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.

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Voter Guide

Hawley 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

    Joseph R. Backlund
    (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 jrback1971@gmail.com
I bring more than 30 years of public service and leadership experience, including 9½ years as Hawley’s Chief of Police. I know our community, its people, and how city government works. I have managed budgets, personnel, public safety issues, and community events while working with residents, staff, and elected officials. I am retired, invested in Hawley, and have the time to serve. I will bring common sense, fiscal responsibility, accessibility, and practical leadership to the Mayor’s office while keeping Hawley a great place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.
My top priorities are: fiscal responsibility—protecting taxpayers while maintaining quality city services; responsible growth and infrastructure—planning ahead so streets, utilities, housing, and development meet Hawley’s future needs; and public safety and quality of life—supporting police, fire, EMS, parks, businesses, and community programs that make Hawley safe, welcoming, and a great place to call home.
Transparency starts with open communication. I will support clear agendas, accessible public information, open meetings, and straightforward explanations of city decisions and spending. Accountability means asking questions, following policy and law, and expecting the same ethical standards from myself that we expect from city staff. When mistakes occur, they should be acknowledged and corrected—not hidden.
Residents should not have to wait for an election to be heard. I will be accessible by phone, email, in person, and at community events, and I will encourage residents to attend meetings and participate on boards and committees. For major issues, I support public forums, surveys, and early community input before decisions are made. Just as important, I will listen respectfully—even when we disagree.
My 30 years in law enforcement, including 9½ years as Hawley’s Police Chief, give me a strong understanding of public safety and community policing. I believe effective policing is built on trust, communication, visibility, professionalism, and mutual respect. As Mayor, I will support our police, fire, EMS partners while encouraging strong relationships between public safety personnel and the residents they serve.
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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.

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