by Dennis Dalman
Current St. Joseph City Council member Adam Scepaniak recently announced he plans to file for the position of the city’s mayor in the next election, Nov. 5.
Candidate filing for city offices opens July 30 and closes Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. Current long-time Mayor Rick Schultz has decided not to file for re-election.
Scepaniak has served nearly two years as a council member after being elected in November 2022.
“In St. Joseph, I want to bolster our safety services – fire, police and EMS (emergency medical services) so they are adequately supported to foster a safe community,” Scepaniak told the Newsleaders. “I want to be welcoming to new businesses while honoring and supporting our current businesses.”
He also emphasized the importance of diversity.
“I also want our city to be welcoming to everyone,” he said. “One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our community, the businesses, food and culture we are growing. I come to all of you as a son, a brother, a husband, and a soon-to-be father, and I would be honored to have your vote this fall and be your mayor.”
Scepaniak has been a member of the St. Joseph Fire & Rescue Department for five years, a member of the city’s planning commission for two years and a volunteer at the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf for one year.
Scapaniak is the chief marketing officer and co-manager, with his brother Bobby, for the Guns and Gear Store in Waite Park. That business began when his parents, Bob and Cindy, opened the store in 2009. His parents retired from that business and are now hobby ranchers.
In addition to that job, Scepaniak is the managing editor for OutdoorHub.com and for FirearmBlog.com.
