ROCHESTER, Minn. – Former Rochester School Board member, Mark Schleusner, made the campaign announcement two days after Molly Dennis’s lawsuit against the city of Rochester, Mayor Kim Norton, and 1st Ward City Council Member Patrick Keane became public.
Dennis says the censure placed on her in March of 2023 and concluding at the end of the year hindered her abilities of serving the Rochester Community.
“The censure itself shows that the unacceptance and the annoyance with who someone is lead to the most severe, restrictive punishment in a censure I believe not just in our city but our state’s history,” said Dennis.
Dennis was blown away by Schleusner’s plan to challenge her in the 2024 election.
“That is also very interesting the timing of his announcement,” said Dennis.
When asked about the timing of his campaign announcement coming after Dennis’s lawsuit, he responded saying her situation had nothing to do with it.
“Coincidence. My plans for sometime now have been to announce sometime in January,” said Schluesner.
Schluesner was born and raised in Rochester and is wanting to bring his experience of working in the school district from 2017-2020 to city council to bring a different perspective to the group.
“I’m simply challenging Molly simply because I bring more experience,” said Schluesner.
Schluesner is the first candidate to throw his hat into the ring for the city council seat.
Mayor Kim Norton and Rochester’s city attorney shared the following statements.
“I’m so disappointed that CM Dennis is proceeding in this manner. The time, the costs, and the damage to relationships associated with what I believe is a baseless lawsuit are not good for our community,” said Mayor Kim Norton.
“The City of Rochester received a summons and complaint filed by Councilmember Molly Dennis on January 22, 2024. The defendants identified in the lawsuit are the City of Rochester, Councilmember Patrick Keane and Mayor Kim Norton. The City of Rochester is committed to defending itself from Councilmember Dennis’s claims against the City. It has retained outside legal counsel through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, as is standard with legal matters involving the organization. Due to the litigable nature of this item, the City of Rochester cannot comment further at this time,” said Michael Sprindler-Krage.
