Two vie for Anoka County Board seat

Three seats are up for grabs on the Anoka County Board this election season, but one race stands out: the contest between Andover Mayor Mike Gamache and former state Sen. Debbie Johnson for Carol LeDoux's District 5 seat. It's the only one that's contested.

Gamache and Johnson emerged from the Aug. 12 primary, leaving behind political newcomer Reid Oines. Two other board seats are on the Nov. 4 ballot, but incumbents Jim Kordiak (District 4) and Scott Schulte (District 7) were the only candidates to file. The same is true for County Sheriff James Stuart and County Attorney Tony Palumbo, who are both running unopposed.

In District 5, LeDoux is not seeking re-election after serving for four years. Here's a look at the two people trying to succeed her:

Mike Gamache Andover mayor for 14 years

Gamache said he has the experience to "promote and help Anoka County move forward."

Gamache, 55, is a familiar face in the District 5 region of Andover, Coon Rapids and Fridley. He is president of the North Metro Mayors Association, has been involved in transportation discussions (even though there are no state highways or interstates running through the city), and pushed for an open-space levy so that 80 acres in Andover will never be developed.

He said he wants to bring a "common-sense approach" to his role of commissioner should he be elected.

The brand product specialist at General Mills Inc. said he wants to "preserve the small-town feel," as in his city with the purchase of the 80 acres of land.

"That was one of my goals in Andover," Gamache said. "I know Anoka County has larger acreage. I think there's a benefit of having that and I want to see that continue so that we can offer a little bit of the suburban world … and rural."

Improving transportation and infrastructure is a top priority for Gamache. He's been working with Ramsey city officials to improve the Hwy. 10 project at the Armstrong Boulevard intersection.

When it comes to the 2015 proposed budget, Gamache said he would have reconsidered some of the personnel cuts. (County officials said they are offering a "voluntary separation program to qualified employees.")

"You just have to be careful, because those people are important," Gamache said.

Gamache said he's ready to work with the board and find ways to improve the budget and the county government "as best as we can."

"[My mayoral] experience is important," he said. "Being involved and being there is a big part of this role as county commissioner."