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If it has to do with the local area, I’ve been there.

-Gary Gray

Meet Gary

Transplanted to the area at four years old, Gary Gray is a lifelong resident of Sherburne County. He attended the historical Tech High School and graduated from St. Cloud Technical College. Happily married for 38 years, Gary is a proud parent of two and has welcomed two grandchildren into the world. He served as District 4 County Commissioner from 2023-2026 and is running for reelection to continue helping residents of Sherburne County.

Local Government InvolvemenT

Clear Lake Township—18 years
Clear Lake Township Chairman—11 years
Clearwater Library Board
Clear Lake Fire Board
Clear Lake Township Waters Advisory Board
Sherburne County Planning and Zoning
East Central Irrigators Association Board
District 742 Building and Facilities Task Force

State Government Involvement

State Irrigators Association
Minnesota Area II Potato Research Council

National Government Involvement

NACO (National Association of Counties)
- Appointed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture to Potato USA, formerly known as the National Potato Promotion Board—two six-year terms
Appointed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture to Potato USA, formerly known as the National Potato Promotion Board—two six-year terms

A Leader and Active Community Member

Throughout his life, Gary has been actively involved in the community, from the School Site Council at Clearview Elementary to the church council at St. Marcus. As a farmer and business owner, he’s well acquainted with the unique challenges faced by the population of Sherburne County.

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First-Term Accomplishments

Expanded county services to areas further from the Elk River government center

Streamlined the permitting process with increased and faster attainability via online portal

Encouraged and amplified feedback from residents regarding the redraft of the county’s comprehensive land use plan

Established focus groups specific to townships and cities that meet regularly to offer feedback and receive updates on county issues (ongoing)

Upgraded tobacco and cannabis ordinance

Kept Sherburne County in the bottom 10 for tax increases in 87 Minnesota counties

Partnered with the county to install upgraded fiber in Blue Hill, Clear Lake, Haven, and Santiago Townships

Improved access to County Road 65 and Highway 10

Updated zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and streamline the platting process

Completed a zoning ordinance re-write in 2026 to increase ease and clarity of the building permit and land use process

Implemented an automated permitting process via the Planning and Zoning Permit Portal

Secured funding for the Highway 169 interchange project

Completed the PEL process as the county looked to construct an additional river crossing in the Big Lake/Monticello area

Approved the Northstar Commuter Rail transition to a bus service with additional stops

Expanded park land and supported park development

Gary’s Community Commitments

Health and Human Services

Ensuring disabled and elderly community members receive Health and Human Services efficiently and at cost-effective rates

Ensuring the County Sheriff and Attorney have the resources and funding to continue the excellent work they’re already doing

Transparency

Continued monitoring of elections, including implementation of more efficient processes as they become available

Ensuring our valued veterans receive desired services promptly

Fiscal responsibility with your tax dollars

Community Input

Increase transparency regarding road construction projects, providing residents with more details and the chance to offer feedback

Member of the East Central Irrigators Association Board

Member of the District 742 Building and Facilities Task Force

Member of the Clearwater Library Board

Passions

A balanced approach to energy, using combinations of wind, solar, hydro, coal, and nuclear power to supply the county with a reliable source of electricity

A strong supporter of landowner rights

Amplification of community voices in local government

Upcoming Community Projects

Establishment of a household hazardous waste facility

Upgrading the jail

Continue working with legislation to get the nuclear moratorium lifted in Minnesota

The Responsibilities of County District Commissioner

After 18 years of service in the Township Government and a productive first term, Gary is ready for his second term as Sherburne County’s District 4 Commissioner. Informed by years of experience as a farmer, business owner, and active participant in government, he pledges to continue supporting our rural community in this nonpartisan position. He looks forward to encouraging further economic development while still retaining the small-town, agricultural feel we all know and love.

As with his first term, Gary’s top priority is ensuring every resident of District 4, as well as all of Sherburne County, has representation in local government. He intends to continue maintaining Sherburne County’s fiscal responsibility, and he strongly believes the county’s financial investments should translate into real value for its citizens.

As a parent of a child with disabilities, Gary is uniquely familiar with Sherburne County’s Health and Human Services Department. He understands the dynamic impact these services have on senior and disabled community members, and he knows his experiences will help him deliver these services in a cost-effective, quality manner.

Board of Commissioners