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Moose Lake Mayor Candidates

Doug Juntunen

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I have extensive community service experience, including roles as Barnum's mayor, assistant fire chief and chair of the Carlton County EDA. My background as a St. Paul police officer and deputy sheriff enhanced my problem-solving skills. Since joining the Moose Lake City Council in 2014, I advocate for local businesses and public safety.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

My commitment to the communities I've served drives my dedication to local development. I aim to expand housing opportunities and secure vital infrastructure funding.

What do you think are the top two issues facing your city and how would you go about tackling them?

The two primary issues I am currently addressing are replacing our 80-year-old infrastructure and resolving the taxation disparity where 30 percent of citizens bear 100 percent of the property taxes. By partnering with Moose Lake Water and Light and Moose Lake Community School, our local Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been able to procure land for a new housing development which will provide townhomes, single family homes, and multi-family housing. Additionally, I am in regular meetings with city staff and engineers, diligently pursuing grants to fund infrastructure upgrades, new road projects, and walking trails. The city is currently in the process of completing the final phase of our walking trail, which will allow for three miles of continuous trails around the city of Moose Lake.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

The city received 100 percent funding for phase 1 of the Safe Routes to School grant, providing a safe walking path from downtown to Moose Lake Community School. One hundred percent of the funding came from outside sources and required no matching funding from the citizens of Moose Lake.

Why should people vote for you?

The mayor's role demands substantial practical experience and a proven commitment to economic relief for Moose Lake. Residents must choose a leader capable of addressing challenges effectively. I am that leader, seeking your support for the Mayor's office. It would be an honor to earn your vote on November 5th.

Jim Michalski

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I'm a former Moose Lake city council member. Recently retired from the State of Minnesota with over 25 years of service. I'm in my 34th year of being a member of the Moose Lake Area Fire District where I have been an officer for over 25 years, with 20 years as the chief.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

If you don't agree with how certain things are done, then something needs to change. The best way to do this is by running for office.

What do you think are the top two issues facing your city and how would you go about tackling them?

I believe Moose Lake needs to do something with the sewer capacity. The city should work with the three biggest users of its sewer ponds. That means that the State of Minnesota and the Moose Lake Windemere Sanitary Sewer District along with the City of Moose Lake should sit down and figure out ways to improve the sewer ponds and how to pay for it (grants, loans, bonding).

Housing is another issue the City of Moose Lake faces. The city needs to provide more middle-class housing. An issue that the city faces is that there is not a lot of land available for building. However, if the sewer capacity issue does not get fixed, there is no need for more housing either.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

The City of Moose Lake has worked hard on keeping the tax levy low and everyone in the city should appreciate that being done.

Why should people vote for you?

I want to do what is right for the city of Moose Lake. I may not like what needs to be done, but the right things need to be done for the citizens of Moose Lake. And with the input of the people whose decisions these decisions will impact.