Key Highlights
- Nisswa City Council considers vote of no confidence or censure for Mayor Jennifer Carnahan.
- Carnahan’s claim of assault dismissed by police and city prosecutor.
- Residents and council members present at special meeting to discuss Mayor’s conduct.
- Council member Jesse Zahn calls for formal resignation from Mayor Carnahan.
Nisswa City Council Considers Vote of No Confidence Against Mayor Jennifer Carnahan
Nisswa, MN – The Nisswa City Council is set to review the mayor’s conduct and possibly seek a vote of no confidence or censure against Mayor Jennifer Carnahan. This special meeting, called on December 10, 2025, was specifically convened to discuss concerns regarding the mayor’s behavior.
During the Thursday evening session, council member Jesse Zahn stated that change must start with formally requesting that Mayor Carnahan consider her immediate resignation. Zahn emphasized, “This matter as a whole needs to be addressed, and as soon as possible; we want to go about it the right way and do the best that we can in the best interest of our community.”
Background of the Controversy
The meeting was initiated following an incident where Mayor Carnahan accused Nisswa resident Sophie Foster of assault. Foster had previously sent an email to Carnahan, expressing dissatisfaction with a conversation she overheard at the Main Street Ale House involving Carnahan and other individuals, which she found unprofessional.
Foster attempted to discuss the matter outside the Pickle Factory during the City of Lights event on November 28, after overhearing what she considered a derogatory comment from Carnahan. The police report stated that Foster used her forearm to push into Carnahan, leading to a case being opened by the mayor.
Resolution Process and Council’s Next Steps
After receiving the police report, Severson Porter Law in Brainerd declined to charge Foster with assault. However, another witness came forward, reopening the case. Despite this, the city prosecutor again declined to pursue charges against Foster.
The council is also considering social media posts by Mayor Carnahan for transparency and accountability issues raised by residents. Council member Mark Froehle highlighted that there have been tumultuous times in Nisswa due to Mayor Carnahan’s conduct both online and offline, leading to a divided community environment.
Public Reaction and Future Actions
The city hall council chamber was nearly full as five residents chose to speak. Fred Heidmann, a former mayor, expressed that the Dec. 10 meeting felt like a witch hunt and suggested addressing differences behind closed doors. On the other hand, Sandra Potthoff disagreed with Heidmann, advocating for transparency in civic affairs.
Following the special meeting, Mayor Carnahan released a statement emphasizing her commitment to serving voters and standing against political retaliation.
She stated, “I was elected by the voters of Nisswa, not by this council. I will not resign, I will not be bullied, and I will not stop doing the job voters sent me here to do.”
The next step for the council is a regular meeting on December 16, where City Attorney Tom Pearson will prepare a resolution based on code of conduct provisions that may have been violated by Mayor Carnahan. The council aims to address this matter formally and ensure it does not continue to harm their community.