Six candidates are campaigning for three open seats on Ely’s city council. Josh Brang, Abby Dare, Lacey Squier and Mark Zupec are in the running with incumbents Angela Campbell and Al Forsman, who seek re-election.
The Ely Echo received responses from five candidates for the questionnaire. Answers have been edited for length.
Personal and background information Angela Campbell: Ely has been my home for 25 years. I have served eight years on the city council and more than 10 years on the Ely Housing and Redevelopment Authority, where I serve as chair. I am a past president of Ely Rotary and a director for Habitat for Humanity on the Iron Range. I previously represented the city on the Gardner Humanities Trust. I represent Ely on the board of directors of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools.
Abby Dare: I spent my first 11 years here in Ely at the Voyageur Outward Bound School. I opened up The Meadows Gallery & Studios on Sheridan with my partner John Scully. My work as the director of VisitEly (Ely Area Tourism Bureau) gave me insight into our tourism economy. I have served three years on the city of Ely’s Parks and Recreation Commission, one of those years as chair.
Al Forsman: I have served for 12 years on the Ely city council with a focus on physical infrastructure improvements. As a small business owner and full-time employee with St. Louis County public works, I am aware of the issues our residents and business owners are facing. My connections and background in facilities and utilities management help me to develop solutions to our community needs.
Lacey Squier: Before moving to Ely I worked as an educator. The spirit of that work lives on in my current job as the manager of Boundary Waters Connect (BWC), through which I create opportunities for community connection. I was the board chairperson of the Ely Folk School, and I have taught dozens of folk school classes. This background has prepared me for the work of local leadership and governance.
Mark Zupec: Mark Zupec, 64 years old, married to Bonnie. I previously was a council member, serving under four mayors, and being acting mayor twice. Also served under four city clerks, and three city attorneys. I currently serve on the H.R.A. board.
Why should voters choose you for city council?
Campbell: I bring experience, persistence, and a commitment to public service. I prepare for meetings, listen to residents, ask questions, take the difficult votes, and follow through. I have built relationships at the Capitol and across our region that help connect Ely’s needs with resources and funding. I also take affordability seriously. I voted to reduce the proposed levy from its initial draft.
Dare: I operate with integrity. I make decisions for the greater good, not for me. If something doesn’t feel right I will ask questions. I have a growth mindset. I believe there are creative solutions for almost all problems, issues, and roadblocks. You can count on me to ensure that the policies, ordinances, and operations of our city stay in touch with the needs of our town.
Forsman: I consistently evaluate potential short and long term effects of each decision the Council faces.
Squier: I’m running for Ely City Council because I love our town and want to contribute to its bright future. The people of Ely can trust that I will be thoughtful and research-oriented about the topics that come before me as a councilor. I have a strong track record of leadership, and a vision for growth that is backed by two decades of experience with community development.
Zupec: I feel that I have the knowledge and experience to deal with city matters in a timely manner and would be a good team player.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Ely, and how would you address it if elected?
Campbell: Ely needs dependable, year-round jobs that allow people to support a family. Good jobs help young people stay and strengthen the tax base that sustains our schools, hospital, and city services. I support responsible mining and the opportunities it can create. I also expect strong standards that protect our water. I will encourage investment in mining, forestry, manufacturing, tourism, and Main Street businesses while working with partners to address housing and infrastructure needs.
Dare: I believe that the most important issue facing the city of Ely is the well-being and quality of life of the residents in our community. How is their mental health? Are folks experiencing loneliness? How are the kids? We, as a city and community, need to build foundations of trust, communication, and access to resources. But those resources are not useful if people do not know about them, understand them, or have the ability to access them.
Forsman: The city must continue strategic updates and improvements in our streets, water, sewer, and electric infrastructure needs. That focus has to be balanced with tightening budgets, staff compensation and retainage, and other capital equipment needs.
Squier: One of the biggest and most actionable issues facing the city of Ely is that our leadership network is operating at its maximum capacity. Our business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community volunteers are knowledgeable, hard working, and passionate about the success of our city. Let’s increase their capacity. Let’s inspire the participation of the next generation of leaders. We do that by working together in new ways, forming new collaborations, leveraging our strengths.
Zupec: As with any community, infrastructure is the life blood of everything. I would work with local, county, state, and federal agencies to keep our systems up to date.
What is one additional project you would like to push forward during your time on the council?
Campbell: I would like to explore a community athletic center with a swimming pool. It could offer swimming lessons, exercise, recreation, and opportunities for people to stay healthy and connected. We must consider construction costs alongside staffing, utilities, maintenance, and future repairs. My goal would be an affordable, accessible center supported by a realistic financial plan.
Dare: A project I’d like to push forward on the city level is strengthening the partnership and leadership between the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Tourism Bureau. Coordinated efforts between these three institutions can enhance commerce, industry, business education. A clear message about tourism and inviting visitors to our area. The City of Ely, Chamber, and Tourism Bureau could do tremendous work together.
Forsman: Part of the council’s responsibilities is to serve on the Ely Economic Development Authority. We need to welcome all business and industry to ensure a healthy economy. With that, we must ensure Ely retains the housing and services expected as the hub of this community.
Squier: I would like to be part of driving a strategic campaign to further brand Ely as a community that values youth and education. This will benefit residents while also strengthening and stabilizing tourism. We are fortunate to live in a town with an independent school district, a community college, an outdoor adventure school, a recently-expanded day care, a folk school, and several youth and family camps.
Zupec: There are many other issues such as housing, jobs, and street repair that need to be addressed. Running a city isn’t just a one or two issue problem. It’s a package deal of many issues and why I feel my experience will be a benefit to the citizens of Ely. So please, a vote for Mark Zupec is a vote of Ely!
