Carlton County Commissioner Candidates

DISTRICT 1: Sarah Buhs

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

As a lifelong Carlton County resident working in public safety, healthcare, and community service, I'm dedicated to community well-being. Leadership, resilience, and passion for public service drives my commitment to positively impacting Carlton County. Learn why I am determined to be a Carlton County District 1 Commissioner at sarahplantebuhs.com.

What made you decide to run for Carlton County commissioner this year?

I'm concerned about rising taxes and stagnant economic growth. I'm confident I can positively impact our county through my desire to see our community prosper.

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

Two of the top issues facing Carlton County are high taxes and limited growth. The impact of high taxes is particularly challenging for community members struggling to cover basic needs, especially with the increased cost of goods due to inflation. Retired individuals on fixed incomes are also significantly affected and we must not continue to place a larger burden on the same group of taxpayers. Economic development is vital in tackling both issues. By expanding the tax base, we can mitigate the impact of high taxes and foster improved financial stability for residents.

Additionally, a focus on housing development will attract more families to the area, encouraging population growth and enabling a more vibrant community. By promoting economic development initiatives, we can generate opportunities for businesses to thrive, leading to overall growth and prosperity in Carlton County.

Highlight one of the biggest issues in your individual district and how you would work on it.

One significant issue in District 1 is housing scarcity. I aim to collaborate closely with the city of Cloquet and the County to increase housing availability. By working together in a unified effort, we can address the housing shortage and ensure that more residents have access to affordable and suitable housing options in our community. Development of single family and multi-family housing will also lead to jobs, an expanded tax base, and overall economic growth.

What do you think is the role of the county in helping underserved communities gain access to high-speed internet?

The County can act as an advocate for our residents to ensure that residents in underserved communities gain access to high-speed internet. Sourcing grant funds, engaging with state and federal lawmakers, and utilizing collaborative efforts with other counties will help the county solve this challenge.

As a commissioner, how would you contain rising costs while also providing necessary (even mandated) services?

The taxpayers of the district deserve county commissioners who are responsible stewards of their money. This means ensuring that expenditures are necessary, they benefit our county as a whole and are meaningful to provide the critical services we rely on. Economic growth will be a key to containing rising costs: if we have a wider base to spread out the costs, all of us will pay less, or have a better chance of leveling off our cost to maintain services.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well by the county over the past four years.

County leaders and administration worked diligently to lobby for the additional $10 million state funding for the Justice Center Building. This is an example of an effort that shifted the burden away from the local taxpayers.

Why should people vote for you?

I am dedicated to my community, with proven leadership, community involvement, and a vision for positive change. I am invested in economic prosperity and practical solutions to address our local needs. I will listen, take action, and truly represent your voice to ensure a safe and healthy community.

Caleb Dunlap

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

With years of experience overseeing budgets and programs in public health, housing, and youth development, plus nearly a decade at Amazon advancing global economic initiatives, I offer a blend of local commitment and global insight. I've built strong relationships across government levels and am dedicated to solutions for Carlton County.

What made you decide to run for Carlton County commissioner this year?

I saw opportunity for new representation and to help residents of District 1 engage in county politics, creating positive change for current and future generations.

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

Taxation: We need to get creative with spending the revenue we have and develop a long-term plan for infrastructure and programming, ensuring we don't continuously place the burden on taxpayers. I'd even explore freezing tax rates for certain groups, especially our retirees, to ease financial pressure. Housing: Affordable and diverse housing options are crucial, especially for our aging population. Many seniors are living in large homes and would like to downsize but are restricted by rising costs and limited housing availability. My focus would be on expanding housing opportunities across the county to provide more options for all residents.

Highlight one of the biggest issues in your individual district and how you would work on it.

Housing is a major concern, along with creating safe routes to schools and preserving green spaces. I would work with local and tribal leaders to address these issues by prioritizing smart development and ensuring our infrastructure meets community needs.

What do you think is the role of the county in helping underserved communities gain access to high-speed internet?

The county must support high-speed internet because it's essential for education, work, and attracting remote workers. Reliable internet can drive economic growth by encouraging people to live and work in our county.

As a commissioner, how would you contain rising costs while also providing necessary (even mandated) services?

I'd pursue creative revenue strategies and ensure regular audits of county departments to monitor spending and maintain accountability. Additionally, selling tax-forfeited land can increase taxable revenue, and collaboration with city and tribal partners on infrastructure projects can reduce costs while improving services.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well by the county over the past four years.

The county's Restorative Justice program is a standout. It gives young offenders the chance to address underlying issues and correct their actions, helping them avoid criminal records that could limit their potential as adults.

Why should people vote for you?

I have a proven ability to work with diverse teams and overcome challenges, as seen in my roles with the Fond du Lac Band and Amazon. I'm committed to listening to District 1 residents and advocating for their needs, and I'm actively door-knocking to understand what matters most to them.

DISTRICT 5:Dan Reed

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

Born and raised in Carlton County, I love this area of the world. Self-employed most of my life, I have worked at the Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center to the Alaska Pipeline and finally the Volunteer Attorney Program in Duluth. On numerous boards, accenting on volunteerism and local history.

What made you decide to run for Carlton County commissioner this year?

I covered the county board for most of 20 years for two newspapers and was not afraid to ask hard questions on their spending plans.

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

The Justice Center has now been built. The cost of the manpower to run it will call for a long discussion. Programming to reduce recidivism in the jail population has been documented well in the earlier jail study. It would be a shame to invest so much money in the building and not have enough funded staff to provide for the proposed programming. The women's 16-bed wing will handle regional needs and that burden hopefully will be shared by counties that have their people at the Justice Center.

I view the county as a mix of heavily populated areas with large rural areas that have lost population as the farming activity has diminished. We are all in the same boat. An improving road system provides avenues to travel safely to jobs and to buy goods and services. Upgrading roads is one part of local economic development. Good broadband service whether in Cloquet or the northwest corner of Beseman Township is another part of economic development. Our small towns need restaurants and small businesses to hold their communities together. Businesses run from the home are possible with good broadband that in turn makes good paying jobs possible.

Highlight one of the biggest issues in your individual district and how you would work on it.

An unsafe, 8-mile stretch of Hwy. 73 south of Cromwell has been neglected for scores of years. The condition of that road cripples our effort to get more economic activity in Western Carlton County. It is a major corridor of commerce that hurts the Moose Lake business and tourist trade but also stifles growth in Cromwell and Kettle River. I am committed to help the Hwy 73 Action Committee lobby for Federal 80 percent funding and State 20 percent funding. The committee is waiting for a final report for reconstruction of Hwy 73 and are ready to lobby.

What do you think is the role of the county in helping underserved communities gain access to high-speed internet?

Good high-speed internet equalizes opportunities for all our people to succeed. A major focus of our county's economic development commission is to find funding, regardless of the provider, to find workable solutions and implement them. Follow the lead of successful initiatives in Automba and Lakeview Townships, and create answers.

As a commissioner, how would you contain rising costs while also providing necessary (even mandated) services?

Every county department should be held accountable for the public funds they expend. The county's board of commissioners must constantly ask the question "why." New economic development helps offset the impact of rising costs. Good broadband for all to spur home-based businesses is one key. New homes in rural areas come when the upgrades of our current road network are realized. Good feeder roads in our rural areas strengthen the case for building homes or doing small businesses. These good roads can shorten the time rural residents use to go to work or get goods and services. The result is people living a healthy, rural lifestyle and spreading economic activity throughout every corner of our county. This spreads out the tax burden for all.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well by the county over the past four years.

The Justice Center replaces the old, obsolete jail after about 10 years of study and planning. The project was very expensive but probably was handled well by the county. Grants from the Legislature and funding through a half-cent sales tax kept most of the burden off the property tax levy.

Why should people vote for you?

I have been tempered by a lifetime of public service and also focused on a strong need to volunteer. My view of the world is that Western Carlton County is my neighborhood; all of Carlton County is my neighborhood. I can represent all of you in each decision made.

Alex French

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I grew up and reside in Cromwell. My accounting degree and management minor are from University of Nebraska-Omaha. I work in Cloquet as an accountant, focusing on individual and business tax planning/preparation. I am on Cromwell City Council and the Northwest Carlton County Ambulance District board, serving as treasurer.

What made you decide to run for Carlton County commissioner this year?

Serving on the aforementioned boards and being a part of growth and positive changes is rewarding. This is an opportunity to impact a larger group.

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

Property taxes continuing to rise is a major issue. Costs are not likely to go down significantly. The preliminary levy for 2025 was set at roughly 3 percent and all things considered, that's not out of line. We need to reduce the taxes paid by individual property owners, so we need to increase our tax base. The county should pursue willing private investors to increase single and multi-family housing units, look to sell forfeited properties to taxpaying owners and be a willing partner for new businesses. If the Talon project in Tamarack comes to fruition, District 5 will likely see a boost in population. We need to be prepared for that.

Public safety is another top priority. The residents of District 5 do not ask for much. We want to be safe at home, to be able to get to work without dodging potholes/snow drifts and when an emergency occurs, we want great people coming to help. Those expectations are non-negotiables in my opinion.

The Sheriff's Office and Transportation Department need the full support of the Commissioners. Those people do an extremely difficult job and I will work with and for them so they can do their best work.

Highlight one of the biggest issues in your individual district and how you would work on it.

The challenge of providing rural fire and ambulance services. District 5 is lucky to have several solid volunteer departments. Unfortunately, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements are down, leaving it on taxpayers to cover operating costs through property taxes. In 2023, Minnesota allocated $24 million to help fund rural EMS. We find out later this year how much departments will receive. I will work with elected state officials in St. Paul to increase that funding and make them recurring. Income taxes in Minnesota are brutal. Those dollars should be spent to provide life-saving services instead of leaning even heavier on property owners.

What do you think is the role of the county in helping underserved communities gain access to high-speed internet?

Federal and state grants are available for high-speed infrastructure. The $1.27 million 2023 Border to Border grant impacted 500-plus households/businesses in the townships of Barnum, Moose Lake, Eagle and Lakeview. Working to secure tax dollars already earmarked for internet makes more sense than relying strictly on county money.

As a commissioner, how would you contain rising costs while also providing necessary (even mandated) services?

By thoroughly reviewing financial details, asking questions and offering alternatives/ideas to reduce spending. Investing in technology can increase convenience, efficiency and reduce travel expenses. Working with different departments to understand needs versus wants and being willing to say 'no' without compromising quality. Wages and insurance are ever rising and finding appropriate staffing levels is a delicate balance. As positions open up due to retirements, resignations, etc., difficult conversations need to be had about filling the role or finding more budget friendly alternatives. Quality people make the county run and they need to be compensated appropriately. However, if there are ways to simplify and/or automate processes to make the employees lives easier and reduce the number of hours required, those need to be explored.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well by the county over the past four years.

The Moose Lake Police Department closing was tough. Public safety and police support are top priorities of mine. The Sheriff's Office and county stepping in may not have been everyone's desired resolution. I hope Moose Lake residents have peace of mind knowing the quality of service did not go backwards.

Why should people vote for you?

Our area is special. I was raised here and plan on staying here. My education, community involvement and professional background has prepared me to serve voters and their families. Ultimately, I want Carlton County to thrive without becoming unaffordable and be a place families are proud to call home!