Abbie Raudabaugh for Pine County Commissioner

Leadership that works hard for you.

My Priorities

Responsible Budgets & Protection of Taxpayers

Strong Infrastructure

Safe Communities & Reliable Emergency Services

Sustainable Economic Growth & Workforce Development

Why I am running

I’m running for Pine County Commissioner because I believe leadership starts with listening—and too often, the voices of everyday people in our community go unheard.

As a US Army veteran, a commercial general contractor, small business owner, farm wife, mother of four, and a longtime public servant on local committees and advisory boards, I’ve spent my entire career in the trenches—listening to working families, farmers, business owners, first responders, and service providers. I know what it means to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, navigate bureaucracy, and still get things done. But more than anything, I’ve learned that people don’t just want to be heard—they want someone who will fight for them when it counts.

I’m not afraid to speak up—especially when decisions are being made behind closed doors or when rural voices are drowned out by louder ones. I believe that effective leadership means being the voice in the room that says, “Wait—what about our people?” even when it’s inconvenient. It means asking tough questions, demanding clarity, transparency, and standing firm in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable. And it means staying accessible and responsive long after the election is over.

Pine County deserves a commissioner who listens carefully and isn’t afraid to work hard and lead boldly. I’m ready to bring fresh energy and a practical, common-sense approach to solving problems. My priorities include slowing the rapid rise in property taxes, strengthening our workforce, supporting public safety, improving emergency response services, repairing roads and infrastructure, meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations, and protecting our farms and environment while planning for responsible economic growth. I’m committed to doing all of this with transparency, accountability, and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

This campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about people. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and building a future where everyone in Pine County feels seen, heard, and valued.

I’m ready to work for you, I’m ready to listen. I’m ready to earn your trust and your vote this November!

About Abbie

Service and a willingness to work hard have always been at the core of who I am.

I began my commitment to serving others in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, where I learned firsthand the importance of integrity, accountability, discipline, hard work, endurance and standing up for the people you serve. Those values didn’t end with my military service — they continue to guide every decision I make today.

I currently serve on the Pine City Township Board of Supervisors, where I was elected by my peers to serve two consecutive years as Board Chair. In that role, I’ve worked to ensure our meetings are professional, respectful, and focused on solutions. I believe leadership starts with listening — truly listening — to residents, business owners, and community partners before making decisions that affect their lives.

During my tenure, our board worked hard to lower the township tax levy while maintaining a balanced, forward-looking budget that protects residents from unexpected increases. We strengthened financial planning practices to ensure long-term stability rather than short-term fixes.

When discussions around the fire district study created concern in the community, I helped guide conversations in a calm and constructive direction. I played a key role in drafting effective RFP documents that opened the door to grant funding, allowing every community leader involved to gather sound data and conduct proper research before making decisions that impact public safety and taxpayer dollars. I believe in informed decision-making — not rushed decisions — and in protecting both community safety and fiscal responsibility.

Beyond township government, I serve on a local non-profit board and am the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) MSP Chapter. These leadership roles reflect my commitment to strengthening both our local community and our regional workforce.

Professionally, I work in commercial general contracting and hold educational backgrounds in Emergency & Disaster Management and Construction Management. I have twice been honored by Finance & Commerce as a Top Woman in Construction for Minnesota — recognition that reflects not only technical expertise, but leadership, collaboration, and ethical standards in a complex industry.

My husband and I own and operate North Star Tractor Parts and a small farming operation in Pine City Township. As small business owners and members of the agricultural community, we understand firsthand the challenges facing rural families — from rising costs and property taxes to infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity.

I am deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of skilled professionals. Through volunteer work with local nonprofits and youth programs, as well as my past involvement as an adjunct instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology, I actively support workforce development and hands-on career pathways. I strive to equip emerging trades talent with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed—strengthening our communities today and helping ensure a resilient, fully prepared workforce for years to come.

I am running for Pine County Commissioner because Pine County deserves steady, transparent, and principled leadership. Leadership that listens first. Leadership that protects taxpayer dollars. Leadership that values ethical governance and practical solutions over politics.I will continue to lead with integrity, make data-driven decisions, and work collaboratively to ensure Pine County remains a place where families, farms, and small businesses can thrive.

Because public service isn’t about holding a title — it’s about rolling up sleeves to work hard for the community, earning trust every day.