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

Starbuck 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

    Elvis Blazevic
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kris Goracke
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jeffrey N. Kleven
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Joe Payne
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Gary Elmer Swenson
    (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)

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Campaign Email krisgoracke@gmail.com
I bring a strong combination of experience, leadership, and community involvement. I spent four years reporting on Starbuck City Council meetings and the past two years serving on the Council, giving me six years of firsthand knowledge of city finances, operations, challenges, and opportunities. As a 28-year educator and six-year grievance representative for more than 100 people, I know how to listen, communicate, research issues, and work through differences. I have also secured grants, initiated projects, and built relationships with community partners. I am ready to lead through teamwork, transparency, respect, and a commitment to getting things done for Starbuck.
My priorities are transparency and accountability, fiscal responsibility, and planning for the future. Residents deserve open government and responsible use of their tax dollars. Before raising the levy, we should ask where we can use resources more effectively. We also need long-term plans for streets, major equipment, blight, and other needs rather than reacting when problems become urgent. That includes proactively addressing starry stonewort in the City Marina to protect this community asset
Transparency begins with making information accessible, explaining decisions, and welcoming questions. I will encourage open discussion at council meetings, provide residents with clear information about important issues, and ask questions before decisions are made. Accountability also means following policies consistently, being responsible with taxpayer dollars, identifying potential conflicts, and expecting professional and ethical conduct. I will lead by example.
Being accessible is important to me. I will continue talking with residents, listening to concerns and ideas, and following up when people have questions. I support using surveys, public meetings, committees, social media, and other opportunities to gather input before major decisions are made. My experience with the Park Community Survey demonstrated the value of asking residents what they think. People should know their voice matters.
Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of the city. I will work with our Police Department, Fire Department, city staff, residents, and community partners to understand needs and use resources responsibly. I support policing that builds relationships, encourages communication, and creates trust between officers and residents. I will also look at staffing, budgets, data, and community concerns when making decisions so we can provide effective public safety while being fiscally responsible.
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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.