Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
  • Build your ballot before voting. Print or email the information to use as a reference when you actually vote.

We do not save your information; it will be lost when you leave this page. Only candidates that appear on your ballot will be listed. Additional information may be available for your area so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for other voters’ guides.

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Voter Guide

Bemidji City Council Member Ward 5

As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City Council

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Bill Batchelder
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Lynn Eaton
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)

What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)

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Campaign Website http://www.BillBatchelder.com
Contact Phone 218-368-3406
Facebook (Full URL) http://facebook.com/BemidjiW5
Campaign Twitter Handle @@billbatchelder5
Campaign Email bill.batchelder@hotmail.com
The Bemidji Community has blessed me with incredible opportunity to be successful. It is now my time to share with the residents of Bemidji my success. Working hard, listening, and doing the right thing are values that are core in my Heart.

I Was: Born in Bemidji I grew up in Bemidji I was educated in Bemidji I know the people of Bemidji I know the history of Bemidji I work in Bemidji I Love Bemidji I want Bemidji to be successful, safe, and comfortable for all, no matter your lot in life. “Bemidji First City of the Mississippi, Big enough to be convenient, Small enough to be comfortable.” Jim Stanton
#1. Working hard to expand the tax base in Bemidji. We are currently 4th in the state for tax exempt property, sitting at over 50% Tax Exempt, I will work hard to increase taxable property while maintaining our incredible non-profit tax exempt organizations. #2 Individual Home Ownership #3 Growth in oor Technology Park, Airport Park, and Industrial Park. #4 Public Safety, critical important for all our residents.
I want to hear the concerns of Citizens. Open-door policy, call or better yet stop by anytime. Most days you can find me at Bemidji Woolen Mills. I am a good listener.
I know first hand the importance of being transparent in governing. The utmost transparency is key in our form of government. Very much dislike back door deals.
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The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.