Candidates represented in this feature each paid $50 to participate.
Ron Reisner
Candidate for Mayor of Fountain
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Ronald R. Reisner, my wife Mary and our three children Tina, Jeremy, and Nella moved to Fountain May 1, 1989. I retired in June 2017 and owned my own business, Ronella Lawn & Landscaping, which I have been running for 30 years. I am on the Board of Administration at Fillmore Free Methodist Church and sing on the Worship team at church.
2. Why are you running for office?
I am currently mayor of Fountain, and before that I was a councilman for six years before being elected mayor two years ago. I have been on the Zoning Board for six years. I would like to work to continue to improve the city. I have seen the city grow and improve I would like to continue that forward momentum.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I want to serve people as mayor of Fountain by helping the city to grow. I will be there to be called on day or night when problems arise. I will continue to follow the rules and regulations of the Minnesota League of Cities to help solve any issues. Improve the infrastructure such as; streets, watermains, and sewer lines. Seeking out ways to get grant money for the improvements to our infrastructure.
Kerry Kingsley
Candidate for Mayor of Harmony
1. Tell us about yourself.
I have been a resident of the Harmony area my entire life. My wife Jane and I moved into the town of Harmony 13 years ago. Before that we lived on a farm north of Harmony. We have four children: Andrew, Isaiah, Mamie and Domingo; and 16 grandchildren. I began my adult career farming, went on to work for the USPS for 15 years, and Jane and I have operated Kingsley Mercantile for the past 25 years.
2. Why are you running for office?
To put it simply – I love Harmony! I have had the pleasure of having a business here for the last 25 years. I have spent 12 years on the Nursing Home Board and 12 years on the EDA Board. Those terms have run out and I still would like to be a part of Harmony’s decision making.
I try to be very approachable. People know where they can find me if they have any ideas or questions. I love to think outside of the box and stay open minded. Our past leaders and business owners of Harmony have been open to new concepts. They have had the ability to respectfully brainstorm and discuss possibilities. I would like to continue that legacy.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I would want the people of Harmony to know that if I am elected they can count on me to be hardworking, honest and open about any and all issues brought forward. Decisions will be made at the council meetings. Open discussion will be held on applicable topics.
Will I be able to please everyone? Of course not. I will listen and with the help of the council make what we believe are the best decisions for the people of Harmony.
Sue Olinger
Candidate for Mayor of Harmony
1. Tell us about yourself.
Sue Olinger here. I’m originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota, and retired to Harmony in 2020 with my husband Mark, after a 25-year career in education. I hold two college degrees; an AD in General Studies, and a BA in Psychology, minor in Philosophy. Since moving to Harmony I’ve become very active volunteering with Golden Happenings, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Age Friendly Fillmore County, and American Red Cross. I also hold a part-time job as a library assistant at the Harmony Public Library since 2024.
2. Why are you running for office?
I am running for mayor of Harmony with the interest of preserving it’s charm and history while growing the community at a reasonable pace that aligns with a valuable future. One that includes youth to seniors, farmers and merchants. Serves local consumers and visitors from near and far places. Harmony’s future must include it’s history and charm as it moves forward to continue its name of Harmony.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to bring unity forward for all of Harmony’s residents. Impossible no, difficult perhaps. That’s where the interests and opinions of you the voters must be brought forward. Everyone should have the opportunity to voice their thoughtful choices and opinions without any fear of retaliation or dismissal. Perhaps our thriving community needs to restore having a pharmacy. With an active community effort we could achieve this as a united goal.
April Carlson
Candidate for Mayor of La Crescent
1. Tell us about yourself.
I‘m a 1994 La Crescent High School graduate. I returned home in 2018 to be closer to family, friends, and to raise my boys in the community that helped shape me. I work at Mayo Clinic as a Cyber Defense Director and hold degrees in Graphic Design, Organizational Leadership, and an MBA. I have two sons, ages 21 and 16, we have three dogs, and my parents are Julie Thompson and Donnie Carlson (from Houston). I’ve served La Crescent through the ISD300 school board, coaching youth sports, softball boosters, and working at Lions gun raffle events.
2. Why are you running for office?
La Crescent is long overdue for fresh leadership and a city council that listens. After decades of the same administration, residents deserve transparency, responsiveness, and a government that works for everyone. We’re neighbors first and local decisions affect all of us in our everyday lives, regardless of political sides. We raise families here, pay taxes here, and share the same streets and parks. I will focus on providing servant leadership to ensure accountability, clear communication, and work with city council to find ways to make sure residents feel included and respected in discussions that shape La Crescent’s future
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
City council hasn’t comprehensively surveyed residents about the future of La Crescent since 2016, and city council agendas currently do not allow public comments. I will create meaningful opportunities for public input on important topics, while following open meeting laws, so every resident has a voice. Clear, transparent communication shouldn’t be buried in lengthy agenda packets. A mailed quarterly update and an online community calendar – developed with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, School District, Lions, Applefest, Historical Society, Farmers Market, churches, and other civic groups – would give residents consistent, accessible information in formats that work for them.
Rick Darling
Candidate for Mayor of Lanesboro
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Rick Darling, and I have proudly called Lanesboro home since 1993. I am a Navy veteran and educator with more than 20 years of experience teaching math and a Master’s degree in educational leadership. My wife Victoria and I have raised eight children and are blessed with 10 grandchildren, with another on the way. Lanesboro has been a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. When I’m not spending time with family and friends, I enjoy biking and fishing. I would be honored to serve this community as your mayor.
2. Why are you running for office?
I am running for mayor because I believe in Lanesboro and the people who make our community special. Living here since 1993, I have seen what makes Lanesboro such a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, and visit. I want to help our community move forward while protecting the small-town character we value. As mayor, I will listen to residents, support local businesses, strengthen city services, encourage responsible growth, and keep Lanesboro welcoming. I believe good things happen when people work together, and I want to bring my experience, dedication, and love of Lanesboro to serving our community.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
My goal as mayor is to build on Lanesboro’s strengths while preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead. I want to support our local businesses, attract sustainable economic growth, expand housing opportunities, and improve infrastructure to meet future needs. I will work to preserve the quality of life that residents value by maintaining our small-town charm, supporting public safety, enhancing parks and recreation, and encouraging community events that make Lanesboro a welcoming place to live and visit. I believe city government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and responsive to the people it serves.
Alicia Pearson
Candidate for Mayor of Lanesboro
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m Alicia Pearson, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as mayor of Lanesboro for the past two years. I’m a mom, clinical research professional, book lover, award-winning poet, and small business owner. I’ve spent more than a decade managing complex projects, million-dollar budgets, and teams of up to 50 people. I’m a volunteer in the community and serve on several local boards and grassroots organizations. I believe deeply in showing up. Not just when something is exciting, but again and again. As mayor, I’ve brought that same work ethic to listening, building partnerships, and solving problems for Lanesboro
2. Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I love Lanesboro. I want to live here for the rest of my life, and I want my kids to be able to come back and build lives here someday. To me, that means making sure people can afford to stay here as they age, with senior housing and accessible healthcare. It also means a community where young families can own affordable homes and send their kids to a well-funded school. I care deeply about what Lanesboro looks like 20 years from now, and I want to help build that future.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
My biggest priority is helping Lanesboro through the Highway 250 reconstruction while keeping the burden on residents as manageable as possible. I’ll keep showing up and pursuing grants, state funding, and every other opportunity I can find to help. I’ll continue championing Lanesboro at the Capitol and beyond. I’ll also build on our progress supporting local businesses and agricultural families, strengthen relationships with state leaders, and keep improving transparency at city hall. Beyond construction, I’ll focus on keeping Lanesboro affordable, supporting aging in place, welcoming young families, and protecting what makes this such a special place to call home.
Mindy Albrecht-Benson
Candidate for Lanesboro City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Lanesboro, lived in the Twin Cities for many years and relocated back here eight years ago. I have served on the City Council for the past 6 years and have been involved with multiple city committees including HPC, LPU and Library Board. In the past, I have been involved in multiple community committees for various events and ongoingly with the Legion Auxiliary. Professionally, I have a background in project management and data analysis. I am an approachable, open-minded, critical thinker who focuses on making fact-based decisions.
2. Why are you running for office?
I have been on the City Council for the past 6 years and am interested in continuing to be a voice for the residents of Lanesboro. I already having an understanding of the city processes and priorities which will be a huge benefit during next years Highway 250 project and beyond. I care about the future of Lanesboro. I want to be part of ensuring we are able to eliminate some of our debt and have solid plans for the future.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I am committed the city is proactive, decisions are fact-based and we are doing what is best for the whole community. I am interested in working together to find creative ways to get through the Highway 250 project while still being able to provide existing services and effectively plan for our future. I’m committed to finding better ways to communicate with our residents regarding the city’s priorities and why things are prioritized the way they are. I would like to pursue more opportunities for dialogue with the community similar to the Coffee with the City events we have held.
Hal Cropp
Candidate for Lanesboro City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
Hal Cropp is in his 35th season at the Commonweal Theatre, where he serves as Producing Artistic Director, as well as director, playwright, and actor. Hal has served on the Lanesboro Economic Development Authority and the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as a previous term on the Lanesboro City Council. Additionally, he has served on the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) and has been a panelist on both MSAB and SEMAC peer review panels. Hal holds a B.A. from Brown University, an M.F.A. from the National Theatre Conservatory, and an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University.
2. Why are you running for office?
I have long felt a commitment to public service, as evidenced by the community service detailed above. I feel strongly that I want Lanesboro, my chosen home, to be the best city to live in, work in, and visit. The challenges posed by the Highway 250 project will require strong, visionary leadership, which I have demonstrated over my more than three decades at the helm of the Commonweal Theatre.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
First and foremost, I would like to see greater transparency in our local government. I want our citizens to have a voice that can and will be heard. Second, the complexity and duration of the Highway 250 project requires clear communication, giving citizens and business owners the planning tools to ensure Lanesboro survives and thrives. I will work to be a focal point for straightforward, consistent, and accurate messaging on all aspects of the project. Beyond that, I will bring a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to the city’s decision-making process.
Paul Hoiland
Candidate for Lanesboro City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am a native of Byron, Minnesota. I attended Rochester Community College and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After my enlistment, I left active duty to complete my BS Degree in Public Administration at UW-La Crosse. I graduated in 1996 and was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army. I served for 27 years, including deployments to Europe and Iraq. I retired in 2018. I am also special education teacher. I earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in 2011. I have been a resident of Lanesboro since August 2025.
2. Why are you running for office?
I care deeply about Lanesboro and its future. I believe in fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency, and I believe in differentiating between wants and needs. In recent years, I have grown increasingly concerned with the growing list of mandates placed on local communities from both the state and federal levels. These pose a threat to fiscal management at the local levels. Lanesboro shouldn’t be placed in a position of cutting corners of having to raise taxes due to the whims of St. Paul or Washington, D.C. If elected, I will work to push back on this trend.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I have a collaborative approach to addressing issues or concerns. I will work with my fellow council members, our mayor, our city administrator, and our municipal staff to ensure the city is best positioned to deal with issues such as the upcoming Highway 250 construction project. I will listen to the thoughts and concerns of our business community and our taxpayers to ensure that Lanesboro remains on the path of becoming even greater than it already is. We have some challenges on the horizon, and I want to play a role in meeting them successfully.
Brian Roelofs
Candidate for Lanesboro City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
My wife Suzanne and I moved to Lanesboro full time in 2020 and have owned our home here since 2016. We have three adult children who love visiting Lanesboro. I grew up on our family farm near Greenleafton and graduated from Preston-Fountain High School. I attended UW-La Crosse where I earned a BS in Business Management. I then graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul with an MBA focusing on leadership and economics. I have had a 40-year career in various large and small companies in escalating management and leadership roles and am currently partner in a consulting practice.
2. Why are you running for office?
I have served on the Public Utilities Commission for five years and have taken great interest in being active in the community. I am currently aiding Team 250 in organizing efforts to align the community and other interested parties; residents, businesses, neighboring communities, and visitors to mitigate disruptions to the economic and cultural vitality of Lanesboro. This is a momentous change event and should be managed as such. I believe that my business career and local knowledge provide the leadership, financial, and project discipline skill set that is important at this time on the city council.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
The Highway 250 project is weighing heavily on most residents and businesses at the same time as a school operating referendum. We are a small town with aging infrastructure. Managed well, the project has tremendous opportunity to enhance the community for residents, local businesses, and visitors over the long term. It is imperative that we make prudent use of financial resources and prioritize our expenditures to do what we need, not always what we want, as there will likely be other projects that become a need. We must be in the financial position to address them when they do.
Melvin Hayner
Candidate for Mayor of Preston
1. Tell us about yourself.
As a fishing guide, I was a frequent visitor to this area for many years attracted by the pleasant small-town atmosphere and the allure of quality trout fishing in the beautiful Driftless Region. In 2013, I purchased a storefront in downtown Preston to fulfill a dream of developing a fly-fishing shop to go with my guide service. I recently retired from my 30-year career in addiction counseling but continue running my fly-fishing business full time. I live in Preston with my wife and we enjoy learning about the history and traditions of the area, and watching our community prosper.
2. Why are you running for office?
I am running for mayor because I see an opportunity to be of service to the community of Preston. The town has embraced me, my business and its many customers who have come to enjoy the area, its natural resources, and our establishments. I believe I can offer the citizens of Preston a unique set of talents that will help promote conversations related to issues such as sustainability and growth, ecology, and economy. Through my leadership, I hope to provide a positive attitude and encourage the sharing of new ideas and insights that will help keep our town a great place to live.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
My experience in business and tourism can bring a new voice to discussions of needed municipal projects and of infrastructure planning to help keep Preston a forward-thinking, comfortable and welcoming place for families, visitors and businesses. I have a special interest in furthering greenspace improvements through the Riverfront Master Plan that started with our new Preston Depot Museum and Riverfront Center. I support further exploration of how we can boost our tourism industry with an extension of the Root River State Trail to Forestville by seeking alternate routes and new plans to help maintain property rights.
Dorle Grindland Kaase
Candidate for Preston City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Dorle Grindland Kaase and I am a wife, mom, Granma, semi-retired nurse and a small business owner in Preston. My husband Tom and I returned to Preston eight years ago when we purchased the Jailhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast. I grew up in Fountain, graduated from PFHS in 1979 and have lived in Fillmore County my whole life. For the last six years I have been actively involved with the Preston Chamber presently serving as vice president. I am proud to own a business in Preston, Minnesota. My hobbies are my grandkids, revitalizing antiques, traveling, and biking.
2. Why are you running for office?
I’ve always been interested in city government, growing up in a political household. Working at Mayo as an RN for 38 years limited my ability to file for an office. My life today allows me the time to give back to the community I live and work in. I think a new face on the council will benefit Preston. I will represent a population in Preston that is not represented. I will work for the best outcome; will ask the questions needed to be asked and will not automatically follow others. I have a commonsense approach with no hidden agendas.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If elected you can count on me to stay connected to you with what is going on in Preston. I will be a council person that will listen to all the factual information before casting my vote when called upon to do so. I am easy to talk to and easy to find. Issues that interest me are tourism, city beautification, community growth, public safety, and community awareness, and living fiscally within our city’s resources and finances.
Alison Leathers
Candidate for Preston City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
After growing up in Preston, I obtained degrees from the University of Minnesota and Tennessee State University. My husband and I lived in Nashville, Tennesse, for eight years, and then our family returned to Minnesota in 2018 so I could manage my family’s business, the Cottage House Inn in Lanesboro, where I continue this role today. Serving with others and accomplishing goals together is one of the best parts of rural life. My local board service includes the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, Preston EDA, Preston Area Community Foundation, the Preston Historical Society, and Christ Lutheran Church.
2. Why are you running for office?
Preston is a beautiful community, and I have a passion to serve this community that has given me so much. As councilwoman, I will strive to be a leader committed to strengthening Preston’s livability while investing in our future. Preston is at a critical point where progress, proactiveness, and collaboration must be its main priorities. We have funding goals and projects that need to be acted on to ensure sustainability and add vitality to our community. I am excited by the opportunity to work with city staff, the community, and its vibrant groups to accomplish shared goals.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
The first priority is working on the major projects of our wastewater treatment plant, road and sidewalk upgrades, potentially a new swimming pool, housing study, and our riverfront. Secondly, I aim to be a visible leader to represent and promote Preston and listen to residents’ ideas and feedback while acting on our most recent comprehensive plan. We must increase transparency in City government and communicate more with our residents. Finally, I would like to collaborate more with community groups while pursuing grant funding, state/federal funding, and other revenue streams to accomplish these major projects and more.
Jonathan Wood
Candidate for Preston City Council
1. Tell us about yourself.
As a local business owner, I pride myself on connectivity to our community. I am a member of the Preston Chamber of Commerce, a lifetime member of the Preston Historical Society, a member of the Preston City Council and I am also a member of the Christ Lutheran Church Council. My motto has always been, “a body in motion stays in motion.” I enjoy being an active member of my community and being someone people can rely on. For me, connectivity to community is not only important but also comes naturally
2. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I enjoy and appreciate the importance of serving on the Council. Previously I served (4) years on the Faribault Council. After moving to Preston, I was honored to fill a vacancy on the Preston Council. With a Paralegal Degree, my education fits well with the council. As a small business owner I have learned the importance of a strong work ethic and the importance of maintaining professional relationships. These characteristics and experiences are necessary to successfully serve on council. I will be utilizing my experiences to continue serving on your city council!
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
Two main goals I hope to achieve are transparency and preservation. I believe we need to prioritize what happens in council chambers to our residents. After every council meeting I post my “Council Cliff Notes” to ensure folks are informed and transparency is maintained. If elected, I plan to continue posting my Council Cliff Notes. As a proud Preston Historical Society member, I want to preserve the uniqueness and beauty of Preston. In order to do so, we need progress. Through small calculated growth and steady improvements, I believe we can preserve Preston for generations to come!
Aimee Murphy
Candidate for Mayor of Spring Grove
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Aimee Murphy, and I am running for mayor in Spring Grove. I have lived in Spring Grove for most of my life. I was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Spring Grove High School.
I have been a part of the fabric of the community for many years. I raised three children and was involved with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Parks and Rec Committee, Syttende Mai, Homecoming 2007, SG Athletic Boosters, Music Boosters, Trinity Education Committee, and Friends of the Library. I graduated from Winona State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies in 2023.
2. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I would like to help grow Spring Grove. Our Main Street business district is shrinking, and we have a housing shortage preventing new or young families from moving into our area. We need to fix our aging infrastructure, as evidenced by recent rainstorms flooding our sewers. We need to continue efforts that keep our citizens safe. We need to keep pace with life’s changing situations rather than fall behind. I would like to be part of the solution in promoting the town’s growth. I love my community and want it to thrive.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I would like to find a way to bring more housing into Spring Grove. I would like to see us become part of the Driftless Trail to promote our area and breathe some new life into our town. I want to encourage all members of our community to get involved and take pride in our city.
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