Eric Johnson
District 2
Tell us about yourself:
Houston County is where I’ve lived and farmed my entire life. This is where I met my wife Sheri of 27 years and where we raised our two kids Kate and Matthew. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and being active in the community.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I am a proud, third-generation farmer. I have served as a Houston Township Officer for 22 years and been a leader in my church. I have also volunteered/served on local community/county boards, including: 4-H, Houston-Money Creek Coop, and the Houston County Feed Lot Committee and Extension Committee.
Tell us why you are running for office:
After eight years of Justin Zmyewski, the tax levy has increased more than 20% (another 6.9% increase for 2019), there is still no county shop while construction costs rise, a new administrator at a cost of $150,000+, and there have been record resignations/retirements. It’s time for a change.
District 2 deserves a commissioner who respects our city/township officials, who works with county department heads rather than against them, who will promote small-business, and preserve essential services while being fiscally responsible. We need someone who represents the hard-working families in our county. That is why I ask for your vote.
Justin Zmyewski
District 2
Tell us about yourself:
I am a servant leader who has served Houston County as a Commissioner for two terms. My roots run deep in Houston County as our farm has never been outside the family. My ancestors were among the original settlers. My great, great, great-grandfather was a Houston County Commissioner.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
Currently, I farm corn and beans and have a small business where I build NASCAR short track late model race cars for race teams around the country. My prior experience was that of a mechanical designer and my degree is as an aircraft mechanic.
Tell us why you are running for office:
We hope for good government. We vote, and we speak out for causes we believe are fair and just but in the end, it is those who are elected that make governing decisions that affect all of us. I realize that if I didn’t take an interest in politics that politics may not take an interest in me. With that said, I want to continue to make fair and just decisions for the constituency of Houston County continuing my mission of fiscal responsibility, more efficient government and protecting the environment God entrusted us with.
Robert Burns
District 3
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Robert Burns. I have been a resident of Caledonia for over 50 years. I have been married to my wife, Marla, for 44 years. We have two adult children and six grandchildren.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I have an associate degree in accounting. I’ve worked six years in public accounting, 37 years for Mathy Construction and am a 20-year veteran of the Caledonia Fire Dept. I’ve served 25 years on the city council and two years on County Planning/Zoning Commission. I’m active in local charities.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I feel my experience would make me a good county commissioner. I have no agenda other than to represent the people of Houston County to the best of my ability. I have dealt with difficult issues while on the planning/zoning commission. Not all of my votes have been received well by some, but I stand by the ordinances and property owners’ rights. I have dealt with city budgets, which is a benefit working on county budgets. We need to get the highway department shop done. I support agricultural and economic growth, the environment and the welfare of our citizens.
Ryan Stenzel
Candidate for
Houston County Commissioner
District 3
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in Caledonia, Minn., and graduated from Caledonia Area High School in 2010. Because of my fascination with the local political landscape, I ran as a write-in candidate for Houston County Commissioner in 2016. I can be found spending my spare time with my friends and family.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
Throughout high school and while acquiring my associate degrees in business management and marketing at Western Technical College, I worked at Kwik Trip in Caledonia. For the last five years, I have been employed with Sno Pac Foods as an office administrator and outside sales representative.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I have been watching the residents in my community slowly lose faith in their local government and question whether their opinions even matter to those in office. Someone needs to attempt to create an environment within local government where efficiency and transparency are the top priorities; I think that person should be me. The residents of Houston County deserve representation that will remain unbiased on the issues and dedicated to providing them with the services that their tax dollars pay for, but in a more efficient manner so they can be assured that their money is not going to waste.
Teresa Walter
District 4
Tell us about yourself:
Lifelong resident of Houston County. Married to Dick Walter, retired county surveyor. Was township clerk eight years, township supervisor 10 years, and county commissioner for eight years. I’ve been on many community boards over the years.
Tell us about your work/life experience:
I was in the medical field as a radiologic technologist for 40 years. Government experience as above.
Tell us why you are running for office:
I feel I do a good job serving the needs of Houston County residents. I do much research to understand the issues facing townships, cities, and departments before making decisions. I am honest and will never compromise my ethics or morals.
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