was locked in a 3-3 tie for a better part of the summer. When the principal was hired it was so close to the start of school that even the most veteran educator would not be ready for the onslaught of students. As for the teachers’ contract, ISD 361 has great teachers who have made it their career to enrich young minds. This is their priority, but they are being taken from that to negotiate a contract for a job that they are already doing. The school board and teachers union owe it to the students to have these issues taken care of in the summer or in a timely manner.

3. I think that as a school district we need to work on bringing our students back and also lower class size.  We have lost students to home school, Littlefork, and Indus and its time we get International Falls’ students back. It’s like a word problem! If we get more students, then we can hire more teachers. If we hire more teachers, the class size can be smaller. Therefore if we get more students, then we can have smaller class sizes.

4. I have always tried my best at everything I do. I look at things from other people’s perspective and make the best choice for the greater good. I have always believed in this community and its people. I think that I can make a positive influence on the school board.

5. Since I have announced that I was running for school board I have been asked one question multiple times, “Why are you running for school board if your daughter goes to St. Thomas?” My answer is this: Someday my daughter will go to the public school system. It may be in a year, it may be in eight years.  My belief is that the class sizes need to be smaller in the public school; at this point my daughter has 6 kids in her St. Thomas kindergarten class.

Michelle S. Hebner

1. Age: 41; Address: 2217 Crabtree Boulevard, International Falls, MN 56649; Education: Falls High School 1989; AA Degree - Rainy River Community College 1989; BS Environmental Engineering – Michigan Tech University 1994.

I was born and raised here, attended FHS and RRCC and then on to Michigan Technological University, where I obtained a degree in environmental engineering. I am employed as an engineer for Boise. For the past 16 years, my husband, Eric and I have enjoyed being involved in our community and raising our two children here.  

My involvement in my children’s education and activities has always a priority for me and helped me understand the challenges faced by our district. I enjoy volunteering at community events and I’m proud to have led the committee that successfully fundraised and installed the three elementary playgrounds in nine months.  

2. I am honored to have served on the school and recreational boards for the past six years. I am seeking reelection because I can offer a balanced perspective to help solve the challenges faced by our district; transparently-with no hidden agendas.  

I want to provide a challenging and engaging education to our students as it’s an investment in our future. I’m proud of the progress our district has made towards the state standards and I want to further this initiative.

I want to keep our district financially sound while keeping infrastructure and technology current. It’s crucial to employ and retain the best staff possible to provide excellent educational opportunities and optimized student to teacher ratios.  

3. Student achievement and success are critical. The board needs to create a long-term vision that allows students to reach their full potential. The board is responsible for supporting this vision, empowering the staff, and providing leadership. With my background and knowledge of our district I can help keep the district positively moving forward.

I strongly believe that we have tremendous teachers and staff working with our children. It is important to have  and raise positive morale amongst all district employees. Education takes place in the classroom and the board’s efforts must focus on enhancing and enriching what we have.  

Budget’s will remain very thin for the foreseeable future – steering the district through these times will require a board that is cohesive and committed to doing what is the most effective with minimum impact to the quality of education students receive. 

4. I have proven myself to be a fair minded and approachable member of the school board. I feel that anyone that comes before the board, at a meeting or otherwise, has the right to be heard not just to speak.  

 As an elected trustee, I would be responsive to community concerns. I believe that the board must take input and weigh all the facts before making a decision. My career has fostered skills in analyzing issues and data, listening to multiple perspectives and working collaboratively to produce viable solutions.  

My efforts would center on ensuring all educational needs are met; one child is no more important than another. We must be partners in this endeavor if we are to be successful.

I feel that my academic knowledge, common sense, leadership skills and life experiences combined would make me ideal to continue to serve as a school board member.

Mike Holden

1. My name is Mike Holden. I attended Grand Rapids High School, Itasca Community College and graduated from Hibbing Technical College with an electrical degree in 1974. I am registered with the Department of Labor as the City of International Falls master electrician, where I have worked for 37 years and am a member of the 49er’s Union. I am endorsed by the Joint Union Council for all the unions in the Int’l Falls paper mill and the 49er’s Operating Engineers out of St. Paul.

 My wife Ann and I have been married for 37 years and have raised five children. We really enjoy spending time with them and their families.

2. Being involved in the community has always been important to me. I was the president of Little League in Int’l Falls and served on the Little League Board for 21 years. I was the president for the Falls Wrestling Club and am currently a Mighty Mustang Wrestling coach. I was an officer on the Int’l Falls Rec Commission and served on the St. Thomas Education Commission. I was a certified hockey coach for mites, squirts, and peewees and coached jr. high baseball. Currently I am the president to the Kooch. Labor Assembly representing all the unions in Kooch County.

3. One of the reasons I am running for ISD 361 School Board is to unify the school board. Part of my campaign is to change the voting process of the School Board. Right now the vote gets split 3 to 3 when deciding on important issues. The issue is tabled until the next scheduled meeting. It is a waste of time and money. An example of this was the recent posting of the Falls Elementary principal position where there was meeting after meeting with too many of the meetings ending in a dead lock. One way to break this tie would be to have an odd number of school board members.

Another reason I am running is to unify the teachers, parents, custodians, bus drives, office personnel, paraprofessionals, and community. In the long run the results benefit the students. All school positions are important as they are working with the future of this country – the kids!

My priorities will be to get a good working relationship between the school board, the employees and parents.

4. I feel I am the best candidate because I work extremely hard. I get along well with people and like working to make things better.

Mark Lassila

1. I’ve lived in International Falls all my life and have two children – Amanda who is in her 3rd year at UMD and Erik who is a senior at Falls High. I currently work at Boise Paper as a Purchasing Agent and live in the city of Ranier.

2. I’ve been on the school board for roughly 12 years and would like the opportunity to continue to be a part of the team that will provide quality education to the students of this community for another four years. We’ve seen some recent changes in this district with a new superintendent, new elementary principal, the reconfigurement of the West End Elementary, etc. and would like make sure these changes are successful. 

3. • Provide smaller class sizes for all grades.

• Provide more offerings to students that will prepare them better for life after high school knowing that technology and demands are constantly changing in the world.    

• Maintain a fund balance that will allow us to operate as we need to and also to be able to react to any “unplanned” expenses that would otherwise make us borrow money at a cost to our community members.

• Create a “positive” working relationship with the our dedicated teachers, office and support staff, administrators and other school board members to ensure every student achieves their highest potential.   

4. I believe being on the school board for 12 years gives me the experience needed to provide this district with the effective leadership to make sure we continue to make improvements to better serve our students. In these last 12 years I’ve worked with a many different superintendents, principals, teachers, staff members and board members and have learned something from each and every one of them. I’ve learned that when you are faced with a “tough choice” at the board table, you need to stay focused on what’s best for our students first before anything else.

5. I would thank the residents of this district for the support they have shown me since I’ve been on the school board. I’ve enjoyed taking the phone calls and having the “one on one” conversations on the many different issues we’ve faced over the years and look for your support in this upcoming election.

Stuart Nordquist

1. 130 Riverview Blvd., International Falls, MN 56649

Education: Diploma: Hoffman High School, Hoffman, MN; bachelor of arts, University of Minnesota-Morris, Morris MN; master of science, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN

I would bring to the position of an Independent School District #361 School Board member 40 plus years of experience in public education. My educational experience working with kids includes 29 years as a classroom teacher and ten plus years in high school administration, as either dean of students or athletic director. I am presently honored to be serving on our shool board. I have been directly involved with our students, faculty/administration/ school staff and the workings of our school district, during my 34-year tenure in International Falls. My educational experience in secondary education is extensive. I served as a classroom teacher, coach of various boys and girls sports during all seasons, coached both team and individual sports and served as a school administrator. I have also worked as a member of the Falls High School Site Team, a school advisory committee and Renaissance Committee that promoted academic excellence at FHS.

2. I seek reelection to the school board because I care about our kids and our schools. I believe that my background as a professional educator, businessman and my educational experience can be of benefit to the students, faculty, administration, staff and the community of Independent School District #361.

3. My priorities include a balanced financial budget, which ensures the trust of the people of Independent School District #361. Financial decisions must be made with the interest of students first. Second, I believe that everyone who is part of our school system is accountable and important to our students’ success. Third, board dealings must be transparent to our community.

4. I believe that I am the best candidate for the school board, because I care about kids. I have the educational experience and knowledge of our school system. This experience comes from being a teacher, coach and administrator. I am also knowledgeable of our local school unions and their contracts. This comes from being a member, officer, and negotiator for the teachers Local #331. I am a lifetime member of the NEA. Decisions must be made with students first.

5. I am involved in the community of International Falls and a long time resident of the city of International Falls. I can bring to the school board the necessary time, experience, knowledge, passion, and the dedication to providing a quality education for every student in our school district.

State Representative District 3A

David Dill

1. David Dill, resident of Crane Lake, MN, 32 years; married to Tucky Einarson 35 years; additional home in Ray, MN. Involved in economic development for the past 32 years; city of Orr administrator 10 years. Commercial pilot, aircraft mechanic, owner fly-in resort and outposts near Armstrong, Ontario (Wabakimi Park).  

2. To continue the work I was charged with upon my first election (2002) to the House of Representatives. Special emphasis on economic development, schools, health care, environment, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ATVs, wetlands. 

3. As stated above 

4. Demonstrated experience and leadership. Proven ability to reach across party lines to accomplish results for the folks back home. 

5. The addition of Koochiching County to District 3A, a district I may represent in the 2013 Legislature, is a coming home experience for me. Having been married in the Evangelical Covenant Church, lived, worked, our son (Drake) born in the Falls hospital, doctored at the Falls clinic for decades and been involved in nearly every aspect of economic activity in the area. It just feels natural for me to run for office in District 3A and continue the work the folks at home sent me to St. Paul for 10 years ago.

Jim Tuomala

1. I am a life-long resident of district 3A, currently living in Babbitt where I have been working at a taconite mine for the last 18 years.  I started as a heavy equipment operator and since then have moved into such roles as Safety Coordinator, Stability Foundation, and Drilling Improvement Best practices. Currently, I assumed a role of Operations Coordinator, which I lead 23 super-awesome hard working men and women.  Several years ago, I earned a Master Degree Computer Information System. Prior to working in the mining industry, I worked as a logger and lumber industry in both Orr, and Ely.

2. I graduated from Ely High School in 1979; we had a graduating class of 145-150 students. To this day they are hard-pressed to graduate class’s over 30 students. Schools are in consolidation mode across the district. We are in this situation because over the last 40 years we have not gained any support for our traditional careers of logging, papermaking, tourism, mining, and farming. Legislation is more and more against these industries, favoring more radical environmentalism. Family wage middle class employment is disappearing in favor of low level service jobs. Bottom line, family unit growth is limited by opportunity not by skill or ability.

3. Wetland permitting: by providing a clear path to successful issuance once criteria is met. The process is too lengthy and difficult for anyone wishing to seek permit. Bureaucratic red tape produces roadblocks, is not solution orientated and requires an unacceptable level of time to permit. I was told by one local DFL that it is difficult to permit in Minnesota because of the abundance of groundwater. This makes no sense to me, “where else would it be?” We need solutions not lessons in the obvious. We need to focus on strengthening our traditional industries first into a vibrant local economy, and then diversify our economy and opportunities. The DFL has had it backwards for so long. You cannot diversify in a stagnant area and expect people to bring their families and business to the area with poor school systems and low wages. 

4. I have lived in the area my whole life. I know what it once was- I know what it is capable of being once again. Our area needs and those of us who live and work here need to be taken seriously once again.  I actually live here — I want to be able to retire here — hunt, fish, trap, pick blueberries, 4 wheel, whatever. I represent our area, our way of life, and our pleasant pastimes in District 3A — not the ideology of the un-present minority who wish to impose their will upon us.

Ranier City Council

Tony Cole

1. I would like to ask for your support in November for Ranier City Council. I have been a lifelong resident of the area. Now as Ranier takes in the Jameson and French additions, I feel we need representation for the new annexed lands. I would push for an expansion in commerce and growth in the community. I would like to see more tourism brought to the water front of Ranier in the form of art and music festivals. I have the passion to move Ranier forward. I see growth and excitement in the community. I would like to say thank you for your support in the upcoming election.

Todd Coulombe

1. I was born and raised in the community, left for 16 years before returning and settling in the village of Ranier two years ago.

I've always believed in serving my community and volunteering my time. I've been active with the Ranier Rec Club fund raisers, Elks Club, Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and other area functions.

The city of Ranier is heading in a new and exciting direction. So with a council seat still open, I decided it was my duty, my turn to serve my community. I would be proud to help bridge the "Old Ranier" into the "New Ranier" as a councelor.

Dennis Wagner

1. I’m running for mayor based on my own record of service to the people of Koochiching County.  A lifelong resident of the area my wife Wendy and I raised our two children here. I have been an active member of the local business community and key participant in several large community projects over the last three decades. I am proud of my record, but I'm not done yet. As mayor, I also offer new ideas.

2. I want to create a climate that encourages businesses and entrepreneurs to follow their ingenuity and invest in their ideas. I will work in partnership with the Koochiching Economic Development Authority and the city of International Falls to progress the foreign trade zone and other projects to assure that the interests of the residents that live in the community are represented. As an entrepreneur with 40 years of business experience I will work to find additional revenue sources for the city. The additional revenue will allow the city to focus on the development of our waterfront and beautification projects for the residents and visitors to our community. 

3. This is where I grew up, where I was married, where I went to school and where my children attended school. This is where I have lived my life and I know what this city is, I know what it has been, and I know what it can still become. I see great promise. I see the glory of the Ranier’s past, but we must create its future. That's why I offer my candidacy for mayor of Ranier because I believe I have a lifetime of experience that counts. Experience working with government agencies, city and county officials, large businesses, and the general public. Experience invaluable for the position. Experience I will put to work for you.

 5. I ask all of the people of Ranier to join me on this journey. I know you will see the promise that I see, and work with me to realize it. Thank you for your vote of confidence on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Questions: denniswagnerforranier@gmail.com.

Ronald Wilcox

1. I was born and raised in the Ranier area, left to join the army and then worked in Alaska for 30 years. Upon retirement in 2006 I chose to move home and become active in my community. I have over 20 years experience in various and progressive levels of governmental fiscal accounting. I worked 18 years at the Anchorage Police Department (fiscal management) and five years with Municipality of Anchorage’s Office of Emergency Management (junior admin. officer). 

2. I was born and raised here in the Ranier area and would like to give something back to the community. 

3. Completion of the water project for one. Also the work needed for the FTZ area will benefit us all, so working with Koochiching County and International Falls on this project is a must. I will work hard for the betterment of our community of Ranier. Keeping taxes low will be a priority also.

4. While working for the Anchorage Police Department I had the experience of preparing the department’s $53 million budget, along with various federal and state grants. I would like to be a part of the development of the government of Ranier now that the area has been annexed and bring the residents together as one city. Hopefully we can move on and develop this beautiful city into something that when one comes to visit, they want to stay. 

5. I will work toward an improved area economy. I am also a Viet Nam era veteran. If elected I will be dedicated to orderly development and organization of the “new” Ranier. I will be available to listen to your concerns and needs.

Big Falls City Council

Beth Pihlaja

1. I Beth Pihlaja am a current member of the CERC, Big Falls Fire/EMS departments, and current city councilor in the city of Big Falls who is seeking reelection. 

2. I’m very community oriented and am proud to raise my family with my husband in Big Falls and call it my home. 

3. I believe that good representation is essential for the prosperity of a town. 

4. I believe that I would make a good candidate because I have demonstrated that I have integrity and am able to remain impartial and fair to all issues that come to the council. I believe that the city will benefit from the current water project, and wish to see it through to the end. I would also like to continue to give a voice to all community members and bring new ideas from all age groups to the council. 

5. I wish to continue to ensure the safety for all community members and continue to make this a great place to raise a family. I thank you in advance for your support during this reelection.

Marta Lindemanis

I, Marta Lindemanis am running for the position of mayor of Big Falls. I have been a resident and homeowner for thirty one years. For the past eight years I have been a councilmember. I am presently a member of the Kootaska Board. 

I graduated from the University of Denver. I have been married to Pete for 35 years. We have two boys, Sam and Kent. 

Over the years I have served on many boards including Community Education and Recreation Committe, Arrowhead Library and Tri-county Health Board. I manage Big Falls Housing and work for the Census Bureau. I am looking forward to completing the Big Falls water project.

South Koochiching-Rainy River School District

Ralph Lewis

Born and raised in Birchdale, MN; graduated from Indus High School.

ISD #363 School Board member 2008-12 (one term); Koochiching County Zoning Board; Koochiching County Soil & Water Conservation Board; Koochiching County Consolidated Conservation Board; community volunteer; Birchdale United Congregational Church, moderator; Self-employed farmer, logger; married with two children.

Dusty Waller

Unchallenged candidate for South Koochiching- Rainy River School Board, ISD 363

I have lived in the Northome area my entire life. I graduated from Bigfork High School in 1995, and from Bemidji State University in 1999 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Since 1999, I have been employed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections working primarily with at risk teenage youth. My official positions have included: corrections officer, security caseworker, corrections agent and corrections supervisor. 

I have experience working with budgets of similar size to ISD 363. I am currently active on several boards and committees in Beltrami and Itasca counties and have been the treasurer of a local church for the past seven years.

Littlefork City Council

Sandy Heem

1. I am running for a second term on the Littlefork Council. I also served two years on the hospital board. 

I have lived in Littlefork for 40 years and have been retired from Boise for a year and I feel I still have more time for position.