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On November 8, Cass County District #3 residents will be voting to fill the vacated commissioner position due to the retirement of current commissioner Jeff Peterson. On Aug. 13 during the primary voters narrowed down their candidates to two, Rusty Lilyquist and Karen Goodenough.

   Recently, the Press-Citizen submitted the following questions to the candidates. What motivates you to want to become a Commissioner? What life or professional experiences led you to seek this position? What are your top issues and why?

   Both candidates had the following response:

Rusty Lilyquist

   Improve our roads, Increase public Safety services....Ambulances, Deputies. Attract a hospital to Cass County. Keep real estate taxes in check.

   I am a Lifelong resident of Cass County. My mother’s family moved to Leech Lake in 1911 and my father’s family moved to Cass County in 1928. I have served two terms as District 3 Commissioner, I have served as the Chairman of the ISD 118 School Board. I am currently the 1st Vice Chair of the Congressional District 8 Board. I have been in the Real Estate business for 30 years. I am very good at negotiating and getting issues agreed to by two opposing sides.

   Keeping Cass County moving in the right direction. I want Cass County to be the kind of place the residents love, and the tourist love to visit.

Karen Goodenough

   I am motivated to become a Cass County Commissioner because our district needs strong leadership and fresh energy. I’m passionate about fostering open communication between county agencies, businesses, and our residents, to ensure our voices are heard. I understand the importance of strong fiscal management making sure our budgeting is both responsible and impactful, and I want to bring creative problem-solving to address the challenges facing our community. Above all, I would be honored to represent and advocate for the diverse needs of our residents, ensuring all are represented.

   I’ve built my career around a life of service—helping others and championing thoughtful, fiscally responsible policies—and I would be honored to share these values while serving our community. I’m a social worker, non-profit executive director, adjunct professor, and deeply invested in the well-being of Cass County. I proudly serve on the Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services Advisory Committee, the Pine River-Backus Family Center Board, and as a volunteer cheer coach at PRB High School. These roles, combined with my commitment to this community, have prepared me to advocate for our future with passion and purpose.

   Through my deep involvement in the community, door-knocking, and engaging in meaningful conversations with local leaders and residents, I’ve pinpointed three critical issues facing our county: 1) Investing in infrastructure and driving sustainable progress without raising taxes; 2) Safeguarding our natural resources while supporting vital services like childcare, education, public safety, housing, and healthcare to help local businesses attract and retain top talent; and 3) Addressing the urgent shortage of local mental health and chemical dependency services. These are challenges we can solve together, with smart solutions that strengthen our community.

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