BEMIDJI-Bemidji City Council member Nancy Erickson earned a fourth term Tuesday, defeating challenger Don Heinonen 682-664.
Erickson, who served on the council from 2000-2008 and was reelected in 2012, ran her campaign with a focus on financial matters related to the community's future.
"Our success as a regional center depends on continued forward momentum. That means working with our partners to promote Bemidji as a great place to live and work while also supporting workforce training and partnering on business development," Erickson said. "Attracting a talented workforce also requires having an adequate housing stock and city amenities that residents expect in their community."
Additionally, Erickson, 69, said she plans to work on completing a comprehensive plan for growth management for the city's future.
Heinonen, 53, who's had municipal experience on the city's Parks and Trails Commission, also campaigned on fiscal issues, such as working with local companies.
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For example, Heinonen said leading up to the election that he would have worked to improve the business community by supporting Greater Bemidji Economic Development to promote growth.
Heinonen also advocated for reducing the amount of non-taxable property in Bemidji in the race, stating that the city could sell some of its owned land and get it back on the tax roll.
