Sarah Shelander
Editor

Joe McCabe

Why are you running for Mayor? What values and attributes would you bring to being mayor?

I see this as an opportunity to give back to the community where I served as City Manager for ten years. I have extensive experience in city government, having served Madelia as city administrator for over 20 years, St. James as city manager for 10 years, Mountain Lake as interim city administrator for a year, and St. James as interim city manager/EDA director for over a year.

I am involved in the community in a number of organizations- Rotary, Lions Club, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and the Weekend Backpack Program to just name a few of the organizations.

What do you think are the top 2 or 3 issues the city will be or should be dealing with in the next few years?

The top issue is the city budget. The price of some of the vehicles and equipment have increased significantly and we need to maintain the equipment for all the departments. We need to provide a fair wage for the work done by employees. In serving the citizens, city employees need to take pride in what they are doing. We also need to continue to maintain the facilities that are owned by the city. Another issue is working with residents and landlords regarding the proper maintenance of their property. A third issue is the need to work with the legislature to designate local ambulance services as an essential function.

In your opinion what are the strengths and weaknesses of St. James?

A strength of the community is the residents, we are fortunate in that many organizations are active in the community, and they are working for the greater good of the community. We have many residents that take pride in where they live and are maintaining their property. A weakness is the many organizations are made up of the same concerned citizens and we need to work on broadening this base.

Chris Whitehead

Why are you running for Mayor? What values and attributes would you bring to being mayor?

I am running for mayor because this community is my home and my children’s home. I want to see this city grow but also keep it’s unique characteristics and see if we can bring kids back home from college to start a career and family in a familiar place with great memories they had of our town. Our community faces both challenges and opportunities, and I’m committed to being a bridge between the people and the solutions that will make our city stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous.

I will bring integrity, transparency, empathy, inclusivity, sensible problem solving, and collaborative spirit. People will be informed of decision making with open communication with residents, every voice matters and I am dedicated to creating a city where people feel heard, valued, and represented. Our city needs a forward-thinking leader who can create sustainable plans for economic growth, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. I value teamwork and believe the best solutions come from bringing people together. Working hand in hand with residents, business owners and elected officials to create policies that reflect our shared priorities.

What do you think are the top 2 or 3 issues the city will be or should be dealing with in the next few years?

I’ve seen firsthand the need for accessible services, affordable housing, safe streets, and a thriving local economy. These are not distant, unattainable goals — they are within reach, and I want to help be the change for a brighter future for all of us.

In your opinion what are the strengths and weaknesses of St. James?

St. James is a town where many of its citizens know each other by name and this fosters a strong sense of connection and belonging. This closeness creates a supportive atmosphere where people help one another in times of need. St. James is has a rich history and unique culture that can be leveraged to build community pride and promote the attractiveness of our city. These can draw in visitors and new businesses looking for authenticity and community.

Weaknesses of St. James are the understaffed police and EMS. This could be due to budget constraints, a lack of trained personnel, or difficulty in attracting skilled workers. Having understaffed public safety means slower response times in emergencies and puts public health and safety at risk. The presence of abandoned houses and vacant business buildings suggests economic stagnation or decline. Bringing new businesses and people in is essential in preventing the loss of key industries or businesses, leading to job losses, reduced property values, and a shrinking tax base. Young people or working-age adults leaving the city for better opportunities elsewhere, our city faces a shrinking population.