Nonpartisan
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Candidate Questionnaire
What motivated you to run for the Clay County Commission? (100 words max)
I have lived and worked in Clay County my whole life. I would like to serve Clay County residents with the growing needs of the county, such as mental health, infrastructure, and to keep the property taxes under control.
What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve as a Clay County Commissioner? (100 words max)
I have served on the Moorhead School Board for the past 14 years. Through the school board I have worked with MN Legislators on funding issues, school budgets, safety and security in our schools and school policy. I also worked as a Clay County Deputy for 29 years, I have worked with many different departments within Clay County. I serve on the Clay County Collaborative Board for the Moorhead School Board. I was also part of the Meto COG study in 2024-2025.
If elected as a County Commissioner, what would be your top three priorities for Clay County, and why? (100 words max)
The top three priorities are:
1. Mental Health/Chemical Dependency - Mental illnesses/Chemical Dependency continue to increase throughout Country and needs to be addressed with more service providers for the state and local governments.
2. Property Taxes - Yes we need to pay our property taxes but we need to be vigilant on how those dollars are used. I would like to find ways to lower the property taxes.
3. Safety and security - I grew up and worked in Clay County feeling safe because of the hard work of our local law enforcement. We need to continue this feeling for all Clay County residents. I will work with local residents and law enforcement to find ways for all people to feel safe.
Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing Clay County? (100 words max)
The most significant opportunities are: Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility by DG fuels, Finish the FM Diversion project, investment in our local small businesses. The most significant challenges are: Infrastructure and Public Safety costs, Funding from the State of MN, Border City Tax relief, safe and reliable water sources.
What strategies or initiatives would you support to attract, retain, and expand businesses in Clay County? Please include your perspective on the role of local incentives in economic development. (100 words max)
Tax incentives, partnerships with local consulting groups and investment in our schools and infrastructure. Local incentives help small businesses with startup costs which is essential to get the business off the ground and to continue growth and to create jobs.
Workforce availability remains one of the most significant challenges facing employers across the region. What role can the County play in supporting workforce attraction, retention, and development? (100 words max)
We need to invest into our workforce, schools, training and infrastructure. We need good jobs which support the worker, good wages and benefits. This will bring in the workers and help with retention.
In 2023, F-M Metro COG conducted a study of the metro area’s housing market that identified the need for 16,400 housing units across the region by 2033. What policies or tools can Clay County use to support the development of attainable, market-rate housing? (100 words max)
We need to streamline new subdivision approvals, use targeted infrastructure growth, and align land use rules. Partnerships with HRA to get new subdivisions that are affordable. Use TIF financing to fund infrastructure costs.
ACF
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| label | Video 1 |
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| parent | 32 |
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