Kevin Peterson

Age: 29.

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Address: 103 Fourth St. N.E. Crosby.

Occupation: Former chemist, currently substitute teacher and future stay-at-home dad.

Education: Bachelor's degree chemistry, Saint John's University.

Family: Wife, Jennifer Peterson, and baby expected in June.

Why are you running for this office? "We took a good, hard look at many locations to start a family. In January, we chose the Cuyuna Range area after a long, thorough debate. The lakes, forest, schools, and (most importantly) the people drew us here. This area has so much to offer, and therefore, so much to be protected. This is my way of guarding our greatest investment, our family's future, and giving back to the community that we now call home."

Out of a field of 12 candidates, what sets you apart from the other candidates? "Age and experience. At 29 years old, I am the youngest of the candidates and with only four months in the county, I have the least experience with the local issues. Unlike my many opponents, I also have not had the time to form any hard opinions on these issues. Listening is more valuable then talking. And I would rather learn and reflect the values and goals of my townships and municipalities. Enabling these smaller, highly productive, governing boards to do their jobs will make the county's job easier and more efficient."

What do you think is the most important issue facing Crow Wing County? "Public health. The ever-increasing age of the county's population and immigration of retiring metro area residents is cause for great concern. As this fixed-income population grows so will demand on the public health system. Sadly, 9 percent of the county's general budget is for public health compared to 19 percent dedicated to jails, juvenile detention, Sentence to Serve. I propose offering property tax rebates to persons who build or remodel their home for handicapped accessibility; further developing of home health care/transportation services; supporting development of graduated care facilities. Maybe we can take an edge off this approaching iceberg."