---

   Neal Gaalswyk of East Gull Lake announces his intention to file for re-election for Cass County District 1 Commissioner, a position he has held since January 4, 2011.

   First chosen in 2010, Gaalswyk has been re-elected five times. “Each election has been a gratifying and humbling experience for me,” said Gaalswyk. “It is a privilege, and a position I do not take lightly. When you first placed your trust in me, I pledged that I would listen, work hard, and act with openness and integrity while in office. I have kept that promise and, if re-elected, will continue to serve to the best of my ability.

   “I am proud of the work that my fellow commissioners and I have done on behalf of Cass County these past 16 years. Cass County is an amazing place to live and a jewel among Minnesota’s 87 counties. People live here because they love it here. Our lakes and trees, our public land, our agriculture, and our industry attract people to vacation and live. Protecting our natural resources while allowing for vibrant, managed growth has been and will continue to be a priority of mine.”

   “Fiscal moderation has been a hallmark of my tenure and will continue to inform my decision making. Every dollar we spend, other than what we get from our forest products, comes from the taxpayer’s pocket. We spend other people’s money, and that is a responsibility I take seriously.”

   In addition to his responsibilities on the Cass County Board, Gaalswyk has been active at the State level, serving as the Association of Minnesota Counties president in 2024 and on its Executive Committee from 2021 through 2025. The Association is the voice of the counties at the Minnesota legislature and Governor’s Office.

   Gaalswyk also serves on the Pillager Education Foundation Board, the Youth Investment Foundation Board, and is an immediate past board member of Port Group Homes of Brainerd. “I am interested in children’s education, wellbeing and opportunity,” Gaalswyk said, “and look for ways to ensure that they can thrive here, where we live.” 

   Gaalswyk serves on Cass County’s budget and personnel committees, the Soil and Water Conservation liaison committee, the Leech Lake One Watershed One Plan board, the Solid Waste Committee, the Cass County Children’s Initiative Board, the Family Center Home Visiting Advisory Board, the Central Minnesota Emergency Response Board, and other county and community boards and committees.

   Neal is a lifelong resident of Cass County, a graduate of Concordia College, and a retired law enforcement officer. He actively farms with his brother on the family farm west of Pillager. Neal and his wife Kathy are the parents of three adult children and proud grandparents to six boys and one girl. Kathy and Neal have lived in East Gull Lake since 1993.

Contact information:

218 839-1841 call or text

[email protected]

---