The seven City Council At-Large candidates were sent a list of questions regarding their backgrounds and candidacy for the upcoming election. They are competing for two open seats.
Answers were submitted by all seven candidates: Joe Balsanek, Angie Haus, Ian Martin, Dean W. Markuson, Dennis Peine, Dave Pemble and Tom Wright.
Here are the questions that were asked: what do you want to accomplish if you are elected to the City Council, what strengths would you bring to the City Council, what drove you to run for City Council, how can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
The primary election will take place on August 9 and will whittle down the candidates to four. The general election is set for November 8. Absentee ballot voting has already opened for the primary election.
More information about absentee voting can be found here.
On July 26, there will be a candidate forum held in the City Council Chambers from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during which residents can get to know the candidates and ask them questions.
Candidate Joe Balsanek
● Address: 340 Crestview Drive Hastings MN 55033
● Email: joebalsanek@gmail.com
● Age: 75
● Family: Married to wife Elizabeth (Betsy) for 53 years. Daughter Jennifer Herber, Teacher at Hastings Middle School. Daughter Laura Balsanek, Allina Regina Hospital ER Staff. Son Joey Balsanek, Millipor Sigma Regional Director and Mayo Clinic. I have 6 grandchildren
● Occupation: Retired, Inver Hills College Professor. Retired, St. Paul Technical College Instructor Hamline University Asst. Professor. 35 year owner of Designs Plus, a fine arts and aesthetic design company. 22 years, Minnesota Air National Guard, Civil Engineering and Training NCO
● Political Experience: 12 year member, Hastings City Council, 12 year member of the Dakota 911 Communications Center Board of Directors, 4 year member of the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA), 2 year member of the Hastings Charter Commission, 10 year member and Chairperson of the City Public Works Committee
What do you hope to accomplish?
– While on the city council we reduced the city’s tax rate from 8% to 4%. I am proud of that and want to continue to reduce that tax rate.
– Redevelop JayCee Park into a regional preserve and nature center in coordination with the National Park Service and State DNR.
– Accelerate our street, water and sewer projects. We’re behind in planning and we need to get things moving more quickly.
– Develop a motocross park similar to what Cottage Grove Has.
What strengths would you bring?
– I’m a military veteran
– I’m a senior citizen
– I’m a retired small business owner
– I’m a retired college/university educator
All these areas of expertise on my part will lend credibility and a voice to any of those topics that come before the council.
What drove you to run?
– I’m retired and spend time and energy on topics that come before the council.
– I had a huge number of citizens who have enjoyed and respected what I’ve done on the city council and encouraged me to run again.
– Public Service is a part of my life as a veteran and educator.
– My background will honor the voices of our youth, veterans, senior citizens, and the public in general
– I was so pleased to be a driving force in turning Tilden School into ou Senior Center and want to do more projects like that
– It was a pleasure to take part in developing the design of the new Hastings Bridge.
– I want to be a part of the redevelopment of the Vermillion Street Corridor
What areas can be improved?
– We need to continue attracting affordable housing for our veterans, seniors and graduates
– We need to continue to lower our tax rate
– We need to finish the Confluence/Hudson project and get it on the tax rolls once and for all
– We need a Fine Arts commission with a budget to work at a continued fostering of the Arts
How can we get more affordable housing?
In my 12 years on the council I pushed hard to create an Economic Development staff position. We now have that staff member and with it has come a huge influx of affordable housing being built behind School House Square and also out on County Road 46 just west of Pleasant Drive. I have pushed for it before and will continue to make it a priority once again. We have the room to do it and if need be we can expand future sites through annexation. I’m very proud to have pushed for that because we’re now seeing such positive results.
Candidate Angie Haus
● Address: 1421 Tyler St Hastings MN, 55033
● Email: angiehausmn@gmail.com
● Age: 24
● Family: Married to Kristofer Morken, we have 1 dog named Annie and 2 cats
Snow and Daffodil
● Occupation: Licensed Dental Assistant and Clinical Operations Specialist at
Smile Orthodontics in St. Paul
● Political Experience: Board Member for IDEA and Thrive
What do you want to accomplish if you are elected to City Council?
Economic growth and development. Local businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our community and I will help them thrive in the Vermillion St. Corridor, downtown, and everywhere. Growing and maintaining our local development is what keeps Hastings prospering.
Inclusion. I will work hard to ensure Hastings offers resources, programs, and activities that welcome all residents. I want everyone who works, resides, or visits Hastings to be welcomed and heard. Tourism. I will work with colleagues and city staff to encourage tourism in Hastings by bolstering our city’s parks and recreation system. This will also help our economic growth and Development. Transportation.
Everyone should have the chance to discover the beauty our town has by local transit. I want to reestablish and improve our local transit system so our residents have safe, accessible travel options to our local shops, restaurants, trails, and homes. Public Safety. Everyone should feel safe and secure in Hastings.
Our police, fire, and emergency rescue staff deserve support and transparency. Staff retention. Hastings has so many great city staff members. Everybody knows it’s hard to keep good staff nowadays, so one of my priorities will be talking to our current staff to make sure their needs are being met. Fiscal Responsibility. Everything we do within our city has to happen within our budget. We have to make sure we give our taxpayers the best deal.
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
I believe I would bring a fresh, energetic perspective to the council. Willingness to learn and grow. I have a deep desire to get involved within our community.
What drove you to run for City Council?
I have volunteered extensively throughout my life, and being on city council is an extension of my desire to help others. I truly believe that local government is the foundation to have a strong community. I want everyone to feel as blessed as I have been to be a part of Hastings. I have the energy and heart to serve our community in public service.
What are some areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
As I said above I believe there is more yet to do with our economic development, transportation, and inclusivity. These are all problems that we can solve together as a community.
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
The lack of affordable, safe housing has been an ongoing issue in Hastings that needs to be addressed head-on. I believe in partnering with local developers to find a solution that fits the needs and wants of Hastings residents.
Candidate Dean W. Markuson
● Address:436 Tiffany Drive, Hastings, MN 55033
● Email: deanrvnvet5@aol.com
● Age: 73
● Family: Wife, two adult children and one grandson
● Occupation: Retired
● Political Experience: None
What do you want to accomplish if elected to City Council?
To promote participation and interaction with citizens and staff.
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
Proven leadership skills
What drove you to run for City Council?
Core Values to best serve residents, visitors and businesses
What are some of the areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
Strategic Planning
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
Relax Rezoning Rules
Candidate Ian T. Martin
● Address: 1770 Greystone Road
● Email: ian.martin1931@comcast.net
● Age: 35
● Family: Wife Kelsy, Boston Terrier Barry, French Bulldog Agnes
● Occupation: Operations Agent for the Metropolitan Airports Commission
● Political Experience: Heritage Preservation Commissioner 2013-2017, Planning
Commissioner/Vice-Chair 2017-2020
What do you want to accomplish if you are elected to City Council?
– Hire Community Service Officers within our police department to respond to non-criminal calls for service and ordinance violations that currently our sworn staff respond to.
– Build out and shift our fire department to an eventual full-time model and begin the process to construct a long overdue second firehouse on the south end of town.
– Stop the wasteful spending. Ensure that every purchase is vetted and that all options are considered to remain fiscally responsible.
– Create a streetlight utility to get that cost off taxpayers. By doing this, we can reduce our tax burden by almost $300,000 annually and make it equitable across the board that every parcel of land in the city pays its fair share (schools, churches etc.)
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
– I hold a master’s degree in Public Administration so I have a deep understanding of public finance, public policy, and collaborative governance that could be applied if elected.
– I am the only candidate currently employed in a public role; moreover, at a state agency with Governor appointed commissioners. I understand the impacts and implications elected officials can have on downline employees. As an elected official, we not only serve residents but the employees we work alongside with as well.
– I have large-scale, project management experience and am well versed in development projects. This experience will lend itself well to the continued growth Hastings is seeing.
What drove you to run for City Council?
Public service is in my blood. This wasn’t something my family or anyone else “convinced” me to do. I’ve held roles in government agencies for most of my career and find it deeply rewarding and valuable to be able to give back and help others who feel like at times they may not have a voice. I’ve been on the receiving end of that help a few times before and know how pivotal the right person is in a position like council and feel I would be a strong voice of leadership and compassion to the residents of Hastings if elected.
What are some areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
Our downtown cannot continue to be the only focus while other parts of our city
are falling into disrepair. Our parks are behind in maintenance and replacement
schedules, Highways 55 and 61 appear run down, and the outcome of 316 in my
opinion was almost a complete failure. We need to do better listening to residents and what their concerns are and ensure leadership understands these concerns and what impacts they have on a project or development. Lastly, we need to streamline our permitting process and relationships with developers to foster growth, not be a hurdle in the way of that.
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
This is a tough egg to crack but I feel we are on the way by building what is called “full lifecycle living” in Hastings which means a community that offers living options from birth to end of life thus keeping people here not having to move away. By building senior housing and assisted living housing, our older residents will have a place to settle into and can feel comfortable selling their homes knowing they’re staying in Hastings close to friends and family. These homes are many times 30-40 plus years old and offer a great opportunity for our community members to find housing that’s affordable.
Candidate Dennis Peine
● Address: 120 9th St. West
● Email: dennis.peine@gmail.com
● Age: 54
● Family: Partner – 14 years
● Occupation: Custom Furniture Construction / Woodworking
● Political Experience: Hastings Riverfront Masterplanning Committee, Hastings
Public Arts Advisory Committee, Hastings Planning Commission 6 yrs,
Metropolitan Council Planning Committee 2030 & 2040, Dakota County Public
Arts Advisory Committee, Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment
Authority HEDRA 12 yrs, Dakota County Planning Commission current
What do you want to accomplish if you are elected to City Council?
There are three topics I would like to explore: (1) Smart Growth – utilize open property within our current border, strengthen areas in need, develop additions that are relevant to changing housing models while retaining the character of our community. (2) Staff Retention – Hastings will no longer be a staff incubator for other communities. (3) Encourage Citizen Communication and Participation.
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
Experience and interest in planning on several levels – education, profession, community / regional organizations.
What drove you to run for City Council?
My career in architecture and masterplanning gave me opportunities to shape the built environment for clients. My involvement over the last 15 years with organizations gave me insight in to the perspective of the other side of the drawing board. I believe that combined I have a proven track record and the dedication to make this next step as a stronger advocate for our community as an elected member of the Hastings city council.
What are some areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
I believe we have some good momentum right now with current and proposed development projects. We need to maintain and strengthen standards to always ensure projects achieve the goals set by our citizens, officials, and dedicated staff. I want the question in conversations to be focused on ‘how can we can’, and not why didn’t we.’
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
Develop and maintain standards to ensure we provide broad, quality, and safe living environments for residents. Citizens come at all price points but equal value. We need to require residential developments that are mindful of this reality. Partnerships between our community, government entities, and the private sector can provide a multifaceted approach to better ensure our community remains as a viable home for all that chose it here.
Candidate Dave Pemble
● Address: 731 5th St. W. Hastings, MN
● Email: davepemble2022@gmail.com
● Age: 71
● Family: Wife Dolores, 4 Daughters, Dawn Pemble, Dena(Aaren)
Mathison, Darcy(Dallas) Pemble, Dara Pemble and three adorable
grandkids, Porter, Maverick and Scarlett
● Occupation: Retired Lead Nuclear Machinist from Prairie Island Nuclear
Plant
● Political Experience: served 4 years on Dist. #200 School Board,
currently on Hastings Park and Recreation Commission, formerly on
Hastings Public Safety Advisory Commission and 2030 Comprehensive
Plan Committee
What do you want to accomplish if you are elected to the Hastings City Council?
Finding new growth in the community by providing an incentive for builders. Looking for new jobs and jobs that pay with benefits. Review the comprehensive 2040 plan to make sure we are on track with the long range goals established in the plan. I plan to promote the community wherever I go and be an enthusiastic spokesperson for Hastings. The role of the city is to search out new business opportunities including industrial and manufacturing companies that will allow the city to grow.
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
I recently served 4 years on the District #200 School Board. I have served on the Hastings Public Safety Advisory Commission, 2030 Comprehensive Plan Committee, and Park and Recreation Commission. I have also served on the Hastings Police Reserves for over 25 years.
My experience in city politics is varied and I think that gives me a perspective to be open to new ideas while looking back at what has worked in the past. Being retired, but active, gives me time to devote to the citizens of Hastings and be an asset to the Hastings City Council.
What drove you to run for the City Council?
I think it is very important to support your community in any way you can. Our family values have always emphasized community service from youth to retirement. I ran for School board because of my involvement with the facilities committee and during my 4 year term we accomplished our goal of improving and maintaining our buildings and grounds with the bond issue so generously provided by our citizens. I have always been interested in city government and decided to move to the next level.
What are some areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
I plan to promote the community wherever I go and be an enthusiastic spokesperson for Hastings. The role of the city is to search out new business opportunities including industrial and manufacturing companies that will provide good wages and benefits to employees. This will bring jobs to Hastings while also providing a great opportunity for the city to grow.
“See something, say something.” Public safety is everyone’s job. Building or rebuilding neighborhood watch and adding a ring doorbell directory to assist the police department.
These are two areas I would like to work on.
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
The need for housing is really a need for growth for the community as a whole, by having new companies that pay well with benefits. The city council and staff need to work with interested builders to provide them the tools they need to create a variety of housing options for Hastings.
Candidate Tom Wright
● Address: 550 7th St W Hastings, MN 55033
● Email: tomwright100@gmail.com
● Age: 42
● Family: My “MN Brady Bunch” consists of Melanie (fiance) and seven kids total
● Occupation: Co-Owner of Method Organization with Melanie (..the real owner)
● Political Experience: None! This is my first serious run for office.
What do you want to accomplish if you are elected to City Council?
First I would like to mend the division within our community created by politics, and return it to a “we” mindset rather than an “us vs them.” I believe it can be done.
I would also like to ensure we don’t have any issues with our pay, management or anything else within the City’s control when it comes to our City staff. We’ve lost a few good ones recently and it’s concerning. I would also like to somehow expand winter recreation options for our youth. That has felt like a major void to me as a parent.
What strengths would you bring to the City Council?
My fifteen years of journalism and communications background at HCTV would provide a number of assets to the Council – an open minded objective point of view in making decisions, many valuable connections within town, plus a familiarity of City operations and the inner workings of the City Council, committees, etc.
I’m also a creative idea person known to have vision and have a track record of doing so. There’s a variety of fun and serious productions at HCTV. Plus my Memorial Day March For Them event I founded and eventually became the Executive Director.
What drove you to run for City Council?
This was honestly not on my radar until a week before the filing period deadline. I’ve wanted to run for office since I was in high school. I filed to run in 2014 but soon withdrew to keep my job at HCTV. Even after I left HCTV I figured I would wait until after the kids were out of the house. But friends around town were asking me, more like nudging me to run. After a good talk, Melanie and I decided it was the right time to go for it.
What are some areas that you think the city needs to improve in?
I don’t have a financial background but based on conversations I’ve been having with past and current Council members our finances and budget are a concern. It sounds like we could be more fiscally responsible, which I would advocate for.
Another area to improve is the retention of high quality employees (as mentioned previously). I would also say overall vision for Hastings’ future. We’ve accomplished some great things with the Riverfront Renaissance and now I’d like to turn our attention to areas outside of the riverfront. We’ve come a long ways, but this City has potential to go way further.
How can more affordable housing be brought into the community?
This is the million dollar question every city is asking itself. So I don’t know what the million dollar answer is, but I’d certainly be interested in being a part of a
committee that could discuss this and explore options. I will say I don’t believe in rent caps like what they just initiated in St. Paul. I have a similar stance on this as the minimum wage – let the market dictate. In other words let the landlords live or die by their own sword. Some may get greedy perhaps. But if they charge too much, they won’t have tenants.
