Elections

2026 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

SUSAN MATHISON-YOUNG

I have lived in Lake Shore for nearly 30 years and grew up in Home Brook Township. My husband, Mark, and I own Harbor Classics Boat Repair and Restoration in Lake Shore. I have worked as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner for 36 years. After retiring from the Veterans Administration in 2016, I founded Advanced Care at Home, where I serve as a health care consultant and nursing instructor. We have two grown children and 2 beautiful grandbabies and I keep busy in the summer volunteering with multiple non-profit organizations.

I value Lake Shore’s close-knit community and the many opportunities our area offers. Although much has changed over the past 60 years, its defining qualities remain: caring residents, summer visitors, local restaurants and recreation, and neighbors helping one another. It would be an honor to represent Lake Shore residents on the city council, and I would welcome the opportunity to serve. I welcome any questions directed to my candidacy. Please review the Lakes Area Voting guide for further information on all of the candidates.

VERN GEVIK

Residents of Lake Shore,

First, thank you for the opportunity to serve on the Lake Shore City Council.

I am proud to represent our residents and remain committed to careful financial stewardship. We account for every dollar, use tax revenue responsibly, and protect the investments that help our local businesses grow and prosper.

For 2027, the city levy increased by the minimum of 3.3%. Most surrounding cities adopted larger increases. As state funding declines amid challenges in St. Paul, our mayor and council continue to scrutinize spending and find creative ways to manage the city’s annual budget.

Our law enforcement department has added a second full-time officer, strengthening our ability to protect Lake Shore residents. The City Council is especially committed to keeping our parks safe for children and providing a secure environment for families throughout our community.

My wife and I have been fortunate to call Lake Shore home for nearly 20 years, and we take great pride in our beautiful lakes area.

Thank you for your continued support as I seek re-election to the Lake Shore City Council.

DARCY PETERSON

It has been an honor serving Lake Shore since being appointed in January 2024 then being elected for the remainder of that two-year term in November. I currently serve as Liaison for our Planning/Zoning Commission where I have learned so much and enjoyed every bit of it. I also team up with Mayor Stewart to manage the ever-growing Personnel of our City, job dynamics to keep our city running topnotch plus updating systems and policies.

I grew up and have lived in the Brainerd Lakes Area all of my life, I have worked for almost 30 years as the Business Manager at RE/MAX in Nisswa, that combined with my wide scope of other experiences, activities and community involvement I believe that makes me a well rounded person to continue serving Lake Shore.

I love being part of this community, we have great people, lakes and thriving businesses that I’m happy to support and represent, ensuring fairness, common sense decision making and advocate for responsible growth while protecting the character and values that make our little town such a special place to live, work, and vacation.