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BEMIDJI 鈥� Incumbent Joe Gould and Adam Bommersbach will face off to represent District 2 on the Beltrami County Board in the Nov. 5 general election.

Incumbent Joe Gould, 37, was first elected to the county board in 2022 and is a high school social studies teacher for Cass Lake-Bena Public 歪歪漫画s.

Gould has been an active member of the community, serving on several boards, including the Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club and the now-dissolved Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Commission.

鈥淚 am running to be a voice for renters, homeowners and our youth,鈥� Gould said. 鈥淭hese are still challenging times for our country. We need to address disparities and look towards the future.鈥�

He sees three top issues facing Beltrami County: housing, child care and mental health.

鈥淧ublic service is in my blood,鈥� Gould said. 鈥淚 have over 17 years of state and local government experience. I will continue to work hard for the people of Bemidji and Beltrami County.鈥�

Gould lives in Bemidji with his wife, Gwenia who currently serves on the Bemidji City Council, and their dog Coya.

About the candidate

• Age: 37
• Residence: Has lived in Bemidji for 11 years
• Education: Master's degree in public administration from BSU
• Occupation: High school social studies teacher

Adam Bommersbach, 35, graduated from Valley City State University with three bachelor鈥檚 degrees in biology, chemistry and health science. He is currently a registered health specialist by the Minnesota Department of Health conducting food, pool and lodging inspections.

Bommersbach has lived in Bemidji since 2013 with his wife and three children. He previously ran for the position in 2022 but didn't make it past the primary election.

鈥淚t is my belief that Beltrami County is a great place to live, raise a family, start a business and pursue boundless opportunities,鈥� Bommersbach said. 鈥淥ur area also faces great challenges. 鈥� I feel a deep call to serve this community that I care so much about.鈥�

He sees the issues impacting the county as complex and in need of a multifaceted approach.

鈥淏eltrami County faces many complex issues that impact their ability to serve residents effectively,鈥� Bommersbach said. 鈥漈he top issues include budget constraints and a limited tax base, which limits the funding availability for essential services like public safety, mental health care and infrastructure maintenance."

About the candidate

Contributed

• Age: 35
• Residence: Has lived in the Bemidji area for 11 years
• Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry and health science from Valley City State University
• Occupation: Registered Environmental Health Specialist employed by the Minnesota Department of Health