Nancy Edmonds Hanson
Clay County voters go to the polls Tuesday to select three candidates to the county commission. Three are incumbents — Jenna Kahly, Jenny Mongeau and Kevin Campbell. But of that trio who currently sit on the county’s governing board, only one faces an opponent.
Jenna Kahly, who was elected to the county board in 2020, faces candidate Paul Krabbenhoft in District 1, which includes parts of Moorhead’s Ward 2 and one precinct of Ward 4. Though the term to which she was elected would normally expire in January 2025, the match-up between her and Krabbenhoft was mandated after the 2020 census, which revealed the number of voters in that district in the southeast quarter of the city increased by more than 5%.
Mongeau and Campbell’s terms conclude next January. Though some population changes were noted, neither added up to 5%. Mongeau has served as a commissioner of District 3, including Barnesville, Sabin, Comstock and one precinct in south Moorhead, since 2015.
Campbell has represented District 4 on the board of commissioners since 2003. His district includes parts of Moorhead’s Wards 1 and 2 as well as Oakport Township.
All four candidates were asked three questions by the Extra. Here are their answers, lightly edited for space, in order of the districts they seek to represent.
What has motivated you to run for the commission? What are your most important qualifications?
Kahly: My most important qualification is a deep understanding of the spectrum of needs in our community. I have spent my career in public libraries, and during that time I have become very adept at connecting residents to the resources they need. Folks walk through those doors every day looking for help with job and Social Security applications, info on starting a business, tax info, where to find meals or housing assistance, help finding childcare, a connection to mental health services, computers and wi-fi access, or even just community connection in a space that is free for everyone.
During my first two years as commissioner, I have been a fierce advocate for the needs of our county, particularly in the areas of health and human services. Mental health, childcare, substance abuse prevention and response, and the continuum of care infrastructure are all areas where I am actively working with state and local coalitions. I have been a strong supporter of the development of a Substance Abuse Crisis Center to replace our current medical detox facility, which is inadequate to meet our needs. I am committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that all residents — no matter age, ability, gender, or race — can access the information and resources needed to thrive in our county.
Our environment and natural resources are a high priority for me, and I have used my voice and my vote to protect our water and increase native plantings in our county. I have promoted the growth and development of new business and workforce housing, and lobbied for our regional business needs with the state. I am running to finish my term and see that we keep the momentum going in these areas.
Krabbenhoft: I see this as an opportune time to use my 37 years of public service and my business background to bring experienced leadership to the Board of Commissioners and Clay County.
Currently, I am serving as president of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This position requires leadership in developing sustainable environmental policy, legislative advocacy, budget oversight and grant opportunities to address statewide natural resource concerns. The successful result of this impactful work is vital to the quality of life throughout our state.
Since 1988 I have been a local Realtor and been elected to state and local board positions. I have also been appointed to multiple committees serving Clay County and the city of Moorhead over the past 25 years. This work has provided me with long-term relationships and a broad range of knowledge and skills. These attributes will allow me to be an effective and proactive Board member serving the needs of all citizens of Clay County. 2.
Mongeau: Having grown up in Clay County, I am the product of countless individuals who took time to invest in myself and our community. I am inspired to be a person who listens intently, leads with purpose and is persistent advocate for Clay County.
When my husband and I chose to live and raise our family in Clay County, we did so because of the amazing community and unending opportunities here. If re-elected to the Clay County Board, I will continue to be a strong voice for our needs on all levels. I have the energy, the desire and the commitment to help keep Clay County a vibrant place for all people to live, work and play.
Campbell: From the very first time I ran for public office 30 years ago and up to today, the biggest motivator has been the people I represent. It is through their encouragement that I continue my desire to work on their behalf on the County Commission. People tell me my qualifications are numerous. Examples include my work history outside of government and my previous work related to accounting and finance; and an understanding what it takes to accomplish things important to our citizens; a fair and common-sense approach to all issues. For this particular election, people have also said that my institutional knowledge for this position is extremely important in these difficult times.
What are the main issues you see facing the commission and Clay County in the next four years?
Kahly: The rise in mental health needs in our community is definitely the biggest issue we face and is easily a major contributing factor in the issues that other candidates may cite. When we look at the rise in substance abuse, law enforcement challenges, housing issues, workforce retention, challenges in our schools and so on, mental health concerns are the thread that ties all of these together. We do not have beds in our county to care for residents in a crisis. We also do not have psychiatric residential treatment facilities in the western half of the state. When our residents need to seek care far from their support systems, it is incredibly hard on families and expensive for us all. I want to continue to work advocating for investment in the mental health continuum of care needed in our region.
We are also short over 1.300 childcare spots in Clay County. At least 1,000 of those are in Moorhead alone. This is a complex issue, as affordability of care, and parent choice needs to be balanced with wage adjustments and benefits for providers. The ability of families to find and afford quality care is critical to our workforce and the growth and development of our children during their incredible important infant and preschool years.
Krabbenhoft: Clay County is facing the challenge of filling vacant positions due to workforce shortages in order to provide the necessary staffing and effectiveness for our essential services. The main areas of concern are in providing adequate public and mental health services as the demand continues to increase. Law enforcement also faces staffing challenges, especially to meet the important needs of mental health calls and the growing needs of our juvenile population.
Another issue is the additional pressure inflation is placing on the Clay County budget. The board has an obligation to uphold a sustainable budget as they work to maintain essential services along with maintaining the county’s infrastructure and capital projects as projected.
I support the completion of the Resource Recovery Center which provides environmental protections and the new build of the Substance Abuse Crisis Facility that will provide safe and necessary acute treatment needs.
Mongeau: The last several years have certainly disrupted life as we knew it. Clay County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota and that presents its shares of opportunities as well. Economic development and its related facets will be a major issue that we will need to work to address in the upcoming months. Addressing the workforce needs of our region, the housing challenges, creating childcare opportunities, securing access to quality healthcare and mental health support are several of the vital issues that we will need to respond to. There are currently strong partners in the region working to confront these areas, but we need to do more to bridge the gaps.
Campbell: With success come challenges. We have proudly talked about Clay County being the fourth largest growing county in the state the past several years. With growth come challenges. Being a border county puts us in competition in many ways. These next few years will continue to bring real demands on our workforce, not only for our private businesses but for critical county positions as well. The need to have a good solid workforce is critical to the success of our businesses and for providing the quality service from the county that our taxpayers deserve and expect. This issue also has a direct correlation to the increased demands we need to address regarding our childcare needs.
The other major issue we face is finding solutions to the many problems relating to the rising mental health issues in all our communities, including available housing needs. This will take a network approach from federal, state and local governments, as well as having the appropriate professional assistance available.
Do you disagree with or oppose specific decisions made by the Clay County Commission in the past several years?
Kahly: There have certainly been a few decisions where I have not voted with the majority. I am not afraid to speak up and share an alternate viewpoint or value. However, at the end of the day, I trust the process and feel we have a balanced board. I support the decisions we make as a body. Governing is a team effort. When we work together with mutual respect to find the best solution for the county as a whole instead of bullying or resorting to theatrics to promote an agenda, we make the best choices to move our county forward.
Krabbenhoft: I believe the Clay County Commission is on a good path forward, led by a committed administration and staff that provides a positive culture and synergy to carry out the mission of their work. However, the board needs to remain creative and focused on business development and community action through public and private investments in order to strengthen our workforce and economy. Collectively, our future decisions will make Clay County more attractive for people looking to invest and live in our area. As a commissioner, I have a desire and an obligation to collaborate and work with staff and citizens advancing Clay County forward to help our urban and rural areas thrive.
Mongeau: I feel that the decisions that I’ve made at the commission were made with the best information provided at the time. The decisions that come before the county board are not always easy, but I’ve worked tirelessly to advocate for the needs of our residents. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Campbell: I have been on the County Commission for 20 years. There certainly have been decisions made that I did not agree with. I am the type who expresses my viewpoint with the hopes of at least getting the board to consider compromising on the areas I disagree with. Ultimately, when a decision is made that I could not support, I move on to other issues that are important to my constituents and our county. I prefer to take a non-partisan approach. Once a decision has been made, I like to address other important issues by getting community input and doing the appropriate research to make good decisions.
You win some and you lose some. Overall, I’m very proud of my voting record and the accomplishments that have come with those successful votes.
