Press Releases

Isanti Chisago County Star 9/17/2026 Candidate Questions

County Star

Question 1: Current job title?

I am a Business Agent who works with dozens of municipalities and counties to negotiate and maintain contracts.

Question 2: Direct family?

I have called this community home for over 40 years. Several relatives still live in the area.

Question 3: What pets did you have growing up and/or currently own?

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a variety of pets, including beloved dogs and cats, as well as chickens and goats. Raising animals for 4-H taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of caring for others. My experiences in 4-H and working on the farm deepened my appreciation for animals and agriculture. They also helped me develop a strong work ethic and a sense of community.

Question 4: Favorite leisure time activity?

I enjoy spending my free time caring for my lawn and tending to my flower gardens. There is a real sense of satisfaction in maintaining a neat, well-kept yard and seeing the gardens come to life throughout the seasons.

When I’m not working around the house, I enjoy riding my motorcycle through the community and surrounding areas. It gives me a chance to take in the scenery, see what’s happening in neighboring communities, and appreciate the places and people that make this area home.

Question 5: Where is your go-to vacation destination?

I love Mardi Gras in Louisiana for its energy, traditions, beautiful decorations, and strong sense of community. I find many of those same qualities right here in North Branch. What stands out to me most is the pride our community takes in coming together.

From the flowers and streetscaping that help make our downtown welcoming, to the care and upkeep of our parks and public spaces, there is a real effort to make North Branch a place people are proud to call home. Together, they create a community that feels inviting and cared for.

I also appreciate how North Branch celebrates its traditions and brings people together through local celebrations and activities that give our community its own character. There is something special about seeing residents coming together and honoring their traditions.

October 22, 2026

Question 1: Please tell us about yourself and why you are the best candidate for the position. Please answer this question in 100 words or less

I have deep roots in North Branch and a desire to serve the community. I’m running for Mayor because I believe in a city that works for everyone. A city with safe neighborhoods and parks, accessible housing, and thriving commercial growth. With my extensive municipal background, I have the experience to deliver real results. The current administration has made too many poor decisions that have financially harmed all North Branch residents; we can do much better!

Working to balance revenue and expenditures
Bring commercial growth
Investing in infrastructure

I’m asking for your support to build a strong future together.

Question 2: If elected, what would be your top priorities that would directly benefit the residents of North Branch? Please answer this question in 200 words or less.

My top priority is to STABILIZE TAXES and address revenue shortfalls. We must balance revenue and expenditures to meet the needs of our CIP without overburdening taxpayers. Second, strengthening and investing in our community’s infrastructure and utility systems. Reliable roads, water and sewer systems, and other essential infrastructure are the foundation of a strong, safe, and growing community. Third, responsible community growth that is strategic and sustainable.

The Flock cameras are a good example of why listening to residents must be part of the decision-making process. Decisions that affect the community should not be made without first understanding the concerns, priorities, and perspectives of the residents. The community pressure forced leadership to see that Flock was not right. The city was then left facing significant avoidable costs to get out of the contract.

My approach will be to make informed decisions in our residents' best interest by listening to residents, gathering the facts, and considering the financial and long-term impacts. I believe residents should feel heard and know that I value their input.

October 15, 2026

County News Review

County Press Election Guide

Shawn Williams, City of North Branch Mayor Candidate

North Branch Deserves a Future That Works for Everyone

Several things in North Branch are crying out for attention, but at the center of many of them is one issue: we need to balance revenue and expenditures to stabilize taxes. As Mayor, my priority would be to stabilize taxes and address revenue shortfalls while continuing to meet the needs identified in our Capital Improvement Plan. We cannot continue placing an increasing financial burden on residents. We need to maximize the revenue streams we already have, identify responsible new revenue sources, and make smart decisions about where taxpayer dollars are invested.

We must also approach growth thoughtfully. I support commercial growth, but growth should benefit the people who live here. Our business park was established 25 years ago with a clear purpose: to create good jobs and opportunities for North Branch residents. I do not support data centers in North Branch. Our business park should attract businesses that hire our residents, strengthen our local economy, and use our land, utilities, and infrastructure responsibly. North Branch deserves growth that works for our community, not growth for growth's sake. We should ask what a proposed development brings to our residents, what it requires of our infrastructure and utilities, and what it contributes to our tax base.

In my role as Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of North Branch, I have gained firsthand experience managing municipal infrastructure and understanding the responsibilities that come with providing essential services. Combined with 30+ years serving on the North Branch Township Board, including my current role as appointed clerk, I have gained extensive experience and a strong network of colleagues I can rely on for additional perspective. Using this experience and perspective, I will amplify residents' voices and help build a better future for all North Branch residents.

I do not support Flock cameras. The Flock camera controversy was a good example of why listening to residents must be part of the decision-making process. Decisions that affect the community should not be made without first understanding residents' concerns, priorities, and perspectives. The community pressure forced leadership to see that Flock was not right. The city was then left facing significant avoidable costs to get out of the contract. As Mayor, I would take a different approach: listen first, gather the facts, understand the financial and long-term consequences, and then make informed decisions in North Branch's best interests.

I have deep roots in this community and a genuine desire to serve it. I believe North Branch can have safe neighborhoods and parks, strong infrastructure, accessible housing, a healthy business community, and responsible commercial growth. We can balance our finances. We can invest in our infrastructure. We can attract businesses that create good local jobs. And we can make sure residents have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape our future.

North Branch has a strong future ahead. We need to make the right decisions to build it.

October 15, 2026

What process will you take for deciding how to vote on agenda topics, especially ones that are of greater public interest?

The Flock camera debate in North Branch is a good example of why listening to residents must be part of the decision-making process from the beginning. Decisions that affect the community should not be made without first understanding the concerns, priorities, and perspectives of the residents who live there. In this case, residents pushed hard enough to get city leaders to take a closer look at the decision and the contract involved. The community pressure forced leadership to see that Flock was not the right choice for our community. However, the city was then left facing significant costs to get out of the contract. Costs that could have been avoided or reduced if the contract and its implications had been fully understood before the decision was made.

I serve as Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of North Branch and as Clerk for North Branch Township. In these roles, I have gained extensive experience with infrastructure, utilities, budgeting, planning, and community development, along with a strong network of colleagues and professionals I can rely on for additional perspective.

September 17, 2026

I would prioritize strengthening and investing in our community’s infrastructure and utility systems. Reliable roads, water and sewer systems, public safety, and other essential infrastructure are the foundation of a strong, safe, and growing community.

My focus would be on maintaining the infrastructure we already have, planning responsibly for future needs, and prioritizing strategic projects that prevent small problems from becoming costly ones. Good infrastructure supports residents, helps local businesses, improves quality of life, and better prepares our community for future growth and challenges.

A strong infrastructure strategy also requires thoughtful financial planning. That means maximizing the revenue streams we already have while looking for opportunities to increase and identify new sources of revenue. Developing new revenue opportunities can help shift more of the financial burden away from property taxes and levies, while ensuring we have the resources necessary to maintain and improve the systems our community depends on.

September 17, 2026

Besides taxes, If you were only allowed to focus on one topic during your term, what would that topic be and why?

Why are you running for election?

I have deep roots in North Branch and a desire to serve the community. I am running for Mayor because I believe in a city that works for everyone. A city with safe neighborhoods and parks where families can go at ease, accessible housing, and thriving commercial growth. With my extensive municipal background, I have the experience to deliver real results. The current administration has made too many poor decisions that have financially harmed all North Branch residents; we can do much better!

Working to balance revenue and expenditures
Bring commercial growth
Investing in infrastructure

I am asking for your support to build a strong future together.

September 17, 2026