Kettle River Mayor Candidates

David Lucas (I)

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I have spent four years in the Marine Corps, five years in the Minnesota National Guard. I've lived and worked in the community for the last 24 yrs and the past 6 yrs as Mayor of Kettle River.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

Because I care for the wellbeing of the community and so I can continue to serve and keep moving the city in a positive direction.

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

The City needs to upgrade its infrastructure. Currently the City has been awarded $600,000 from the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) for improvements to the wastewater and potable drinking water facility. We also have been earmarked $1 million through the House of Representatives but we are awaiting the final review process from the legislature and presidential signature. We are continuing to work with the city engineer to secure more grant funding from State and Federal sources, which Councilor Doward voted against.

The second issue is the continued vandalism within the City. The first set of security cameras failed and we need to install a more reliable security system and work with law enforcement to be able to hold the individuals accountable.

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

As Mayor I've shown leadership, composure and steadfastness as the City Council has been under attack by continuous lawsuits against city staff and council members (which all have been dismissed), along with false allegations, misinformation and slander by Councilor Doward.

Why should people vote for you?

I've shown my leadership by being unwavered by all the distractions the past two years and volunteering my time when the city didn't have a full time maintenance employee last summer.

Jesse L. Kemp

Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications.

I've been in Kettle River for quite awhile. I'm very business oriented and I can come up with ideas that would benefit our town.

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

I don't like wasting money on stuff that doesn't need to be done. Change is good.

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

City debt is one issue. I would focus on growth and getting us out of debt. I would look into grants to help fix things up. I'd support people who wanted to bring businesses here, which would also help pay down city debt. I believe the elected officials have been spending too much money. I think we could make better financial decisions.

Also citizens need to be more involved in decisions and go to the meetings and voice their opinions. As mayor, I'd make sure they're treated with respect and listen to them when they have something to say.

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

I haven't seen anything that would be positive.

Why should people vote for you?

I would be a voice for change and work to get us out of debt.