A Bemidji City Council member who represents Ward 1 has announced that he will be running for Mayor of Bemidji in the 2020 election.

Michael Meehlhause, the youngest council member in Bemidji’s history, was elected to represent Ward 1 in 2012 and has eight years of experience.

“After being encouraged by community members and personal reflection, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Bemidji,” Meehlhause said. “The main role of the Mayor is to set the tone and bring the community together around important issues while creating collaboration on the City Council. Since first elected, I’ve always tried to foster positive relationships, promote new ideas, and learn from my experiences to be a better representative.”

Meehlhause is a 2012 Bemidji State University graduate and served as Student Senate Co-president. Meelhlhause is currently an academic advisor at TrekNorth High School and is the head coach for their Nordic Ski Team.

“I fell in love with this community because I saw first-hand how the people of Bemidji come together to face important challenges, that’s what the Bemidji state of mind is truly about,” Meehlhause said. “As Mayor, I will bring my experience and exuberance for this city to help us envision Bemidji’s future together.”

By — Destiny Wiggins