Gerald Jacobson, Sr.
Wykoff City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I am 77 years old and a 1959 graduate of Wykoff High School. I have lived and worked in Wykoff over 50 years where my late wife and I raised two kids. I enjoy antique tractors, the History Channel ,and spending time with my two grandsons that live in Wisconsin.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I worked 50 years as a mechanic at Opsall-Kavanagh Motors and retired from the Wykoff Fire Department after 37 years. I am a founding member of the Wykoff Historical Society and a member of the Wykoff United Methodist Church.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I am proud to have lived and served the Wykoff community and I feel that I still have service to contribute to the Wykoff community to keep Wykoff a good place to live. I currently enjoy serving on the Wykoff Zoning Board and I want to contribute more back to the community. I look forward to working with my fellow council members to keep Wykoff moving forward.
Melissa “Missy” Musel
Wykoff City Council
Tell us about yourself:
Born and raised in Northern Minnesota, I moved to Wykoff in 1997. My husband Reggie and I have made Wykoff our home for over 20 years. I greatly enjoy all four seasons Minnesota has to offer and spending time with our fur-baby, Lucy.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I work full time as an administrative assistant at Mayo Clinic. My professional background includes employee management and human resources. I am a very dedicated person and always strive do my best with the task-at-hand.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I am choosing to run for City Council to help Wykoff come together as a community. You can’t see the change you envision until you (try and) do something about it. I feel our city could improve and advance in numerous ways if we can keep on track and stay focused; to work collectively on solutions, to improve on our technology, to be non-biased and to work with the community rather than against. I would like to see positive change and collaboration. I believe we can accomplish so much more by working together and forming positive relationships.
Gail Barnard-Boyum
Peterson City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in Minneapolis, attended the University of Minnesota, and taught school for 35 years. I was teaching in Maple Grove when I met my late husband, Arne, who was farming in Peterson. When I retired I moved to Peterson full-time. Our married daughter lives in Wisconsin.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
As a teacher, I interacted with many people. In a small town in Maine, I held elected positions as town and also school board treasurer. I currently serve on the boards for Root River Trail Towns and RADAR. These experiences have helped me as a council member.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I was first asked to run for Peterson City Council and elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Residents have wonderful ideas for Peterson, but our city budget is limited. I have applied for grants and received funding for playground equipment, Christmas lights, the summer music series, and museum staff/improvements. I helped start a non-profit group that now organizes Peterson events. Peterson has always found council members and employees that offer their unique skills and have pride in our community. I am proud of what the present council has accomplished and would like to continue serving.
John Dols
Spring Valley City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I am a 42-year-old resident of Spring Valley Minn. I grew up in Byron, Minn., attended Byron High School, and graduated from Mankato State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services. I am married to Crystal Hindt Dols and have four kids.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I work for Kingsland Public Schools as the Building, Grounds and Activities Director, a member of the Spring Valley Area Ambulance, Co-Director of Spring Valley’s Emergency Management Department and chairperson of the Spring Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. I spend my free time enjoying time with family and farming.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I decided to run for city council because of the leaders who have been on council for numerous years that have decided to move onto other endeavors. With the openings came the opportunity to step up and serve my community in another capacity. We are part of a great city and we as citizens need to answer the call to service in order to help see existing businesses grow, new business and industry as well as new residents move to town, an increase in recreation opportunities for our population, and recruiting volunteers to help sustain volunteer ambulance and fire services.
Luan Ruesink
Spring Valley City Council
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Luan Ruesink. I have lived in the City of Spring Valley for more than 20 years. I am a life-long resident of Fillmore County and a graduate of Wykoff/Spring Valley Public School. I am an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I have been with Mayo Clinic for the past 22 years. I started my career working with grant submissions and budgets. For the past 19 years, I have worked in the legal field. I have a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, medical/legal administration and am legally ordained in Minnesota.
Tell us why you are running for office:
Continuing to make Spring Valley a prime place to live is important to me. Given my diverse work background, I feel I would be a valuable asset to the council and would serve as an advocate for its residents. Serving as director of youth education at Immanuel has given me a high level of management and administrative skills. I have 18 years of elected council experience serving as an appointed officer and Deacon. I also have grant submission and budgetary development experience. I would bring to the council diversity and a fresh new perspective. I welcome your vote this November.
Stephen W. Sagen
Harmony City Council
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Steve Sagen and I am running for re-election on the Harmony City Council. I am married to Jane Sagen and together we have five grown children, Jessica, Angela, Laura, Sarah, and Robert. This past year, I retired from Harmony Enterprises after being employed there for 42 years.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I moved to Harmony in 1976 and have been involved in the following local organizations/activities over the years: JC’s, Men’s Club, Harmony Conservation Club, hunter safety instructor, Wildlife and Habitat of Fillmore County, Lions Club, Harmony Golf Club, Harmony Ambulance, Habitat for Humanity, and Relay for Life.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I have always been a promoter of Harmony’s growth and prosperity. I would like to see Harmony continue to grow by way of more new businesses, more new housing, and more people moving to the community, which will in turn, help out our schools and community. I am committed to keeping the city’s financial state sound and within the budget. I would like to see Harmony continue to prosper while keeping taxes to a minimum.
Tony Webber
Harmony City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in Adams, Minn., and graduated from Southland High School. I attended Rochester Community College and Mankato State University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in law enforcement. I have lived in Harmony for 25 years and enjoy hunting, fishing, riding bike, and traveling.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I have worked on farms, a grocery store, and factories. I started my career in law enforcement in Grand Meadow, Minn. In 1990, I started working for the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. I was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and chief deputy during my 27 years with the FCSO.
Tell us why you are running for office:
Since I started in 1988 in public service, I have enjoyed and dedicated my career to helping the public. I have earned the trust of the citizens and elected officials, this will assist me in working with the Harmony City Council. In my career with the sheriff’s office, I have been able to successfully work with the county board of commissioners and multiple city councils in resolving many important issues. I believe my professional experience will be a great asset to the City of Harmony.
Kyle Morem
Harmony City Council
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Kyle Morem. I was born and raised in Harmony, Minn. I am married to Tara (Marzolf) Morem and we have two children, Zachary (eight) and Kylie (five). I enjoy being outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing, and being with my family in my spare time.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I graduated from Fillmore Central in 2003. I went on to get my lineman degree from MN West Jackson. I am a lineman for Dairyland Power Cooperative. I have been with Dairyland for 12 years. I have been a part of the Harmony Fire Department for seven years and serve as a training officer.
Tell us why you are running for office:
If elected this will be my second term. I enjoy being a member of the Harmony City Council. I want to continue to see Harmony succeed and move forward as great community.
Michael Root
Fountain City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I live in Fountain with my wife Emily and our four children Emma, Henry, Sully and Faith. We have lived in Fountain for two years and I am originally from the Preston area. I spend most of my spare time with my family or working on projects around our house.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I currently work as a dairy nutritionist. My day to day job involves me working closely with my clients and team to make everyone more successful and have higher production. I have also been the treasurer for the Fillmore County Cattlemen for the past seven years.
Tell us why you are running for office:
Since moving to Fountain two years ago, I have become more aware of the challenges that the city council can face. I believe having an open mind can bring a lot of positivity to the council and to the city of Fountain. I am a hard worker and not afraid to stand up for what I believe is right for the city as a whole. Fountain has showed a unique sense of growth since we have lived here, and I want to continue to support the future changes that will take this city from good to great.
Ronald R. Reisner
Fountain City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa. Farmed with my dad until I was 21, when I started running construction equipment. My family and I moved to Fountain in 1988.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
Grew up farming. Then I ran construction equipment for 20 years. After which I was an equipment/diesel mechanic for 20+ years. I retired last year and have been running my own small business, Ronella Lawn and Garden.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I have lived in Fountain for 30 years. I’ve seen many changes in the town. We’ve had businesses leave and some come in. I’d like to help the town continue to grow. Additions like a gas station/convenience store and street upgrades. I’d like to bring town pride back to Fountain.
Colleen Foehrenbacher
Fountain City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I am an Ohio native who moved to Minnesota in 2010 (with the intention of only staying here for a year) and I haven’t left yet! I love this state for its friendly people, plethora of outdoor activities, and access to beautiful and clean natural areas.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I moved to Minnesota for a job at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and currently still work there as the Education Director. Outside of work, I enjoy hunting deer and upland game, exploring the outdoors with husband and two dogs, and playing roller derby in Rochester.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I have been happily living in Fountain for two years but only recently have become more active in the affairs of the city after attending several city council meetings. Attending these meetings has sparked an interest and drive in me to help solve issues and take action in service to the city and the people of Fountain. While this would be my first political venture, I believe my open-mindedness and can-do attitude would be beneficial to the town. Plus, we need a bit of estrogen on a council currently comprised of all males.
Carl Ernst
Canton City Council
Tell us about yourself:
My wife and I have been a resident of Canton for 39 years and over that time find that small town living is a good thing.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
In November, I have been employed at Harmony Enterprises for 39 years in which I have been a welder.
Tell us why you are running for office:
Having served on the city council for 12 years in the past and having that experience makes for the best reason to seek this position again. Having worked with the people that are current members in the past, I feel I can step back into this office and make good sound decisions for the city. I plan on doing a good job for Canton if elected.
Jason Magnuson
Canton City Council
Tell us about yourself:
I live in Canton, obviously. I have been married for 20 years. I have five children, and six grandchildren. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and the occasional round of golf.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I have been employed by Harmony Enterprises for the past 12 years. I have been a member of the Canton Fire Department for the past 10 years and a department officer since 2015.
Tell us why you are running for office:
People always have ideas of how they want their community to change, expand, grow, or be perceived. I am no different. But I want to be apart of the process that makes that happen. I am someone who likes to know the how and the why of things. I am running for office because I believe I can make a difference in my community.
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