By Anna Erickson
aerickson@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Park Rapids mayoral candidates fielded questions from citizens at a League of Women Voters forum Thursday night.
Incumbent Mayor Pat Mikesh is being challenged by Pam Hauber.
Hauber grew up in Osage and graduated from Park Rapids High School and technical school in Detroit Lakes. She has an accounting background and works at Lamb Weston-RDO Frozen.
Mikesh served on the Park Rapids City Council for four years before becoming mayor two years ago. He works for Minnesota Energy Resources.
The candidates were asked to provide examples of situations that make them qualified to be mayor.
Mikesh said that during his time on the council he has worked to get a water treatment facility to provide safe water to people living in the city and has also worked to replace failing water and sewer lines.
Hauber outlined her experience working at Lamb Weston from the ground level up and having her own business previously.
As mayor, Mikesh was asked to describe his relationship with city employees.
“It’s great,” he said. In working with the gas company, Mikesh said he often ends up working with public works employees and the public.
Hauber was asked to describe the type of relationship she would like to have with city employees if she is elected.
“I would like to be very hands on from the administrator all the way down,” she said.
“Is Local Government Aid necessary?” the candidates were asked. “And how would you communicate the city’s needs with the state?”
“Yes, it’s very important,” Hauber said.
Mikesh agreed, but added that he’d like to see the city get away from relying on it.
The candidates were asked how they look at the city’s Capital Improvement Plan and balance needs and wants.
Mikesh said a plan is necessary but it needs to be modified if something goes wrong and needs fixing sooner.
“If we have another 11-month winter,” he joked, “the budget gets shot.”
Hauber said that sometimes projects need to be pushed back but sometimes that can end up costing more in the long run.
“We need to work with the people,” she said.
A forum for Menahga School Board will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Menahga School Media Center, access from Cedar Avenue SE. Invited to participate are Andrea Haverinen, Ernest Huhta Jr., Jon Kangas and Durwin Tomperi. The public is encouraged to submit questions in advance but no later than noon Tuesday, Oct. 21 to
prapidsleague@gmail.com
.
A forum for Menahga Mayor will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Menahga School Media Center, with access from Cedar Avenue SE. Invited to participate are Mayor Pat Foss and challenger Jensine Kurtti. The public is encouraged to submit questions in advance but no later than noon Friday, Oct. 24 to
prapidsleague@gmail.com
.
Questions also may be submitted at the events.
