Meet the Stearns County Board candidates running for office in 2022

ST. CLOUD ― The St. Cloud Times asked the Stearns County Board candidates four questions about themselves and their goals if elected to office Nov. 8. Answers may be edited for length and clarity.

Incumbents Tarryl Clark and Joe Perske are running unopposed for District 1 and 2. Barry Belknap and Jeff Bertram are running for District 3, Lana Feddema and incumbent Leigh Lenzmeier are running for District 4 and incumbent Steven Notch is running unopposed for District 5. All positions are nonpartisan.

Learn more about how to register to vote and see who is on your ballot at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.

Why are you running for office?

Belknap said, "I enjoy civic service, and I have always had a deep respect for public servants with integrity and a positive attitude. While I have participated in a variety of volunteer roles, Commissioner Mergen’s withdrawal from the District 3 race created an opportunity to pursue elected office. I see well-run local government as a hidden but important strength of successful communities, and I am excited to not just talk about good government, but do my part to make it happen. I want Stearns County to be a place where people want to live, work, play and worship, and businesses and farms can continue to thrive and grow. Well-run local government can do much to both help achieve this vision ― and not get in the way of it."

Bertram said, "Commissioner Jeff Mergen asked me to run for this position and with the support of my family, my West Central Sanitation Family and a lot of people, I accepted this challenge. I want to use my experience in government, business and many relationships I have established over the years to reconnect the people with their government. I want to be an advocate for the people and assist with any need they may come across. I believe I can bring an experienced approach with a fresh perspective to have county government run more efficient with a mindset that the people come first. Government needs to work with people, not against them. We need to provide and protect the services residents need to flourish and survive with all the challenges we all are currently facing. We need to do that with a responsible approach to spending and taxation. I have a passion for having an active presence with the people and helping them. Many people know me; and I know them; multiple generations in fact, with many people. How can someone represent the people if they don’t know them or if they have little experience?"

Feddema said, "I am running for office because I believe in supporting and serving my community. Stearns County and this district have changed and I want to bring new ideas and energy to the board of commissioners. There are many challenges facing the county and I am ready to work hard to address them."

Lenzmeier said, "The COVID experience has changed the way the counties do business. Ever more services involve the transfer of information. Even the transfer of funds has changed. The nature of the workload has evolved as well. People are demanding more information be shared. This is an evolving time for county government as more services are delivered outside structured environments, even between county departments. There used to be virtual walls between departments, but now there are curtains. County service is no longer same oh, same oh. Change is no longer discouraged but considered and sometimes welcomed."

What experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this position?

Belknap said, "I have lived most of my life in rural Minnesota, but with some time spent in large cities ― so I can relate well to both lifestyles. My work as a commercial lender in Kimball gives me a good pulse on what is important to District 3 voters. My service on multiple boards ― Holy Cross Catholic School Board president in Marty, committee member and chair of the Kimball Public Library Building Committee, and Board of Directors of Harvest Bank ― provides a wealth of relevant board level experience. My experience living in large cities comes mostly from my time as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, or diplomat. For five years I had the honor of serving our country as a consular officer in Georgetown, Guyana, and then in Frankfurt, Germany, as a political/economic officer. These overseas tours provided tremendous contrast: Guyana was one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, while Frankfurt is one of the world’s richest cities in one of its richest countries. Not unlike my foreign service experience, Stearns County has a wide range of wealth, cultures and backgrounds. This mix of experiences helps me understand and appreciate the complexity ― and dynamism ― of today’s Stearns County."

Bertram said, "I served 10 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives, eight years on the Paynesville City Council, served as president of the Stearns County Municipal League and served on the Minnesota League of Cities Board of Directors. I have served as a trustee on the Great River Regional Library Board, the last two Stearns County Comprehensive Plan committees, Shoreline Review committee and currently on the Stearns County Platting Committee and Stearns County Planning Commission. I am a member of several community organizations including church and Chamber positions. I was chair of the Lake Koronis Recreational Committee and we built an 18-mile trail around Lake Koronis. I currently am acting chair of the Minnesota Highway 23 Coalition, which secured the funding for the four lane construction between Richmond and Paynesville, and between Paynesville and New London next year. My family and I are proud to own a century farm. I have been with West Central Sanitation for 25 years. All that varied experience will be put to good use as we look to the future of Stearns County and especially District 3."

When he was a Minnesota legislator in 1996, Bertram was accused of abusing the state's campaign refund program. In 1997 Bertram pleaded guilty to a felony and three misdemeanor charges for violating state campaign finance laws, was sentenced to five years probation and paid more than $5,600 in fines. The felony charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor. In 1996 Bertram was also censured by his House colleagues in a 82-21 vote amid allegations of his harassing and threatening behavior against constituents and critics.

Feddema said, "I served as the Registrar at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). Almost every function of a college flows through the registrar’s office: schedules, curriculum, grades, transcripts, graduation, transfer of credit. Understanding multiple departments and competing interests is similar to the responsibilities of a county commissioner. I served as a state officer in a labor organization that represented 22,000 workers statewide. That experience with large constituencies and competing interests was invaluable and helped prepare me for leadership at the college and service as a county commissioner."

Lenzmeier said, "Not all citizens are comfortable with change. As an older citizen I can relate to how things were and can explain the need and advantages of new processes and formats. People are more accepting of change if it comes with explanations. Everyone is aware the world is changing and expect some change to impact them as well. Often if one can get a citizen to try something different, the benefit becomes more apparent. It is no fun to fail, but it is often part of the learning experience."

What are some important issues you’d focus on if elected?

Belknap said, "Affordable housing is a tremendous challenge ― local governments all need to be thinking hard about how to best encourage (and not discourage) adequate supply. Making progress on housing will attract more residents and help our businesses and farms find employees, arguably one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs today. We also need to be mindful that we’re keeping physical infrastructure up to date ― from ensuring the broadest possible fast internet access to maintaining our parks and roads. I would work hard to make sure our sheriff's department has the resources and support they need. I also support the county’s work to manage our lakes and rivers in a balanced manner ― keeping mindful of the concerns of all residents of the county. Finally, I will work to help residents understand and appreciate the excellent service that the majority of county staff provide to the people of Stearns County. As of the most recent year available, our county spends less per person than all but four of Minnesota’s 87 counties. While there is always opportunity for improvement and need for robust accountability, the overall efficiency and integrity of our hundreds of county employees is a great benefit to all of us."

Bertram said, "I would prioritize being involved and responsive to the residents. I would also work to restore the hierarchy of government in the county, which is the people, five board members, the administrator, department directors, staff; in that order. The people always should come first to everyone. I would expand on our cooperation with townships and cities and make sure we are all working together to serve the same people and working with all the local governments. I would closely review spending, which leads to taxation, to make sure we are as efficient as we can be and that we are focused on our core mission. Are we providing services we may not need to provide and are we providing the services we need to, in the most efficient way? Tax evaluations need to be monitored so high evaluations are dealt with in a reasonable manor and not be allowed to raise more revenue than needed. Departments need to be reminded to work with people; not against them. We need to continue to be mindful of our water quality with the many lakes in this district, and countywide. We need to expand broad band to the rural areas of our county."

Feddema said, "Dignity and respect for all residents, jobs/economic growth, elder care, sound fiscal management, ensuring a safe and healthy community, an environment for all to enjoy, and collaboration and partnerships between government agencies."

Lenzmeier said, "Aging in place – the growing availability of home-based senior care alternatives needs be encouraged. Census data shows this be the largest growing segment of the population. Expanded 5G services will facilitate the growth of home based employment. While not for everyone, this could be a solution for many folks that are not able to use it now. The current veterans services format is a dated model as more veterans are survivors than ever before but they also need more services. Due to the availability of care services for veterans in Central Minnesota the number of veterans here in the area is disproportionally large as are the number of veteran suicides. There are more ways to help."

What should voters know about you?

Belknap said, "I am deeply committed to public service with decency and integrity ― I don’t bring personal agendas, grudges or resentments; merely a desire to move things forward in a way that is fair to all concerned and responsible with public resources. I am a bridge builder ― I work hard to understand competing perspectives and find common ground wherever possible. I am running not to prove any points but rather to serve ― to bring my experience, energy and positive attitude to the county commission on behalf of District 3."

Bertram said, "My wife Marlene and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary this month. My family and I have worked hard the last five and a half months in meeting with many residents of District 3 by attending hundreds of events such as parades, church fundraisers, community events, organizational meetings, etc.. We have placed over 300 lawn signs at residential and businesses locations throughout District 3. We have met residents one-on-one in many different ways. We have campaigned hard and will work just as hard to serve you if I am elected. I have strong conservative values, have a strong faith in God, have a wide range of government and business experience, and I am a lifelong resident of Stearns County owning a century farm. I have a lot of varied business and governmental relationships that I will be able to use to benefit Stearns County, including with commissioners from neighboring counties and other area elected officials, many of whom are actively supporting me. I have the energy and am committed to serving the residents of District 3 beginning the day after the election. I am ready to go to work for you."

Feddema said, "Voters should know that it would be my honor to serve them as county commissioner representing District 4. I do believe every vote matters, so even if you don’t plan to vote for me, bring your voice to the table. My background includes relevant professional training/education and experience as well as personal experience as a deeply rooted community member. I’ve been retired for several years and enjoy doing volunteer work, spending time with my family and friends, staying active via walking, biking and other activities. My family has benefited from the many opportunities available in the area and I want to give back through public service. I have the time and drive to engage on a deeper level in service to the St. Cloud and Waite Park Community."

Lenzmeier said, "After this much time in the public eye, there can’t be much folks don’t know about me. The journey has been mostly positive. The only heartbreak I have had has been personal but if you live long enough it happens to everyone. Thank you for the opportunity. I hope it continues."

Becca Most is a cities reporter with the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-241-8213 or bmost@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter at @becca_most.

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This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Meet the Stearns County Board candidates running in 2022