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

Backus City Council Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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.

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    Karl Flier
    (NP)

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    Nancy Foley
    (NP)

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    Troy A Risk
    (NP)

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    Austin Smith
    (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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I would bring a fresh perspective. I have been attending the council meetings for several years now, and I think follow up to concerns is imperative. Being respectful to citizens is a top priority. Everyone should be able to come to city council meetings and be treated courteously. I worked for 20 years in public schools, so I have experience working with people, finding creative solutions, and brainstorming. I would promote transparency and more community involvement
1. Transparency is an important issue. The City of Backus web site should be brought up to date. 2. Respect and professionalism at city meetings; it is important all voices can be heard. 3. Safety. I believe putting safety and well being of the citizens is a top priority . Working with police to address safety concerns for our town, and partnering with other county resources to assist as needed. Police reports on incidents involving violation of city ordinances should be addressed.
I want to make people feel like their concerns will be listened to and taken into account. Talking to residents on a one to one basis is a great way to listen to their concerns. As I ride my bike around town I have had a chance to meet many residents, and listen to what is important to them. However, too many of them feel like they won’t be listened to, so they won’t go to meetings. There should be more community involvement when addressing city concerns.
Establishing open communication channels, such as online platforms, where residents can voice their opinions, ask questions, and receive updates on local government activities. Update the city website with minutes every month, currently the last time it was updated was February. Include the city ordinances on website. The budget should also be on the website and public comments should be added to the budget meetings. Have the meetings on zoom so everyone can access the meetings.
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Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

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.