What motivated you to run for office, and what perspective or experience would you bring to city leadership?

I believe our city needs change, and that change starts with new voices, fresh ideas, and strong leadership. Before I moved here, I served on a city fire department and helped with the implementation of a new sewer system in that community. Those experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, planning, and getting the job done right. I want to bring that same practical, hands-on approach to our city and work together to build a stronger future for everyone.

What is one action you support during your first year in office that could strengthen Sauk Centre's economy or business community?

We have a strong business community and a vibrant downtown, but we have an opportunity to grow even further. We need to attract new restaurants, expand lodging options with another quality hotel, and continue investing in the amenities that make people want to visit—and stay—in our community. When visitors stay here, dine here, and shop here, those dollars stay local, support our businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our entire local economy. Our goal should be to build a community where people come to visit, have a great experience, and have every reason to stay right here rather than traveling to Alexandria or St. Cloud.

Looking ahead five years, what would you like Sauk Centre to be known for, and what role should the City Council play in helping the community reach that vision?

We need to build tourism and give people more reasons to stop, stay, and spend time in our community—not just drive through. That starts with creating the opportunities people are looking for: more choices for food and another quality hotel. When we bring more visitors into town and give them a reason to stay, our local businesses benefit, our community grows, and more of those tourism dollars stay right here at home. That’s the kind of economic development we need to focus on. 

The upcoming Highway 71 reconstruction will bring long-term improvements but may create significant disruptions for local businesses. What should the city do before, during, and after construction to maintain access, communicate effectively and help businesses remain visible and successful?

City government needs to keep people informed about what’s happening in our community and, just as importantly, be willing to listen to the concerns of our residents and businesses.

Strong government isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about communicating, listening, and being accountable to the people we serve. Residents and business owners deserve to know what’s being considered, why decisions are being made, and how those decisions will affect our community.

I believe better communication and an open door to residents and businesses will build trust and help us make better decisions for our community.

What is one action you support during your first year in office that could strengthen Sauk Centre's economy or business community?

We need to actively work to attract a new restaurant and another motel or hotel to our community. We need new businesses and amenities that give people a reason to come here, stay here, and spend their money here. If we want to grow tourism and strengthen our local economy, we have to create a community people want to visit—and give them a reason to stay.

*All candidates were contacted at email addresses and phone numbers listed in public filing records. Questionnaires had word/time limits and are published EXACTLY as submitted. No info is displayed if a candidate didn’t respond. If you would like a copy of the PDF forms that were submitted by the candidate, please submit that request to saukcentrechamber@gmail.com. Thank you.

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