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   Publisher’s note, with four candidates vying for the Cass County District 3 Commissioner’s seat and three candidates vying for the District 4 Commissioner's seat, the Press Citizen posed the following four questions.

   1. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Cass County over the next four years, and what specific steps would you take as a commissioner to address it?

   2. Property taxes and county spending are important concerns for many residents. How would you balance providing essential county services while being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars?

   3. District 3 includes communities with different needs, from lakeshore properties and tourism to agriculture, forestry, and small businesses. How would you ensure all residents and industries in the district are fairly represented in county decisions?

   4. If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first term as Cass County commissioner, and why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

   Candidates responses are listed in the order received.

District Three

Jim Lundgren

   Throughout my career, I have learned that the best decisions come from listening, evaluating the facts, considering different perspectives, and thinking about the long-term impact. That is the approach I will bring to serving the residents of Cass County.

   As your Cass County Commissioner, I will focus on responsible financial management, supporting the county’s core responsibilities, respecting private property rights, and working collaboratively with residents and local communities.

   1. The biggest challenge over the next four years will be balancing rising costs while providing the quality county services residents expect without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Inflation, aging infrastructure, public safety, Health, Human and Veterans Services (HHVS), and changing state and federal requirements continue to pressure the county budget.

   Meeting these challenges requires disciplined financial management. As Cass County Commissioner, I will listen first, ask questions, evaluate expenditures, prioritize essential services, improve efficiency, eliminate unnecessary costs, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

   2. Public safety, roads and bridges, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Health, Human and Veterans Services are core county responsibilities. Every department should seek efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize taxpayer value.

   Throughout my career, I have managed budgets and strategic planning. I will bring that same disciplined, common-sense approach to county government by evaluating expenditures, prioritizing essential services, and spending taxpayer dollars wisely.

   3. District 3’s diversity is a strength. Every community has unique priorities, and every voice needs to be heard. That is why I have been talking with residents across District 3 and asking the people in our townships and cites—the boots on the ground—what the county is doing right, where it needs to improve, and what they expect from their next county commissioner.

   Those conversations have reinforced my belief that good decisions begin with listening. I will work toward practical solutions that respect every community’s needs.

   4. My top three priorities reflect what I’ve heard across District 3. First, protecting taxpayers through responsible budgeting and sound financial management. Second, supporting the county’s core responsibilities—including public safety, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), roads, and infrastructure. Third, improving communication and collaboration throughout District 3.

   5. Why should voters choose me over my opponents? I bring more than 40 years of private-sector business experience managing budgets, solving problems, negotiating agreements, and making accountable decisions.

   I am not running with a political agenda. I am running to provide experienced, common-sense leadership, protect taxpayers, listen to the people of District 3, and help ensure every decision reflects the best interests of Cass County.

   I believe Cass County’s best days are ahead of us, and I am committed to helping build that future together. Together, we can make Cass County better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today.

   To learn more about my background and approach, please visit www.LundgrenForCassCounty.com.

Leslie Bouchonville

   1.  I believe over the next four years, Cass County’s biggest challenges will be holding the line on taxes, addressing workforce and housing shortages, supporting an aging population, improving public safety and mental health services, maintaining roads and infrastructure, and protecting our lakes and natural resources. As County Commissioner, I would focus on responsible budgeting, careful planning, practical housing partnerships, strong support for law enforcement and emergency services, better access to mental health and substance use resources, and long-term road maintenance. I would also work with townships, cities, lake associations, and residents to protect our rural way of life while keeping county government transparent, efficient, and accountable.

   2.  A County Commissioner has a responsibility to provide essential services while respecting the taxpayers who fund them. I would approach county spending with common sense, careful review, and long-term planning. Public safety, roads, health and human services, veterans’ services, and core county operations must be supported, but every budget decision should be looked at closely. I would ask whether spending is necessary, whether it is effective, and whether there are grants, partnerships, or efficiencies that can reduce the burden on taxpayers. My goal would be to protect essential services, avoid waste, plan, and make sure residents can clearly see how their tax dollars are being used.

   3. As County Commissioner I would listen to the whole district, not just the loudest voices. District 3 includes lakeshore owners, farmers, forestry interests, small businesses, families, seniors, and working residents, and each deserves a fair seat at the table. I would stay accessible, attend local meetings, communicate with cities and townships, and seek input before major county decisions are made. Fair representation means understanding how policies affect different parts of the district, balancing growth with rural values, and making decisions based on facts, common sense, and the long-term good of Cass County residents.

   4.  If elected, my top three priorities would be responsible county spending, strong essential services, and making sure District 3 has a clear voice in county decisions. Property taxes are a real concern, and I would work to review spending carefully, avoid waste, and protect taxpayers while still supporting roads, public safety, veterans’ services, and health and human services. I would also focus on practical solutions for housing, workforce needs, and rural infrastructure. Voters should choose me because I bring common sense, nonprofit leadership experience, and a long history of serving Cass County families and communities. I will listen, be accessible, and make decisions with honesty, transparency, and the long-term good of our residents in mind.

Fred Hage

   1. The greatest ongoing challenge is managing the financial pressures behind every decision a commissioner makes. Each decision should be guided by facts and a clear focus on the needs of the people. My life experience and education have prepared me to make sound choices that serve both residents and the county well.

   2. Essential services should be protected. A strong quality of life depends on affordability and the basic necessities residents rely on. Taxes should fund those needs, not be raised to support unnecessary programs.

   3. It is impossible to please everyone all the time, but I would focus on making fair, fact-based decisions that help those with the greatest needs. Businesses and tourism are key economic drivers in Cass County, so county decisions should support their continued growth and development. At the same time, I moved here for the water, woods and wildlife, and I will work to protect those natural resources whenever possible.

   4. Although it is difficult to limit my priorities to three, my primary focus would be HEW–health, education and welfare–along with fiscal management and affordability. Infrastructure and other important county concerns must also remain priorities. My life experience, record of successful performance and maturity have shaped a balanced approach to decision-making that has served people well. I begin with factual data, consider the issues carefully and work collaboratively with other commissioners. I believe this approach would be a valuable asset in representing District 3 as your next county commissioner. I humbly ask for your vote to represent the people of District 3.

Aaron Young

   1. I’m not going to assume that I would know our greatest challenge in the next four years. I do understand that there’s a couple of large building expenses needing to be addressed, recycling center and our jail. My experience as a building contractor would be a great asset to Cass County during this decision making time.  

   2. Property taxes are a big concern to many of the people who I’ve spoken to. I have great respect for a dollar that is taken from my neighbor’s pocket. I’m very aware that we need to fund the highway department, sheriff department, our school system, etc. The main functions of Cass County will need funded all while analyzing with great diligence all expenses, that Cass County residents receive the greatest value from each dollar.

   3. One of my core beliefs is that all men and women are created equal before the law. This belief within me will ensure that all residents and industry are equally represented by me.  

   4. When I decided to pursue the position of commissioner, I didn’t have an agenda. With having the opportunity of communicating daily the last while with the public it seems clear that these three things are needed: A balanced budget that doesn’t have a continuous high tax rate increase each year, property rights respected, and open communication between the people and their public servants!

   I look forward to hearing from you. Call or text (218) 820-6944.  

Find us on Facebook, Aaron Young for Cass County Commissioner.

District Four

Tyler Seifert

   1. The biggest challenge facing Cass County creating a responsible budget while dealing with rising costs. I would focus on transparency, prioritising essential services, and making sure tax payer dollars are being used wisely.

   2. I believe we need to hold county departments accountable for their spending and plans by setting clear expectations, reviewing budgets and improving transparency, we can provide essential services while using tax payers dollars responsibly.

   3. District four is diverse, and I believe every resident and industry deserves a seat at the table. I would listen to concerns from all parts of the district, consider different perspectives, and make balanced decisions that support our lakes, agriculture, forestry, small businesses and communities. Good representation comes from listening and being involved.

   4. My top priority would be real world budgeting, transparency, and accountability. I want to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely while maintaining the proper services the residents of Cass county deserve. Voters should choose me because I have experience in private business, local service, as a former county employee and have served on Northland Community School Board  since 2020 so I understand how government impacts residents, business owners/employees and our local schools.

Scott Thompson

   1. One of the largest challenges is to remain financially responsible while providing excellent services to the residents and visitors to Cass County. 

   Cass County has long been an excellent area in Minnesota to both live, raise a family and for others to visit. Cass County government has a fairly good reputation of providing adequate services and infrastructure to facilitate and assist in maintaining increased quality of life.

   2. A firm guidance is needed to insure that the taxpayer is getting the biggest bang for their buck and the dollars are being spent and utilized in the most efficient manner. Financial sources need to be constantly explored.

   3. Consistent outreach needs to be implemented with constituents in District 4, to have an understanding of needs of the individual residents, industries, and businesses, and how they can be better served. Immediate responses to calls, letters, and emails, addressing anyones concerns. Commissioners work for those who are in their districts and the county.

   4. My top priorities will be:

  •  To keep informed of what are the needs of those in District 4

  •  Inform and update District 4 residents of board actions in a timely fashion.

  •  Utilize common sense in dealing with problems and issues.

   I have almost 28 years experience working in Cass County, serving in the Sheriff’s office. I had continuing education in leadership and management during my career adding to my BA Degree.

Scott Bruns

   1. One of our biggest challenges is that the state and federal government keep asking counties to do more without providing funding to pay for it. At the same time, we have aging roads, bridges, and public buildings that need attention. My goal is to use every available state and federal dollar, look for grants whenever possible, and make local tax dollars the last option. Our board works with commissioners across Minnesota to fight for fair funding and make sure lawmakers understand how state decisions affect our local taxpayers. Every decision should be based on facts, careful planning, and what is best for our residents.

   2. My job is to make sure taxpayers get good value for every dollar. That means understanding what services are required, what is truly needed, and what can wait. While serving on many board committees, I ask questions, listen to staff and residents, and make informed decisions. Cass County had the sixth lowest tax rate in the state of Minnesota in 2025. We have worked hard to keep taxes among the lowest in Minnesota by focusing on priorities like roads, public safety, and partnerships that help people stay in their homes. I believe in keeping the government efficient, affordable, and out of people’s way whenever possible.

   3. District 4 includes lake communities, farms, small businesses and families from many different backgrounds. I believe the best decisions come from listening. I attend public meetings, seek input from residents and staff, and always consider how a decision will affect different parts of the county before voting. My goal is fair representation for everyone. 

   4. My priorities are to keep Cass County affordable, support local businesses, keep our communities healthy and safe, and continue working with our cities, townships, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to solve problems together. After 12 years as a commissioner, I still enjoy the work because it’s about helping our communities succeed. I bring experience, common sense, and commitment to listening before making decisions. I will continue to work hard to be a good steward of your tax dollars while keeping Cass County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

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