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.

Elko New Market 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

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  • Candidate picture

    Josh Berg
    (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)

Campaign Email jdb1774@gmail.com
I first ran for City Council because I believed that if you care about your community, you should step up and help make it better. Over the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of serving Elko New Market and helping guide important decisions that have shaped our city's growth and future. As a husband, father of three, and longtime resident, I care deeply about this community because it's home. Professionally, I've spent my career bringing people together, solving problems, and finding practical solutions. I don't see leadership as being the loudest voice in the room. I see it as listening, building trust, and helping people work toward common goals. That's the approach I'll bring as Mayor.
First, managing growth responsibly so we can welcome new opportunities while protecting what makes Elko New Market special. Second, investing in infrastructure and long-term planning so we're prepared for the future instead of reacting to it. Third, strengthening community connections by ensuring residents feel informed, engaged, and part of the decisions that affect their daily lives. These priorities will help keep our city strong, connected, and thriving.
Trust has to be earned. As Mayor, I will work to ensure residents have clear access to information, understand why decisions are being made, and have opportunities to ask questions and provide input. I believe leaders should be accessible, honest, and willing to have difficult conversations. Even when people disagree, they deserve straight answers and respectful treatment. My commitment is simple: lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability every day.
One of the most important things I've learned in public service is that good ideas can come from anywhere. I will continue meeting residents where they are, whether that's at city meetings, community events, local businesses, neighborhoods, or over a cup of coffee. Not everyone engages with government the same way, so it's important to provide multiple opportunities for people to share their thoughts. My job is to listen, learn, and bring those voices into the decision-making process.
Public safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It's about creating a community where people feel safe, connected, and supported. I will continue supporting strong partnerships between our law enforcement officers, first responders, schools, businesses, and residents. Community policing works best when relationships and trust are strong. My goal is to ensure our public safety professionals have the tools they need while maintaining the welcoming, family-oriented community we all valu

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.

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