local politics

Six running for school board

Aug 21, 2024

Six people filed to run for a seat on the Lake City School Board in the Nov. 5 election during a filing period that ended Aug. 13, but the list is different than the one reported by the Graphic in the Aug. 15 issue, based on information available before the filing deadline. In alphabetical order...

Commission removal process in need of reform

Aug 7, 2024

Given all the critical letters of Lake City City Council members who voted to remove the Planning Commission board member Tom Rasmussen, I have re-written my letter to reduce duplicating what the others have said. I met Tom after he was recruited/hired to become the administrator of the Lake City...

Updated: Boe and Quinn run for mayor, Newsome seeks council seat

Jun 5, 2024

The races for mayor and city council in Lake City have changed following Mayor Mark Nichols’ announcement last week that he would not seek a third term as mayor. As of the end of the filing period on June 4 at 5 p.m., two candidates filed to run for mayor, and three candidates filed for the three...

Mayor won’t seek a third term, three incumbents run for council

May 29, 2024

Lake City will have a new mayor come January. In a letter published on page 4 of this issue, Mayor Mark Nichols writes that he has decided not to run for a third term. “Serving as your mayor for the past almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and humbling experiences of my life....

Nichols will not seek third term as mayor

May 29, 2024

After much reflection and discussion with my family, friends, and advisors, I have decided not to seek a third term as the mayor of our beloved town. Serving as your mayor for the past almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and humbling experiences of my life. The trust and...

City election filing period is May 21-June 4

Apr 10, 2024

The filing period for people who want to run for city council or mayor in Lake City will be May 21 until June 4 at 5 p.m., according to City Clerk Kari Schreck. Three city council members—Cindy McGrath, Megan Kramer, and Brian Quinn—and Mayor Mark Nichols have terms expiring this year. The Graphic...

Caucuses are Tuesday, Feb. 27

Feb 14, 2024

Political parties in Minnesota will hold their precinct caucuses at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 as part of the run-up to the general election on Nov. 5. “We encourage Minnesotans to show support for their preferred candidates by participating in the candidate endorsement process that leads up to the state...

Stinson will provide quality leadership

Oct 26, 2022

We’ve heard various political candidates promising to let parents run our schools, to save you $37 on your state income tax, and to make voting even more difficult. This is all smoke and mirrors. The moon is not made of cheese, penguins are not invading Minnesota, and the boogie man is not real...

Altendorf will be strong voice for rural values

Oct 20, 2022

I am writing in support of Pam Altendorf for Minnesota 20A House seat this November. I have known Pam for many years and I am confident she will represent our District 20A with all her energy and be a strong voice for rural and small-town America values that serve all the people fairly with...

Last chance for election letters