Political candidates can start filing for office soon

Although a number of folks have declared their candidacy for the newly formed House 11A seat, the truth is, not a single one of them has filed for office yet.

The filing period for state and federal offices, as well as Carlton County Commissioner and Cloquet City Council wards, runs from May 22 through June 5, according to Carlton County Auditor Paul Gassert.

So far, the District 11A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives is the only elected position to garner much attention in Carlton County. The district includes all of Carlton County, along with two townships in northern Pine County and five townships in southern St. Louis County. So far, at least seven people have stated their intention to run for the seat, including DFL candidates: Pete Radosevich, Jesse Berglund, Mike Sundin, Byron Kuster and Bruce Ahlgren. Running on the Republican ticket is Jim Putnam as well as independent candidate Cory Pylkka.

Although three seats on the Carlton County Board of Commissioners would normally be up for re-election this year – District 1, incumbent Dick Brenner; District 3, incumbent Tom Proulx; and District 5, incumbent Ted Pihlman – because of redistricting, District 4 will also be on the ballot. Although incumbent Bob Olean won the seat only two years ago, Olean must run again to hold his seat, although the term will only be two years for District 4 in this year’s election. Filing dates for County Commissioner are also May 22 through June 5.

In Cloquet, three city council seats are up for re-election, and filing dates are May 22 through June 5:

+ City Council Ward 4 – Kerry Kolodge was recently appointed to fill that seat through the end of the year when Councilor Neil Nemmers stepped down.

+ City Council Ward 5 – Mark Roberts was appointed that seat when Deb Hill moved.

+ City Council At-Large – Although this seat is currently held by Barb Wyman, she can’t run for re-election because she is employed by the city of Cloquet.

“In the case of the County Board and Cloquet City Council, there will only be a primary election if more than two candidates file for a particular position,” Gassert said. “If three or more file, we will have to narrow the race to the top two candidates.”

Soil and Water Conservation Districts 1, 4 and 5 are also up for re-election, with the filing period running from May 22 through June 5.

Gassert said all the school districts in Carlton County are on an even-year election cycle so there are some board seats up for re-election this year. However, because all of the school districts voted not to hold a primary election, the filing period for school board seats will run from July 31 through Aug. 14.

Other cities in Carlton County with all at-large city council seats will also have a filing period from July 31 through Aug. 14, as well as the townships in Carlton County.

Gassert said most cities have at least two council seats up for re-election as well as some mayoral positions. Townships should have at least one supervisor up for re-election and either a township clerk or treasurer position.

Tags: carlton county, news, government