Five candidates are campaigning for two open seats on Babbitt’s city council. Claire High, Jacob Myers, Terry Switajewski and Glenn Anderson are in the running with incumbent Joe White, who seeks re-election.
The Babbitt Weekly received responses from three candidates for the questionnaire.
Personal and background information
Anderson: Involved for 20 years in the military and national guard, 20 years with the fire and ambulance, Involved in the community serving as mayor, and city council and coaching youth hockey, and member of the ATV club and rifle range. Retired from nursing at the Virginia hospital.
High: I’m 39 years old, a wife, a mom, and a proud Babbitt resident. My husband, Matt, and I moved our family to Babbitt in June 2025, and we’re happy to call this community home.
I work as a bookkeeper at Steger Mukluks and own High Rise Bakery, a small cottage food business. I also serve as treasurer of the Ely Music Boosters and am a member of Babbitt’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Prior to the birth of my youngest I was employed at the Minnesota Dept of Revenue but was unable to find daycare after she was born. Between raising a family, working, running a small business, and volunteering, I understand the importance of a strong, welcoming community. I believe that being part of a community means being willing to get involved, lend a hand, and contribute wherever you can.
White: I have been involved with the community since I retired from the military in 2013. I have spent 12 years in the ambulance and fire department. Was a training officer, assistant director, and director of the ambulance during my time. I was a captain for a year in the fire department. I have supported the Babbitt ATV club. I have served two years on the Minnesota mining board and two years on the VFW state counsel. Been a counselor for our city for four years. I am good at budgets and have gained a lot of knowledge on grants to maximize our city spending. Was able to get the money needed to renovate the arena and the money to build our new park.
Why should voters choose you for city council?
Anderson: Many years of service and knowledge and connections with representatives in the state.
High: I’m running for city council because I want to represent the people of Babbitt. I believe decisions should be made based on what’s best for our community as a whole, not personal relationships or individual interests. I value transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. I believe taxpayer dollars should be spent carefully, decisions should be made openly, and residents deserve to understand how and why those decisions are made. I know I won’t always agree with everyone, and not everyone will agree with me. But I will listen, ask questions, consider different perspectives, and do my best to make fair, informed decisions that serve the entire community.
White: I care a great deal about our wonderful city. I believe I have brought honesty and a commonsense approach to the counsel. I have also put Babbitt first every time I vote. I believe being your Counselman requires integrity and humbleness. We always have someone who may disagree but as your representative I am always available to discuss city business and issues or concern at your convenience. Our city is better off today than it was when I first got elected. I will continue to improve and represent our awesome city. Thank you in advance for your vote.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Babbitt, and how would you address it if elected?
Anderson: We need to bring jobs into our city. Going forth to promote our city and all we have to offer.
High: I believe Babbitt’s biggest challenge is stagnation and the need for sustainable growth. We have a strong foundation and a community with so much to offer, but we need to be proactive about creating new opportunities for our future. That means supporting existing businesses, welcoming new businesses and families, encouraging thoughtful development, and making fiscally responsible decisions. I believe we need to look at our regulations, infrastructure, and economic development opportunities to make sure we’re creating an environment where people want to live, work, and invest. If elected, I would work to remove unnecessary barriers to growth, explore new opportunities, and help build a stronger, more diverse tax base while preserving the character of our community. We can honor the foundation Babbitt was built on while continuing to build something great for future generations.
White: I think we need to get our economic development dealt with. We are behind other cities. If re-elected I would like to take a role in zoning and planning and focus on our economic development. Counselors only get on so many committees because of meeting rule laws. So, we vote for who goes on to what committee.
What is one additional project you’d like to push forward throughout your time as a council member?
Anderson: Making sure our police, fire and ambulance are secure High: One project I would like to focus on is reviewing and modernizing Babbitt’s city ordinances. I believe our regulations should be clear, fair, consistently applied, and reflective of the community we are today, while still protecting public health and safety. Beyond that, I want my priorities to be driven by the needs of the community, and those needs can change over time. I would like to work toward reducing the tax levy wherever fiscally responsible, encouraging greater public involvement, and making sure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Ultimately, I believe a city council member’s responsibility is to serve the community, not pursue a personal agenda. My goal would be to listen, remain open-minded, and focus on what matters most to the people of Babbitt.
White: I would like to get state funds for our school activities. Other cities have received funds. I want to help increase funding for the robotic team, volleyball team, wrestling team, swimming team ETC. Would like to get the softball field that was lost on the west side project moved to the field by the arena. This was supposed to have happened years ago and never did. I am also open to having discussions on a data center. I think there is a lot of misinformation out there and would like to pursue what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I just feel it’s worth having the discussion.
