Kettle River Council Candidates (elect two)

Marcia Sarvela

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I have lived in Kettle River since 1988 and have been active in city activities for many years. I have been attending the council meetings monthly for many years so I am familiar with the current issues.

What made you decide to run for mayor/city council this year?

There was no one filing to run except the incumbent, and I felt we needed someone to run against her.

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

One of the current issues is the large amount of legal fees the city had to endure because of one individual. I feel that by running for office, I can look into ways to reduce the cost to the city. Another issue is false information being spread. I would only speak the facts.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

I feel that the city has had a lot of drama at the meetings and handled some issues against the council members well.

Why should people vote for you?

I feel that I have a good knowledge of current issues. I am truthful. I have been active in city activities for many years and have helped bring income into the city in various ways, including as a Ma & Pa Kettle Days organizer.

Monique Annette Doward (I)

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I bring over a decade of public service experience and a track record as the first minority person elected to the Kettle River City Council. My leadership has focused on promoting transparency, uncovering corruption, and safeguarding public funds. I'm committed to protecting the interests of all residents and ensuring accountability.

What made you decide to run for mayor/city council this year?

I'm running to dismantle the corruption and favoritism that have quietly shaped Kettle River's leadership. There's more to uncover; I'm committed to bringing transparency.

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

The first issue is the lack of oversight in assessing fees to residents' properties without proper council review. Recently, a city employee attempted to assess a significant fee to an elderly resident's property without any ordinance to justify the action. This is unacceptable, and the council failed to step in, leaving residents vulnerable to unjust charges. I will fight to ensure that every fee assessment is transparent, thoroughly reviewed by the council, and based on legitimate ordinances, preventing any abuse of power.

The second issue is the redevelopment of our city. Kettle River has incredible potential, but we currently lack the thriving businesses needed to create a vibrant community. This can only be achieved with a functioning, transparent council that prioritizes economic growth. I will work with local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and developers to create a business-friendly environment that will strengthen our local economy and provide jobs for our residents.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

Over the past two years, I've worked hard to keep the public informed about how their tax dollars are being spent. Even though some council members resisted, I made sure to point out questionable spending and backroom deals. By doing this, I've helped bring more honesty to our local government. My goal is to keep holding officials accountable and to make sure everyone knows where their money is going.

Why should people vote for you?

I stand for honesty, fairness, and putting an end to corruption in Kettle River. While others have ignored unethical actions, I've fought to protect your tax dollars and demand accountability. I'm committed to serving everyone in our community-not just a few insiders. It's time for real change.

Laura Simi

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I'm involved in the community, I make all the meetings and I'm not even a councilor right now - that's more than I can say for the incumbent that's in there right now who is running again. I volunteer as much as possible, and I care deeply.

What made you decide to run for city council this year?

Because of the drama and the negativity of the incumbent councilor that's running.

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

Taxes is one issue. I would see what we can do about enticing more businesses or citizens to help lower them. I know they're working on a new water system and I hope to see that take place. And I'd like to see the negativity spread by a certain councilor go away, and turn Kettle River back into the cute little town it used to be.

Elaborate on an issue you think was handled well in your city over the past two years.

The council did a good job hiring the engineers for the water pumps in town. That was good.

Why should people vote for you?

Because I care and I'm honest.

Patricia Lund

The Pine Knot News reached Patricia Lund by phone. Ms. Lund said she changed her mind and is not running for Kettle River city council. Her name will still appear on the ballot, however.