Why are you running for office?

Commissioner Anderson was retiring and I felt we needed representation on the far western edge of the county. My various jobs and experiences have prepared me to work with a variety of people and situations, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come to consensus. As I am semi-retired, I have the time and commitment to dedicate myself to this position.

What experiences have prepared you to serve effectively in this role?

Farmer

Understand the importance of agriculture and rural farmland

Preservation of farmland and family farms - steward of a 160-year-old family farm

Conservation and protection of water and resources

Licensed Residential Building Contractor

Managing and coordinating building projects such as home maintenance, remodels, additions, and new home construction

Project follow through from the initial plans and permitting to the certificate of occupancy

Managing and coordinating subcontractors and timelines

Understanding of the importance of sole proprietors and small businesses

Completing annual continuing education requirements

Independent Sales Representative for Sunburst Memorials

Working with grieving families, listening to their needs and treating them with the utmost respect during a difficult time

Working with a variety of family dynamics and personalities to design a memorial they can all agree on

Working with the sextons at cemeteries throughout the region for memorial requirements and placement

Road Manager for Stanton Township

Over 10 years' experience with maintenance of gravel and black top roads

Oversee the road crew, and coordinate with subcontractors for tree trimming, brush and noxious weed spraying

Stanton township is diverse with the proximity to Rochester and the Twin Cities. There is a mix of residents with farms, ag land, rural housing, subdivisions, and a Goodhue County Park. Part of my position has been to take calls and meet with residents to address concerns and explain Right of Way, easements, platted areas and following MN Statutes. I have also taken continuing education in this role.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

1. I have concerns with the recent developments with Data Centers. I support legislation prohibiting Minnesota elected officials at all levels of government from signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA's) in regard to Data Centers. I support a moratorium on new hyperscale data center construction and permitting. I believe we need to ensure transparency and safeguards for Minnesota taxpayers, resources, and communities.

2. I believe we need to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayer's money. We need to increase transparency, so the residents know how decisions are made and where their money is being spent. We need to meet the needs of each department - reviewing budgets, evaluating needs vs. wants, determine appropriate cuts, while protecting the resident's dollars.

3. I believe we need to focus on ethically serving the public throughout the entire county - through increased communication, transparency on issues, fairly following local regulations and ordinances, and finding fair and equitable solutions, while maintaining public safety and a high quality of life for all residents.

How do plan to address your top priorities?

1. Enact a county wide moratorium for one year to study the impact of Data Centers on residents, resources, and communities to determine the best path forward.

2. Meet with department heads and other commissioners to learn and understand the budget, gather facts and information, have healthy discussions at board meetings to determine what is the most responsible use of taxpayer funds.

3. Be receptive to the residents, local community leaders, and township and city officials throughout the entire county. This is grassroots government - it's the next level above a township or city. County commissioners advocate for local needs at the state and federal levels. We have diverse areas in our county, including farms, small businesses, rural neighborhoods, small towns, and cities. Each area has their own unique needs, wants, and concerns, which commissioners need to respectfully listen to and address. Board members need to be ethical, listen to the residents, follow and apply regulations and ordinances fairly throughout the county.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the people you hope to represent?

Preserving Goodhue County's quality of life while keeping it affordable and accessible to all residents.

Public service requires collaboration. How would you work with individuals who hold different viewpoints?

I would have an open mind, hold discussions, find common ground and build from that, prioritizing the items that must be done, and then work together to find the solution to accomplish them.

How will you communicate with and remain accessible to your constituents?

I will take phone calls, emails and meet in person to discuss concerns with constituents. I will be accessible to township board members and city councils as well as the residents.

At the end of your term, what accomplishments would define success?

Maintaining an affordable quality of life for Goodhue County residents

Ensuring safeguards are in place for residents, resources, and communities in regard to Hyperscale Data Centers

Tell voters something about yourself outside of politics.

I have been a dedicated volunteer with several local groups, including the Cannon Falls Historical Society, the Cannon Valley Fair, and the Cherry Valley Cemetery. My wife and I have traveled internationally and across the country. We enjoy exploring national parks and historical sites, including several United States Presidential Libraries and Museums. My hobbies include hunting and spending time outdoors, holding a Private Pilot's license, reading non-fiction, and attending our granddaughters' activities.