Park Rapids Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Pat
Mikesh
Pat Mikesh, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Park Rapids in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Liz Stone.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Pat MikeshYou’re reading
- 02Liz Stone
Background
- About
- Mayor of Park Rapids since 2025 who previously served as mayor from 2013 to 2018. He is also a retired Park Rapids firefighter.
Pat Mikesh did not respond to the KAXE Election Guide questionnaire. KAXE · Sep 28, 2026
On the record: Pat Mikesh
11 sourced01Special assessments3 sourced positions
Lists finding different ways to assess property owners for city projects among his top three priorities.
Trying to find different options to assess people's properties for different projects that don't run people out of town”
Own statementLeague of Women Voters VOTE411Link
as reported by the Park Rapids Enterprise; not a direct quote
At a September 2026 candidate forum, said a high priority is reevaluating how the city assesses property owners for street and utility improvements.
Forum answerPark Rapids EnterpriseLink
At a June 2026 strategic planning session, said he would like the special assessment policy moved to the top of the council's task list.
Own statementCity of Park Rapids · Jun 23, 2026Link
022027 budget and levy2 sourced positions
Lists keeping taxes down among his top three priorities.
Keeping our taxes down”
Own statementLeague of Women Voters VOTE411Link
Voted yes on adopting the proposed 2027 tax levy and preliminary 2027 general fund budget (passed 4-0, September 2026).
Council voteCity of Park Rapids · Oct 13, 2026LinkHow the council voted
03Heartland Heights1 sourced position
Voted yes on a bridge loan of up to $500,000 for the Heartland Heights development project (passed 5-0, March 2026).
Council voteCity of Park Rapids · Mar 10, 2026LinkHow the council voted
04Second Street Stage1 sourced position
Voted yes on establishing an event protection area for Second Street Stage events (passed 5-0, April 2026).
Council voteCity of Park Rapids · Apr 14, 2026LinkHow the council voted
05City Hall entrance remodel1 sourced position
Voted yes on the contract for the City Hall Pleasant Avenue public entrance remodel project (passed 5-0, August 2026).
Council voteCity of Park Rapids · Aug 25, 2026LinkHow the council voted
06Highway 711 sourced position
At a September 2026 work session on MnDOT's Highway 71 plans, raised concerns that roundabouts could confuse drivers, especially older drivers, and slow traffic.
Own statementCity of Park Rapids · Oct 13, 2026Link
07Downtown upkeep1 sourced position
as reported by the Park Rapids Enterprise
Agreed the city needs better cleanup after downtown events, saying the added cost is something the city should be able to afford.
Yes, it’s going to cost a little bit more, but that’s something I think we should be able to afford to do because it keeps that downtown looking attractive.”
Forum answerPark Rapids EnterpriseLink
08Past races1 sourced position
Ran for Mayor of Park Rapids in 2024 (won).
Own statementMinnesota Secretary of State · Nov 5, 2024Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Pat Mikesh: their words and their votes on the same issue
2027 budget and levy
In their words
Lists keeping taxes down among his top three priorities.
On the record
Voted yes on adopting the proposed 2027 tax levy and preliminary 2027 general fund budget (passed 4-0, September 2026).
Oct 13, 2026 ·City of Park Rapids · Oct 13, 2026
In their own words
Answered by the candidate on Oct 23, 2026
How should Park Rapids charge property owners for street and utility projects?
Their pick: Yes, find new ways to charge owners.
I believe that there is a better way to assess property owners if that means everyone pays their share because our infrastructure is one whole system and everyone in town uses it not just one area people should not have to choose between paying or moving out of town or loosing their house.
What should the final 2027 levy and budget look like, and what would you cut or add?
Their pick: Trim it below 5%.
If the city gets rid of some unnecessary expenses to keep a building that was supposed to be self abstain and therefore everyone is paying for is not right just to keep it
How should the city support and pay for growth such as the Heartland Heights development?
Their pick: Only with tighter limits.
The city has always had ways that help growth with in the city or business but we need to find a way that works best for both the city and owners so no one loose and the money is paid in full
How should the city manage food trucks and vendors at downtown events like Second Street Stage?
Their pick: Yes, keep the protected zone.
What we have is working after a few meetings with both DBA and vendors With a little more work we can find common ground so everyone comes out and succeed
How should the city decide when to spend reserves on projects like the City Hall entrance remodel?
Their pick: Yes, but cut the cost.
Try to cut some of the things out without putting our employees safety at risk.
What should the city tell MnDOT about the Highway 71 redesign?
Their pick: No, avoid roundabouts.
Putting roundabout in the city is absolutely ridiculous having to travel a extra block to get turned around to make a right hand turn. Emergency vehicles doing that makes response time slower and that extra few minutes could be the factor between life or death.
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