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.

Start Over

Voter Guide

Park 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 MayorWatch a candidate forum for this race recorded on September 23, 2026.

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

    Pat Mikesh
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Liz Stone
    (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)

{_btnLabelFor(compare1, _isInSelection(compare1))}
{_btnLabelFor(compare2, _isInSelection(compare2))}
Campaign Email pamikesh@gmail.com
I believe with experience comes knowledge. Working with the public every day and listening to what the people want. And always returning their call to answer their questions.
Keeping our taxes down

Trying to find different options to assess people's properties for different projects that don't run people out of town

Keeping our town attractive so new business want to come to Park Rapids
Always having a open door policy so the public can always come to myself or and of the city staff for any questions
Listening to their thoughts and concerns to find a solution with in resins that works for the city and public
I have a great repour with our Police and fire departments after retiring from the Fire Department. Aong with all the other employees with in the city that work hard everyday to keep the City moving and safe
Campaign Email LZSTONE301@GMAIL.COM
I care deeply about Park Rapids and am invested in its future. The success of Park Rapids matters to me. I pay attention to what is happening in our community while also looking beyond Park Rapids—learning from the challenges and successes of other communities. I bring experience, curiosity, and a willingness to listen, learn, and do the work. I believe strong local businesses, good schools, access to quality medical care, thoughtful planning, responsible growth, and quality public spaces are vital to our future and residents’ quality of life. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about listening, asking the right questions, working together, making informed decisions, and keeping Park Rapids’ long-term success in focus.
My top three priorities for the City of Park Rapids would be: 1) fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes manageable for residents; 2) thoughtful, responsible growth in housing, economic development and workforce; and 3) maintaining and planning for our infrastructure, streets, utilities, parks and city facilities. These priorities are interconnected. Growth should strengthen our tax base and quality of life while being planned with the long-term costs of services and infrastructure in mind.
Communication and transparency are essential to effective leadership. Strategies include keeping residents informed, explaining decisions, welcoming questions and differing perspectives, and providing opportunities for public input. Accountability comes through following policies and ethical standards, communicating openly, making decisions based on what is best for the city—not personal interests—and having the courage to make difficult decisions openly and honestly.
Meaningful community engagement starts with listening. I will continue to listen to residents through public meetings, community conversations, and other opportunities for input. I value the perspectives of residents, businesses, city staff, and community organizations and will continue to consider their ideas and concerns when making decisions. Good leadership means listening to differing perspectives and working together to find the best solution based on the needs and realities of the city.
Park Rapids has a well-run and effective police department, and supporting that work, along with strong partnerships with Public Works, city staff, businesses and residents, is a priority. My approach to public safety includes prevention—focusing on well-lit streets and public spaces, addressing vandalism and other minor offenses before they become larger problems, and listening to residents about safety concerns. Working together helps keep our community safe and welcoming for all.
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.