St. Cloud City Council Seat 5 · Nov 3, 2026
Kirk Zilke
Candidate for City Council Seat 5
Kirk Zilke is running for St. Cloud City Council Seat 5 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Alex Rodriguez.
Early voting begins · Mon, Oct 19, 2026
Retired St. Cloud Police Department Deputy Chief with nearly 35 years of service to the city. He is also a licensed HVAC contractor and small business owner.
- Campaign website
- zilkeforstcloud.com
In the Aug. 18 primary for Seat 5, Kirk Zilke received 40.5% (3,256 votes), Alex Rodriguez 29.8% (2,396) and Jim Moore 29.7% (2,388). Around Osceola · Aug 18, 2026
After a manual recount, Alex Rodriguez finished ahead of Jim Moore by one vote, putting Rodriguez in the runoff against Kirk Zilke. Spectrum News 13 · Aug 22, 2026
Where Kirk Zilke stands: positions on the record
Growth and infrastructure1 sourced position
Lists managing growth and infrastructure as a top priority; says infrastructure should be planned before development and new development should contribute fairly.
“I support responsible growth that protects our quality of life while ensuring new development contributes fairly to the infrastructure it requires.”
Own statementAround Osceola · Oct 2, 2026
Traffic1 sourced position
Lists traffic congestion as a top priority and calls for long-term transportation planning and coordination with state and county agencies.
“We need better long-term transportation planning, coordination with state and county agencies, and road improvements that anticipate future growth instead of reacting years later.”
Own statementAround Osceola · Oct 2, 2026
Property tax amendment1 sourced position
Answered no on the constitutional amendment on property taxes, citing uncertainty over how local services would be funded.
“eliminating property taxes without first identifying a stable replacement for local government funding creates significant uncertainty for cities like St. Cloud”
Own statementAround Osceola · Oct 2, 2026
Housing affordability1 sourced position
Says housing affordability has no single solution and calls for a variety of housing options without overwhelming infrastructure.
“Housing affordability is a difficult issue with no single solution.”
Own statementAround Osceola · Oct 2, 2026
City finances1 sourced position
Lists fiscal stability as a top priority, citing uncertainty from discussions of eliminating property taxes.
“Regardless of what happens at the state level, St. Cloud must continue providing police, fire, parks, roads, and other essential services.”
Own statementAround Osceola · Oct 2, 2026
Also running for City Council Seat 5
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