Mayoral race in Belgrade

In the October 22 issue, the mayor candidates for the city of Belgrade provided information about themselves on their mayoral bid. The candidates are Betty Braegelman and Leah Fernelius. The Voice contacted Leah on Monday while seeking to provide fair coverage, and that should have occurred last week. With plenty of time to publish and not make mistakes, a mistake was nonetheless made on page 5. On page 5, the names were mixed up on the final parts of the candidates' statements. The October 29 issue will include them published in full on one page (page 5 is the goal!).

Leah Fernelius

"My name is Leah Fernelius, and I am a candidate for mayor of the City of Belgrade. I am proud of my past service to our community as both a city council member and mayor. Although I left the mayor's position in July 2025 due to circumstances beyond my control, I have truly missed the opportunity to serve our city and its residents. I believe now is the right time to return."

"Belgrade is a wonderful community, and we are fortunate to have residents who care deeply about our city and its future. I understand the financial challenges many families face every day, as well as the responsibility the city has to maintain essential services for its residents. Finding the right balance between responsible city funding and keeping Belgrade affordable for the people who call it home is an important challenge. I believe it takes thoughtful decision-making, responsible financial management, and a genuine understanding of resident's needs to ensure our community continues to thrive.

Leah is a past chair of the Belgrade August Fest Committee, which she served on until becoming mayor. She and her husband Dean are current Belgrade Lions members.

Betty Braegelman

"My name is Betty Braegelman, and I am proud to be running for Mayor of Belgrade, a community I have been fortunate to call home for the past 49 years. After nearly 20 years on the City Council, I would welcome the opportunity to take the next step in serving our community."

"Throughout my time in Belgrade, I have dedicated much of my life to serving others. I worked at the Belgrade Nursing Home for 47 years as Activity Director and Dietary Manager, developing leadership, organizational, and communication skills while learning the importance of teamwork and compassion. My experience on the Belgrade City Council, including service on the Economic Development Authority (EDA), has provided valuable insight into local government, economic development, and the importance of responsible decision-making and thoughtful planning."

"Community involvement has always been important to me. I am an active member of the Belgrade Lions Club, assist with Commercial Club projects, and serve on the Nursing Home Auxiliary and Museum Committee. Alongside my husband, I also help care for Centennial Memorial Park on a daily basis."

"I am proud of Belgrade’s continued progress, including the growth of our local businesses, and look forward to the addition of a new fire hall in 2027. My priorities include supporting existing businesses, encouraging new economic development, expanding our Industrial Park, and exploring housing opportunities to meet our community’s needs. As Belgrade grows, I believe it is important to balance future opportunities with responsible management of our city’s resources."

"Belgrade is more than just where I live—it’s my home. I care deeply about our community, the people who live here, and its future. I believe in listening to residents, working together to find solutions, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the best interests of our entire community. I would be honored to continue serving Belgrade as your next Mayor."

As is Leah, Betty serves with the Belgrade Lions Club as well as her husband, Dale.