Heidi Omerza

Paul Kess

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ELY – The primaries held back in August narrowed the field to two well-known Ely names vying to be named the next mayor of Ely in next Tuesday’s election. Both Heidi Omerza and Paul Kess have served on the Ely City Council for several years. Both Omerza and Kess hope to replace current mayor Roger Skraba, who is making his own bid for the district 3A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
In a recent interview with the Timberjay, the two candidates were asked the following four questions with their answers to each included below:
What one thing do you want people to remember about you as they cast their ballot in the upcoming election?
Kess: “I want them to know that I’m the best candidate for mayor.” Kess noted his long resume that is filled with leadership experience that includes, in part, serving on the Ely City Council, his work as President of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS), as well as union leadership roles. “I’ve committed to the people of Ely,” he added.
Omerza: “The first thing that pops into my head is that I’m the same now as I’ve always been. I’m steady, and I know what Ely wants and needs. What I voted for five years ago is likely what I would vote for today. This is how I show up; this is how I lead.”
What is an unexpected lesson you learned while campaigning for mayor?
Omerza: “You learn more about yourself. You learn how passionate you are about how you want Ely to be and how great it is already. I’m so proud of Ely and everything it’s accomplished.” Omerza cited the city of Ely’s ability to overcome obstacles, reinvent itself and “figure things out” as reasons she’s passionate about serving as mayor.
Kess: Kess admitted that family commitments have kept him from doing much campaigning, but he’s still tried to communicate his message as best as he was able. Now with the election right around the corner, he said, “I’m going to get out and do some door knocking, but family is always first.”
What is your first priority if you’re elected as Mayor?
Kess: Referring to himself as a “budget hawk,” Kess said that he would create an action plan to address Ely’s significant lack of affordable housing. “Housing is a real critical issue for us.” He said that finding creative ways to fund housing development would be key to success on this issue. “In a budget that’s tight for the city, that’s (finding funding) going to be harder.”
Omerza: Omerza cited what she called the “Trifecta” – childcare, housing and workforce. She said she will continue to work on these three issues and “continue figuring them out.” Omerza pointed to working on all levels – local, regional and state – to make strides on these three issues with which Ely continues to grapple.
If elected, how will you represent ALL people of Ely?
Omerza: “I talk to a lot of people. I see a lot of people. If I don’t hear from the opposition, I try to seek them out.”
Kess: “People speak with their votes, and I’m comfortable dealing with people who are not of my political affiliation.”
Final thoughts to add?
Kess: “I hope voters will examine the candidates and make an intelligent choice.” He said regardless of the outcome, he’ll never take it personally. “I have a desire for good government.”
Omerza: “I’m excited. It’s been a great 16 years (on the City Council).”
The general election is Tuesday and early voting has already begun. For more information on how and where to vote please visit: https://www.ely.mn.us and enter “Election 2022” in the search bar located at the top right corner of the page.