City of Rushford residents have an upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4. There are three candidates and two seats to fill for city council. With current Mayor Terri Benson choosing not to run again, Leigh Volkman is the only candidate on the upcoming ballot for the position of mayor. We only publish a candidate Q & A for contested races, so we have included the Rushford City Council candidate Q & A below. We apologize that this has published later than usual. Unfortunately, I was quite ill in early October, and I’m the person who coordinates the candidate Q & A. Otherwise, this would have appeared in the Fillmore County Journal by mid-October. My apologies.
Publisher Jason Sethre
Andrew Linder
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Andrew and I have lived in Rushford for over 30 years. I have been a member of the council for eight years now. I work for the Army Core of Engineers.
- Why are you running for office?
I am running again because I am pationate in moving the city in a positve direction. I am an approachable council member and I am always open to concerns that business owners and other members of the city have, and will bring those concerns to the table so their voices are heard. I have no personal gain; I want to be a voice for the citizens of this community.
- What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
This term, I would like to see some business opportunities take place in our vacant buildings, more room for housing growth, and wiser decisions when it comes to spending the community’s dollars.
Judi Pronk
- Tell us about yourself.
I grew up on a small farm in St. Charles and continue to love and cherish small town life. I realized my dream of becoming a registered nurse and enjoyed a successful career that included Winona Health, Gundersen and director of a dementia unit. My experience in health care includes 20 years in intensive care as well as roles in nursing management and administration. I retired from Good Shepherd, where I was privileged to serve our most vulnerable population, our elderly. I have lived in Rushford for about 25 years and am blessed with dear friends.
- Why are you running for office?
My experience in health care has allowed me to develop skills in conflict resolution, teamwork, priority setting and change management. I look forward to bringing that skill set to colleagues at the council as we tackle and solve problems. I am on the board of directors at Good Shepherd and am interested in representing the business needs of Rushford as well as supporting the generational needs of the people of Rushford.
- What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to assist members of the community to achieve goals and dreams for Rushford. I appreciate ideas and plan to listen, evaluate and act on the issues that matter the most. Rushford deserves to be the best for all generations and to have decisions made on behalf of everyone who lives here. I want to hear from you as I seek to understand issues and problems. HOPE FOR BETTER, HOPE FOR THE BEST.
Nick Smith
- Tell us about yourself.
I am a 25-year resident of Rushford. I volunteer for the fire department and am a member of the Rushford American Legion.
- Why are you running for office?
I am running for city council to help serve our community.
- What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to help our community to grow and support our local businesses.
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