Candidate Forums

White Bear Lake Area School Board, District #624, September 12, 2026

School Board candidates Dan Arcand, Colleen Berquist, Amanda McFarlane, Amy Puschinsky, Chris Streif Oji, and Ryan Vernosh answer voter questions. A written statement from candidate Robert Krominga is read during the forum and one from candidate Melissa Roberts is included at the conclusion of the forum. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below: (opens in new tab)

0:00(opens in new tab) Forum overview (opens in new tab)

2:30(opens in new tab) Candidate opening statements (opens in new tab)

13:04(opens in new tab) Let’s start with the Role of School Boards. In general, school board members are elected officials who govern a local school district by setting its overall vision, policies and budget and by hiring the superintendent. They also listen to community concerns, represent the values of local taxpayers and families, and communicate district updates to the public. School boards are not involved with day-to-day school operations, staff management, or classroom teaching decisions. These are left to the superintendent and professional administrators. Given this overview…

13:43(opens in new tab) Question 1) What do you think is the White Bear Lake district’s greatest strength? How, as a school board member, will you build on that? (opens in new tab)

19:20(opens in new tab) Question 2) What is the district’s greatest challenge? How, as a school board member, can you improve that area? (opens in new tab)

25:13(opens in new tab) Question 3) What role should the school board play in making sure all students and staff feel safe, respected, able to be themselves, and thrive at school? (opens in new tab)

31:25(opens in new tab) Question 4) How should success be measured for a school district? (opens in new tab)

37:20(opens in new tab) Question 5) How would you respond to parents’ questions about what is being taught in classrooms or what is available in school libraries? (opens in new tab)

43:14(opens in new tab) Question 6) Minnesota's Permanent School Fund was established when Minnesota became a state in 1858. It was created to support public education through money generated from school trust lands and investments held for the benefit of Minnesota students. This November, the ballot asks whether to amend the state constitution to modernize the distribution of these existing funds to schools without raising individual income or property taxes. If this amendment passes, how should the school board identify priorities and make its budget decisions for the additional money this change will bring?

49:16(opens in new tab) Question 7) Name the most recent committee or board you sat on that had decision-making authority. How did this committee ensure that meetings were fair, collaborative, and efficient? And how did you communicate a committee’s decisions to the public when it ran counter to your personal perspective?

55:45(opens in new tab) Question 8) What fiscal experience and expertise will you bring to your role as a school board member?

1:01:10(opens in new tab) Candidate Closing statements (opens in new tab)

1:07:37(opens in new tab) After the forum was completed on September 12, we learned that circumstances had developed that prevented one of the candidates from attending. That candidate had intended to participate in the forum.

So that voters can hear from all candidates, we are amending the recording of the forum to introduce voters to Melissa Roberts. Candidate Roberts has submitted to us her opening statement which I would like to read to you now on her behalf.

Our thanks to Suburban Community Channels for recording the forum and this addendum.

Stillwater School District #834 Board Candidate Forum, September 12, 2026

School Board candidates Ashley Cegielski, Zack Dinzeo, Amilee Ellis, Jillien Haroldson, Pete Kelzenberg, Christopher Lauer, Alison Sherman and Elizabeth Taylor-Shiro, answer voter questions. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00(opens in new tab) Forum overview

2:30(opens in new tab) Candidate opening statements (opens in new tab)

11:19(opens in new tab) Question 1 Introduction. In general, school board members are elected community officials who govern a local school district by setting its overall vision, policies, budget and by hiring the superintendent. They also listen to community concerns, represent the values of local taxpayers and families, and communicate district updates to the public. School boards are not involved with day-to-day school operations, staff management, or classroom teaching decisions. These are left to the superintendent and professional administrators. What is the district’s greatest challenge? And how will you work to meet it?

21:40(opens in new tab) Question 2) How should success be measured for a school district? (opens in new tab)

30:45(opens in new tab) Question 3) What from your background prepares you to be a school board member? And specifically, what fiscal experience and expertise do you bring to the role? (opens in new tab)

40:02(opens in new tab) Question 4) Minnesota's Permanent School Fund was established when Minnesota became a state. It was created to support public education through money generated from school trust lands and investments held for the benefit of Minnesota students. This November’s ballot contains the question of whether to amend the state constitution in order to modernize the distribution of these funds to schools without raising individual income or property taxes. If it does pass, how should the school board identify priorities and make budget decisions for the additional money this change would bring? (opens in new tab)

48:25(opens in new tab) Question 5) How would you respond to parents’ questions about what is being taught in classrooms and what is available in school libraries?

57:43(opens in new tab) Question 6) How should the school board best learn about the concerns and day-to-day experience of high school students, so that all students are heard?

1:07:10(opens in new tab) Candidate Closing Statements

Stillwater City Council Ward One Candidate Forum, September 12, 2026

Candidates Ryan Collins and Brett Lee Olson answer voter questions. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00(opens in new tab) Forum overview (opens in new tab)

2:06(opens in new tab) Candidate opening statements (opens in new tab)

5:15(opens in new tab) Question 1) Let’s start with an overview question: if elected, what will be your top priority for the Council and how would you move this forward?

8:15(opens in new tab) Question 2) Many Stillwater residents feel the Council prioritizes downtown businesses over the needs of residents. How can the City make our downtown more accessible and friendly to residents? (opens in new tab)

10:40(opens in new tab) Question 3) The City recently accepted a Parks Master Plan. Do you feel all residents have adequate access to parks and green spaces? What ideas might you have to increase park usage? (opens in new tab)

13:33(opens in new tab) Question 4) Do you support the change in parking regulations for permits for residents, seniors and employees? Please explain your reasoning. (opens in new tab)

17:00(opens in new tab) Question 5) Stillwater is proud of its history and proud to be part of the St Croix Crossing Loop Trail. However, the usage and rehabilitation of the Bergenstein Shoddy Mill property appears to be “stuck”. How might you help to bring consensus so the project could move forward? (opens in new tab)

19:15(opens in new tab) Question 6) Some Minnesota communities are removing Flock cameras, which take rear photos of passing cars. They record the license plates, vehicle make, model, color, and even unique features like bumper stickers or scratches. Some people have asked the council to address the issue of using these cameras in the city. Where do you stand?

22:58(opens in new tab) Question 7) What community volunteering or activities have you participated in that you feel have contributed to making Stillwater a better place to live? (opens in new tab)

26:06(opens in new tab) Question 8) Do you support the installation of solar arrays for City buildings? Which City facilities would you give priority to?

28:05(opens in new tab) Question 9) Do you think the city should play a role in immigration enforcement? (opens in new tab)

29:49(opens in new tab) Question 10) Do you have plans to protect transsexual people from violence and harassment? (opens in new tab)

31:24(opens in new tab) Question 11) Do you support the Washington County ballot issue to float bonds for the Land and Water Legacy program? If a constituent objects to the ßtax increase this requires, how would you answer him or her? (opens in new tab)

33:29(opens in new tab) Question 12) Is there another issue facing the Stillwater City Council that we have not addressed? Tell us what it is and how you would address it. (opens in new tab)

36:04(opens in new tab) Candidate Closing Statements

MN State Senate Districts 36, September 5, 2026

Candidates Heather Gustafson and Heidi Heino answer voter questions. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00(opens in new tab) Forum overview (opens in new tab)

3:13(opens in new tab) Candidate opening statements (opens in new tab)

7(opens in new tab):05(opens in new tab) Question 1) Let’s start with an overview question: if elected, what will be your top legislative priorities and how would you act on them? (opens in new tab)

10:05(opens in new tab) Question 2) Minnesota is now expected to have a budget surplus of $377 million for fiscal year 2028-29. It is not the multibillion-dollar deficit that was projected last year. However, analysts caution there is a structural imbalance. Spending growth, especially in health care and education, is expected to outpace revenue growth. What would be your priorities in obtaining a structurally balanced budget? (opens in new tab)

12:47(opens in new tab) Question 3) Federal and state mandates have shifted administrative costs to counties, resulting in property tax increases. Do you have ideas for how the State Legislature can provide property tax relief for homeowners in our district? (opens in new tab)

16:10(opens in new tab) Question 4) Many Minnesota families say they're struggling in this economy. Is there legislation you would support to ease their burdens?

19:35(opens in new tab) Question 5) The number of Minnesotans without health insurance is increasing, and Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at two to three times the rate of white women. Is there specific legislation you plan to introduce or support to address both the coverage gap and the disparities driving poor outcomes for some of our Minnesota residents? (opens in new tab)

23:10(opens in new tab) Question 6) The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities face significant funding gaps, which will lead to increases in undergraduate tuition. Tuition is expected to rise by 6.8% for the State Colleges and Universities system and by 3.8% for the U along with program cuts. In addition, funding shortfalls across state financial aid programs are expected to hurt student access. What will be your priorities for responding to the funding needs of these institutions and to preserving student access?

27:12(opens in new tab) Question 7) Data center development has become a hot button issue in local communities around the country. Does the State Legislature have a role in this development in Minnesota?

30:15(opens in new tab) Question 8) Both parties in the last legislative session agreed to cut $420 million from state general education funding for fiscal year 2028-29. How will this affect District 36 school districts and its taxpayers? (opens in new tab)

33:30(opens in new tab) Question 9) Last session, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive bill with firearm restrictions and measures to increase protection for children in schools. In the House, the bill was not brought to the floor. Will you support this bill or one with similar provisions in the upcoming session if it comes to the Senate? Please explain your reasoning. (opens in new tab)

36:53(opens in new tab) Question 10) Fraud has become an issue in statewide government programs. What legislative actions do you support to strengthen state, county and local safeguards on fraud?

40:14(opens in new tab) Question 11) Confidence in election results is an issue that is splitting the state along partisan lines. As a member of the legislature, what additional measures, if any, would you support to ensure voter confidence in our elections? (opens in new tab)

43:14(opens in new tab) Question 12) If state government is again split between the two political parties, how do you plan to work with members from the other party, or those who hold different values and experiences from you, to pass policy and spending bills?

46:50(opens in new tab) Candidate closing statements

Minnesota House District 36A and 36B, September 5, 2026

House District 36A candidate Jim Demay; and House District 36B candidates Patty Bradway and Brion Curran answer voter questions. The forum is divided into sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below: (opens in new tab)

0:00(opens in new tab) Forum overview (opens in new tab)

3:15(opens in new tab) Candidate Opening Statements (opens in new tab)

7:41(opens in new tab) Question 1) Let’s start with an overview question: if elected, what will be your top legislative priorities and how would you act on them? (opens in new tab)

12:08(opens in new tab) Question 2) Minnesota is now expected to have a budget surplus of $377 million for fiscal year 2028-29. It is not the multibillion-dollar deficit that was projected last year. However, analysts caution there is a structural imbalance. Spending growth, especially in health care and education, is expected to outpace revenue growth. What would be your priorities in obtaining a structurally balanced budget?

17:52(opens in new tab) Question 3) Federal and state mandates have shifted administrative costs to counties, resulting in property tax increases. Do you have ideas for how the State Legislature can provide property tax relief for homeowners in our district? (opens in new tab)

22:19(opens in new tab) Question 4) Many Minnesota families say they're struggling in this economy. Is there legislation you would support to ease their burdens?

27:18(opens in new tab) Question 5) Governor Walz recently signed an executive order blocking copper-nickel sulfide mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. However, that order could be rescinded by the next governor. The Legislature could pass permanent protection for State owned lands in the Rainy River Watershed. So you support legislation to continue prohibiting copper-nickel sulfide mining? Please explain your reasoning. (opens in new tab)

31:58(opens in new tab) Question 6) Both parties in the last legislative session agreed to cut $420 million from state general education funding for fiscal year 2028-29. How will this affect District 36 school districts and its taxpayers? (opens in new tab)

36:54(opens in new tab) Question 7) The high cost of child care for working parents coupled with low pay for child care workers has created a crisis for families and child care providers alike. What concrete steps will you take to address access to quality, affordable child care? (opens in new tab)

41:14(opens in new tab) Question 8) Last session, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive bill with firearm restrictions and measures to increase protection for children in schools. In the House, the bill was not brought to the floor. Will you support this bill or one with similar provisions in the upcoming session if it comes to the Senate? Please explain your reasoning. (opens in new tab)

45:35(opens in new tab) Question 9) Every person affected by immigration enforcement in Minnesota — whether a longtime resident, a small business owner, a student or a family member, regardless of citizenship — carries full human dignity. As our state legislator, how would you ensure that federal immigration policy reflects that dignity for every person it touches? (opens in new tab)

50:58(opens in new tab) Question 10) The number of Minnesotans without health insurance is increasing, and Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at two to three times the rate of white women. Is there specific legislation you plan to introduce or support to address both the coverage gap and the disparities driving poor outcomes for some of our Minnesota residents?

55:58(opens in new tab) Question 11) Confidence in election results is an issue that is splitting the State along partisan lines. As a member of the Legislature, what additional measures, if any, would you support to ensure voter confidence in our elections?

1:01:15(opens in new tab) Question 12) If State government is again split between two parties, how do you plan to work with members of the other political party or those who hold different values and experiences than you to pass policy and spending bills? (opens in new tab)

1:06:08(opens in new tab) Candidate Closing Statements

Judicial 10th District Court, Seat 38, Washington County, July 11, 2026

Candidates Mack Guptil, Ben Lacy and Rebecca A. Waxse answer voter questions.

The two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes in the August 11th primary will proceed to the general election in November. The forum is divided into sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00 Forum overview

2:35 Candidate opening statements

7:14 Question 1: In your own words, describe the three key roles and responsibilities of a district court judge.

11:34 Question 2: What do you think are the two or three biggest challenges for the District Court and what would you do to address them?

16:37 Question 3: What percentage of your legal career has been spent practicing in this specific Minnesota Judicial District, and how does that familiarity prepare you for this seat?

21:37 Question 4: Given that District Court handles criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters, how would you efficiently get up to speed on areas of law you have not heavily practiced?

26:36 Question 5: How would you describe your judicial philosophy and how would it guide your work as a judge?

31:29 Question 6: Many people believe that our criminal justice system does not provide equal justice for all. Is that a large problem and if so, how can the court address that concern?

36:38 Question 7: How do you intend to maintain a visible connection to the local community while strictly adhering to the ethical boundaries required of a sitting judge?

41:29 Question 8: How do you plan to manage a caseload and prioritize cases so they are heard in a timely manner?

46:32 Question 9: How would you handle a situation where your personal beliefs conflict with established law or legal precedent? Can you use an example?

51:19 Question 10: What are the most pressing community issues related to the courts and law enforcement?

56:10 Question 11: How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?

1:01:10 Question 12: How would you maintain courtroom decorum in a highly contentious and emotional case?

1:06:15 Candidate Closing Statements

Washington County Sheriff Primary June 27, 2026

Candidates Jeremy Bolen, Henry Mathia, and Brian R. Mueller

answer questions. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00 Forum Introduction

2:50 Candidate Opening Statements

7:01 Question 1: What do you see as the most challenging issue for the Sheriff’s Department and what actions would you take to address the challenge?

11:57 Question 2: What role, if any, do you think that the Sheriff’s department should play in immigration enforcement? If there is a role, how should this be balanced with all the department’s other duties to continue to ensure local public safety?

17:07 Question 3: There are eight counties in Minnesota that have entered into contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) per section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Washington County is not one of them. What is your position on whether the county should enter into a 287(g) contract and train officers and legally empower them to enforce federal immigration laws on behalf of the federal government? Why or why not?

21:34 Question 4: Work in law enforcement can be stressful and increases the risk of some chronic diseases. As Sheriff, what steps will you take to proactively support the physical and mental well-being of your staff?

26:54 Question 5: In terms of responding to someone in crisis in the community, what steps can be taken to de-escalate a mental health crisis and reduce the risk of violent outcomes, injury or death?

32:38 Question 6: What are the actions you would take to promote racial awareness, address implicit bias, and strengthen relationships with diverse communities in Washington County?

37:27 Question 7: What can law enforcement do to minimize gun violence and increase community safety?

42:38 Question 8: A press release from the Sheriff dated Feb. 4, 2026, indicated that the department’s Drug Task Force has been investigating and pursuing sex and labor trafficking crimes. How pervasive is this problem in Washington County, and what more, if anything, can the department do to investigate and arrest the individuals involved?

48:10 Question 9: The Sheriff’s Department has seen an increase in the number of calls and complaints relating to e-bikes such as accidents, near-crashes and unsafe riding in public parks. What steps do you think the department should take to address e-bike safety?

52:25 Candidates Closing Statements