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.

Sauk Rapids City Mayor

The mayor is usually the head of the city and may represent the city in front of other government bodies. They also can preside at council meetings and appoint city workers. A mayor usually has a role in proposing a city budget which influences services provided to residents and can veto ordinances proposed by the city council.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for Mayor

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

    Jason Ellering
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Nicholas Sauer
    (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)

If elected, what strategies will you use to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in city government under your leadership? (500 characters)

How will you engage with residents to solicit feedback, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard? (500 characters)

How will you approach public safety and community policing to ensure the well-being of all residents? (500 characters)

For the past eight years, I have been a dedicated member of our city council, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to improving our community. My proven leadership skills have allowed me to advocate for initiatives that promote equitable growth while actively working to reduce the tax burden on residents. I believe that a thriving city must balance economic development with the well-being of its citizens. As Mayor, I will lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that every decision reflects the best interests of our community and paves the way for a brighter future. Together, we can build a city that works for everyone.
If elected as Mayor, my top priorities will be ensuring the city’s financial stability, enhancing our infrastructure, and supporting our police and fire departments. I will focus on responsible fiscal management to promote sustainable growth while minimizing the tax burden on residents. Prioritizing the improvement of roads, utilities, and public facilities will enhance the quality of life for all. I am very committed to providing our police and fire departments with the resources they need.
If elected, I will continue to prioritize and enhance community engagement at city meetings, work sessions, and all public forums. I will aim to establish a reporting process that allows members of our various subcommittees to provide regular status updates on their projects, ensuring transparency in the decisions made at the council level. Additionally, I will ensure that regular audits of the city's finances and procedures are maintained, reinforcing accountability and responsible governance.
I will engage with residents by being accessible and present in the community. For the past eight years, my contact information has been readily available, allowing residents to reach out anytime with their issues or concerns. I plan to continue this practice and explore ways to expand accessibility further. By prioritizing transparency and actively involving the community, I aim to ensure that every voice is not only heard but valued in shaping our city’s future.
Public safety has always been a cornerstone of my campaigns. Supporting our police and fire departments—through thoughtful policy decisions and adequate financial resources—will remain a top priority for me as Mayor. I also believe that cultivating strong relationships between public safety professionals and the community is essential. I am committed to fostering this connection, ensuring that our first responders have the support they need while building trust and collaboration with residents.
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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.