Council members Jason Ellering and Nicholas Sauer are vying for an at-large, four-year term as mayor.
Responses to biographical information like name, age and occupation were limited to 50 characters each. Responses to the open-ended candidate questions were limited to 100 words each. Any responses beyond the maximum length were cut off at the limit with ellipses.
What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected mayor this November? The current city council, which I have been serving on for the past eight years, has successfully positioned our city for financial stability, and my goal as mayor is to not only maintain but enhance this strong fiscal foundation. This will enable us to continue funding infrastructure projects with cash, enhance our impressive network of parks, contribute to our capital improvement fund and offer amenities that attract new residents. Additionally, I will prioritize support for our exceptional police and fire departments, ensuring our residents continue to receive top-tier service.
What council or professional experiences have prepared you for a leadership role as mayor? For the past six years, I have had the privilege of serving as the city council’s representative on the joint planning board, with four of those years as chair. This board is responsible for making key decisions on development and ordinance issues within our orderly annexation areas, working in partnership with neighboring townships. Additionally, I currently hold the position of president of the Sports Arena East Board of Directors and serve as an executive board member for the Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey Association. These roles, along with numerous others in both my personal and professional life, have thoroughly prepared me …
The Sauk Rapids City Council uses sub-committees to review information and make recommendations that are presented to the full council for action. What are some actions the city could take to make the decision-making process more transparent to the public? I believe we (the city council) have made significant progress in ensuring transparency in our decision-making process. The use of subcommittees serves to foster support and promote meaningful dialogue around the recommendations put forth by city staff and committee members who are knowledgeable in their respective areas. To further enhance this transparency, I would propose that city staff and committee members provide brief summaries of discussions from subcommittee meetings during the approval process. This will help keep our community informed and engaged in our deliberations.
What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected mayor this November? I believe things like fiscal responsibility, infrastructure and public safety should be on everybody’s top priorities list. Another top priority for me will be housing. There has been an increase in the purchase of homes in certain areas that then turn into overpriced rentals. Currently, there is a moratorium on new rental licenses. The hope is this will give people a chance to purchase a home in Sauk Rapids, be able to start a family and put down roots in our community if they so choose. I also believe we need to work with the county, EDA, and developers...
What council or professional experiences have prepared you for a leadership role as mayor? My years of service have provided me with a deep understanding of our city’s needs and challenges. I was elected to the city council in 2012 and have been reelected twice. I have also been appointed as acting mayor the last six years. During my 12 years on the council, I have been on several committees including personnel and finance, public works, and I am currently serving as the vice chair on the EDA.
The Sauk Rapids City Council uses sub-committees to review information and make recommendations that are presented to the full council for action. What are some actions the city could take to make the decision-making process more transparent to the public? I believe the city of Sauk Rapids does a wonderful job of being transparent to the public, but I am always open to new ideas. Our administrators and staff do a great job of making sure the council members, as well as the public, are well-informed on all recommendations through the RFAs they write. I would like to see Sauk Rapids implement “office hours.” The public could ask questions and have an open dialogue with city council members as well as staff a few times a year before a council meeting — if it doesn’t violate open meeting or privacy laws.
Voters in the city of Sauk Rapids will select two people to fill four-year terms on the Sauk Rapids City Council. Incumbent council member Dottie Seamans and challengers Kyle Boron, Clinton Holmgren and David Rixe are candidates for the positions.
Responses to biographical information like name, age and occupation were limited to 50 characters each. Responses to the open-ended candidate questions were limited to 100 words each. Any responses beyond the maximum length were cut off at the limit with ellipses.
What is your No. 1 priority in representing constituents if elected or re-elected this November? Keeping our community affordable while maintaining the city’s infrastructure and community green space. Green space emphasis over the last couple of years has developed beautiful park space by the Mississippi River that is an attraction for many to relax or hear outdoor music. People travel from outside our city to enjoy this space and, consequently, spend their money at our local businesses. Additionally, the city works well with the school district in creating green space for community-use as well as space for student education. This creates cost efficiencies with land-use as well as overall maintenance of the space.
What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? Sauk Rapids City Council — six years and current; St. Cloud Area Planning Organization — five years and current; Sauk Rapids Economic Development Partnership — two years and current; Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board — 17 years; and Sauk Rapids Recreation — 17 years.
What are your ideas and suggestions for jump-starting Sauk Rapids’ housing development? Keeping housing affordable. It is important to work with developers to create housing — both affordable single-family housing as well as multi-family housing. I would also like to see additional housing to meet the needs of the aging population who may not want to maintain a large yard or house any longer, but who are still capable of living independently.
How can the city entice new industrial and manufacturing businesses to relocate to Sauk Rapids? The Sauk Rapids city staff do a great job of keeping their fingers on the pulse of the land in the Sauk Rapids area and maintain communication with the landowners. As a city council member, those efforts are very much appreciated. The city has enticements available to work with potential land developers.
What is your No. 1 priority in representing constituents if elected or re-elected this November? Supporting the emergency management departments like police and fire.
What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? Seven years on the Sauk Rapids Park Commission; 11 years on the Sauk Rapids Planning Commission; current member of the Sauk Rapids Economic Development Authority; current member of the Benton County Park Board and 2024 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year based on my community involvement.
What are your ideas and suggestions for jump-starting Sauk Rapids’ housing development? To collaborate with the county on providing incentives to developers and working with the legislature on applying for grants such as the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grants Program, Lead Safe Homes Grant Program, First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance, Local Housing Trust Funds Grant Program and other grants.
How can the city entice new industrial and manufacturing businesses to relocate to Sauk Rapids? Provide tax incrementing financing to qualified businesses.
What is your No. 1 priority in representing constituents if elected or re-elected this November? Understanding the needs of and listening to our residents is my No. 1 priority. Prioritizing that the city will continue to be fiscally responsible will be a focus of mine. I work multiple jobs to help support my wife and three kids on a tight budget. I fully understand how even the slightest increase in spending or taxes can impact finances. Finding ways to balance spending but also making sure Sauk Rapids is improving will matter to me and is something I will dedicate my time to.
What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? I have worked multiple jobs for a bank for nine years. I currently handle debit card disputes, but prior to that, I handled escalations and complaints, making sure the bank was following regulations and policies for customers. I understand the importance of knowing the city codes and regulations. Throughout my life, I have volunteered at many organizations where the focus was on serving others, mostly through mentoring youth or coaching. These roles have prepared me in understanding that the concerns of others needs to be a priority, but they mostly taught me to simply care about other people.
What are your ideas and suggestions for jump-starting Sauk Rapids’ housing development? The city has worked with the county in reducing the public infrastructure costs to develop single-family homes in the area. This is currently happening for lots in the Windsor Estates II area. This helps sell the lots at an agreed-upon price, in hopes of making it more affordable for home buyers. Continuing to build on making it easier for builders and home buyers will be a goal of mine. It will be a priority of mine to discover what other options are out there and how we can utilize those in Sauk Rapids.
How can the city entice new industrial and manufacturing businesses to relocate to Sauk Rapids? One of the simplest ways of enticing new business is to reduce fees and assist with infrastructure costs to the business to build or operate in the area. Sauk Rapids is home to many manufacturing and industrial companies. Manufacturing can bring employment opportunity to a city. In doing so, I also believe that, as touched on previously, continuing to develop housing will enhance businesses in the city. A place to live and work nearby is a great value. Working toward getting a store or more food options near the industrial area will also benefit these businesses.
What is your No. 1 priority in representing constituents if elected or re-elected this November? To unite the community and help bring people together by increasing engagement in city affairs. I will strive to identify cost-saving measures and strategies to decrease financial liabilities for the city and its residents.
What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? I am a passionate newcomer to the political arena, driven by a desire to make a difference in my community. My dedication to the public will enable me to tackle the complexities of governmental roles and deliver positive outcomes for the people I aim to represent.
What are your ideas and suggestions for jump-starting Sauk Rapids’ housing development? Offer incentives and provide tax breaks, subsidies or grants to developers to build housing units. This could help offset the cost of construction to make it easier for developers. Streamline and simplify the permitting process. Improve the city’s infrastructure, making it ideal for developers to invest in the city.
How can the city entice new industrial and manufacturing businesses to relocate to Sauk Rapids? Attracting industries and creating jobs in our city requires a business-friendly environment. This could be achieved by implementing lower tax rates, easing the permit process, reducing unnecessary hurdles and investing in infrastructure. By doing so, we should entice businesses to establish themselves in Sauk Rapids.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here