Paul Krabbenhoft

Clay County Commission District 1 Candidate

Paul is a lifelong resident of Clay County who grew up on and farmed the family farm south of Moorhead until 1990. He then moved to south Moorhead and has been a Fargo-Moorhead realtor for the past 34 years. He is a husband to his wife Carol, a father to two daughters, and a grandfather to five grandchildren.

Paul has a lifetime of experience in public service and leadership roles on both a local and state level. Over the last 25 years, he has been appointed to multiple committees within Clay County and the City of Moorhead including the areas of planning and zoning, board of adjustments and long-term planning. He has served on the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District Board for 37 years. He is currently serving as the President of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, presiding over 88 Minnesota districts; and he represents Clay County on the Buffalo Red River Watershed District Board.


Q&A with Paul:

  • Maintain a strong County workforce to provide the resources necessary to create a stable and proactive foundation for our business community. A strong workforce equates to successful businesses which increase revenues to keep the County fiscally strong and resilient.

    Maintain safe & fluid transportation routes county-wide for accessibility and growth opportunities. Updated and maintained infrastructure provides residents and commerce with efficient access.

    Ensure our public safety system meets the need to create a healthy community and secure environment for business to succeed. It is important to have a well-equipped Sheriff Dept. with current technologies as they respond to the many diverse needs.

  • I see an opportunity to use my acquired leadership skills, business background and longterm relationships to be an asset to the Board of Commissioners while serving the residents and businesses of Clay County. My participation in public service positions and business associations have strengthened my skills in strategic thinking, policy development, and relationship building. I have years of experience working with local and state government agencies and legislators. I am well equipped to meet the duties of oversite, budget determination and the guidance of policies.

  • As the fastest growing county outside of the Metro, there is a continual strain on our county's workforce while keeping pace with a good living wage and creating a culture to effectively carry out Clay County’s essential services while working within a sustainable budget. I would listen to the concerns of departments, voices of the residents and use my finance and business expertise to help make Clay County a regional economic center and a place people want to work and live.