The general election is coming up tomorrow. If you haven’t voted early, there will be all kinds of candidates and issues to consider as you fill out your ballot tomorrow at your polling place.
In Litchfield, one of the most closely watched elections will be the choice for a new mayor. Three current Council members – Darlene Kotelnicki, Malinda Larson and Bob Powers – are running for mayor. There are three candidates running for the Ward 1 seat in Litchfield – Holly Flemming, Mike Niedzielski and Mike Flaata. There are two candidates for Ward 3 – Jake Barnes and Martin Allen; and there are two candidates for Ward 5 – Sara Miller and Duane Hoeschen.
Greg Mathews, Felicia Reed and Jordan Papke are the 3 candidates who will be on the Litchfield School Board ballot. Also – the Litchfield School District will have a couple of ballot question – one asking for a per-pupil levy increase, and a building referendum which would help the District make various improvements – mostly at the Wagner Education Building.
A constitutional amendment decision will also appear for voters on the November 3rd ballot pertaining to the permanent school fund. School Districts have received minimal proceeds from this fund since 1858 and the question on ballots across the state will ask if it can be raised.
ACGC School Board Chair Jeanna Lilleberg is not taking sides on the issue, but wants people to be aware that it will be on the ballot and to do some research before they vote. She says if you choose to just ignore it and leave it blank when you are voting, it will count as a “no” vote.
Lilleberg says the fund currently pays school districts about $58 per student and if the amendment passes, it would increase to about $101 per student. She says it’s not tied to our property or income taxes, but rather, it’s part of the school trust lands which gets revenue from things like timber sales and mining leases. Lilleberg says you can do a search on the internet for “Minnesota Permanent School Fund Amendment” to find more information.
