Zimmerman City Council · Nov 3, 2026
Karen
Michels
Karen Michels is running for Zimmerman City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 3 candidates are running for 2 seats.
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The race · City Council
- 01Dave EarenfightIncumbent
- 02Larry FarberIncumbent
- 03Karen MichelsYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Former Zimmerman City Council member who served from 2002 to 2010. She previously served as executive director of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dave Earenfight and Larry Farber hold the two council seats on the ballot; Karen Michels was the only other candidate to file. Elk River Star News
On the record: Karen Michels
7 sourced01Sidewalks2 sourced positions
as recorded in the City Council minutes; not a direct quote
Told the council at its April 20, 2026 meeting that she is opposed to a sidewalk in the 3rd Avenue North/10th Street West project and presented a statement signed by 9 residents opposing it.
Own statementZimmerman City Council minutes, Apr 20 2026 · Apr 20, 2026Link
as recorded in the City Council minutes; not a direct quote
At the April 6, 2026 public hearing, asked the council to defer adding a sidewalk until future housing is laid out, saying the road needs repair more than a sidewalk.
Own statementZimmerman City Council minutes, Apr 6 2026 · Apr 6, 2026Link
02Communication1 sourced position
Wrote that the city has not communicated effectively with residents about projects.
The City has not communicated effectively with the community regarding projects.”
Own statementElk River Star News · Oct 10, 2026Link
03Wastewater plant1 sourced position
Named the wastewater treatment facility expansion as something the city has done well.
The City has/is taking steps for the orderly expansion of the wastewater treatment facility.”
Own statementElk River Star News · Oct 10, 2026Link
04Growth and housing1 sourced position
Wrote that growth needs to be managed and that she wants a plan built from community input that can be carried out in phases.
Growth needs to be managed with all the different consequences being considered.”
Own statementElk River Star News · Oct 10, 2026Link
05Property tax levy1 sourced position
Wrote that she cannot promise lower taxes and will work to get the most value from city spending.
I can’t promise to lower your city taxes or that they won’t go up.”
Own statementElk River Star News · Oct 10, 2026Link
06Downtown1 sourced position
Wrote that she would like to look into a veterans housing development, a retirement community neighborhood and the return of a pharmacy.
Own statementElk River Star News · Oct 10, 2026Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
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