Elect Gary Gray
For Sherburne County Commissioner District 4
If it has to do with the local area, I’ve been there.
-Gary Gray
Meet Gary
Transplanted to the area at four years old, Gary Gray is a lifelong resident of
Sherburne County. He attended the historical Tech High School and
graduated from St. Cloud Technical College. Happily married for 34 years,
Gary is a proud parent of two and has recently welcomed his first grandchild
into the world. Residents of the area may recognize Gary as the now-retired
co-owner of Gray Potato Farm and Grayson’s Berryland, which he operated
alongside his brother for 37 years.
A Leader and Active Community Member
Throughout his life, Gary has been actively involved in the community, from
the School Site Council at Clearview Elementary to the church council at St.
Marcus. As a farmer and business owner, he’s well acquainted with the
unique challenges faced by the population of Sherburne County.
Local Government InvolvemenT
- Clear Lake Township—18 years
- Clear Lake Township Chairman—11 years
- Clearwater Library Board
- Clear Lake Fire Board
- Clear Lake Township Waters Advisory Board
- Sherburne County Planning and Zoning
- East Central Irrigators Association Board
- District 742 Building and Facilities Task Force
State Government Involvement
Appointed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture to Potato USA, formerly known as the National Potato Promotion Board—two six-year terms
State Irrigators Association
Minnesota Area II Potato Research Council
Gary’s Community Commitments
Health and Human Services
- Ensuring disabled and elderly community members receive Health and Human Services efficiently and at cost-effective rates
- Exploration of the possibility to expand county services to areas further from the Elk River government center
- Ensuring the County Sheriff and Attorney have the resources and funding to continue the excellent work they’re already doing
Transparency
- Continued monitoring of elections, including implementation of more efficient processes as they become available
- A permitting process streamlined with increased and faster attainability
- Ensuring our valued veterans receive desired services promptly
- Fiscal responsibility with your tax dollars
Community Input
- Increased transparency regarding road construction projects, providing residents with more details and the chance to offer feedback
- Encouraging feedback from residents regarding the redraft of the county’s comprehensive land use plan
- Establishment of focus groups specific to townships and cities that meet regularly to offer feedback and receive updates on county issues
Passions
- A balanced approach to energy, using combinations of wind, solar, hydro, coal, and nuclear power to supply the county with a reliable source of electricity
- A strong supporter of landowner rights
- Amplification of community voices in local government
The Responsibilities of County District Commissioner
After 18 years of service in the Township Government, Gary is ready for a new challenge. With the retirement of Commissioner Felix Schmiesing, Gary is finally able to devote the time and commitment the position deserves. If elected, he’s confident he’ll be able to support the rural, agricultural area with his years of experience as a farmer, business owner, and active participant in local government.
As he strives to maintain the consistency established by former commissioner Schmiesing, Gary promises to remain adaptable and inquisitive as he serves the community. He looks forward to encouraging economic development while still retaining the small-town, agricultural feel we all know and love.
Ensuring his community members have representation in local government is Gary’s top priority. If elected, he hopes to streamline the permitting process for some projects in Sherburne County and get involved with the redraft of the comprehensive county plan, which hasn’t been updated in almost 20 years. As a parent of a child with disabilities, Gary is also uniquely familiar with Sherburne County’s Health and Human Services Department. He understands the dynamic impact these services have on elderly and disabled community members, and he knows his experiences will help him deliver these services in a cost-effective, quality manner.
The Importance of Voting
Your county commissioner is your voice in local government. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you’re voting for someone who not only knows the area they’re representing but is also dedicated to representing the collective interests of the community. When a county commissioner is approachable and responds to the concerns of their constituents, it creates an opportunity for real change.
When is the Election for County District Commissioner?
November 8th, 2022: General Election
Who is Eligible to Vote?
To vote in the state of Minnesota, you must be:
- A citizen of the U.S.A.
- At least 18 years old on the day of the election
- A Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
- Finished serving all parts of any felony sentences
Register to vote here.
How Do I Know if I’m Already Registered?
Check your voter registration status here.
How Do I Know Which County Commissioner District I Live in?
Find your district using the map here.
How Do I Find My Polling Place?
Use your zip code or county location to find your polling place here.
Candidates for Sherburne County District 4 Commissioner
Jerome “Lefty” Kleis
Find the full ballot for your area here.
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