by Dennis Dalman, news@thenewsleaders.com
(Note: The three candidates vying for two positions on the St. Joseph City Council are Jonathan Hazen (incumbent), Kevin Kluesner (incumbent) and Adam Scepaniak. The following are each candidate’s responses to questions submitted by the Newsleader. The general election is set for Nov. 8.)
Hazen praises staff for town strengths
City-council candidate Jonathan Hazen, a current member of the council, said he believes the strengths of St. Joseph can be attributed largely to an “amazing” city staff.
“They are all versed in their roles and help the city run smoothly,” he said.
The following are Hazen’s responses to questions submitted by the Newsleader:
List and explain the strengths of St. Joseph. Then list and explain some of the city’s weaknesses or areas that could use improvements.
“We as a city are small yet we have a lot of big things happening. We are seeing more growth of businesses coming into St. Joseph. We are starting to become a destination city rather than being lumped into St. Cloud or Waite Park.
“I feel as a city we could do better with our communication to the residents of St. Joseph. We have a lot of things going on and some people have brought up concerns about not being informed.”
If you could use just one word or one sentence or phrase to describe St. Joseph, what would you say?
St. Joseph is a small city with big heart, a uniquely and inclusively growing city.
What specific issues or needs of the city would you prioritize on your “Must Get Done” list?
“Some top issues and “Musts” on my mind are growth of our city and changes happening around our businesses. I would like to see how we can expand and branch out from the surrounding cities.
“I would also love to expand on our education in St. Joseph. I would like to see the partnerships between CSB/SJU and the city grow stronger. I would like to see how we could help one another better our city, including CSB/SJU, and have the alumni not only give back to the college but to the city itself. I would love to see more activities geared around our younger generation, growing community and (our) diverse population. This has increased in the last year, and I feel it must happen for our city and its younger families with younger kids. I feel if we can do this then these families will start to call St. Joseph their forever home.”
Do you think the city has a good relationship with the two area colleges and their students? Are there ways those bonds and communications could be improved?
“I feel the City of St. Joseph has a good relationship with the colleges. The relationship between the two has grown throughout my time in St. Joseph, but I think there is always room for improvement. Having open communication with the two colleges and more meetings to discuss happenings within the colleges and the city will strengthen the relationship. I feel with new leadership coming in this year there is more eagerness from the colleges to want to continue a smooth and functioning relationship.”
Do you think taxes on residents and businesses are too high, too low or just about right?
“We are in a tough time right now with our economy and we need to be fiscally responsible as a city to try and reduce taxes as much as possible. We are currently looking at the 2023 budget and trying to reduce costs where we can. With our city growing in population and more businesses moving in, we are hopeful to see this possibly help reduce the tax burden on the residents and help cover our budget.”
Explain why you would be an effective council member.
“I will continue to be an effective council member by bringing an energetic, passionate and caring approach. I have a talent for listening and communicating with many people. I feel I know many individuals in our community and the surrounding areas, which can help me make connections for St. Joseph. Most of the people I interact with have many varying viewpoints and skills which I feel gives me a broad scope of life.
“I am extremely involved in our community and am hopeful for the future of our city. I know where my family lives is very important to me, and I would like the city we live in to also know this. I would like to give as many opportunities as possible that I have had growing up and living in St. Joseph to the members of our community. I would like to encourage them to voice their opinions and to be involved in the town’s decisions. I would like to see our community work together to make our town flourish and grow.
Other comments?
“I know as a leader you cannot always be right 100 percent of the time with 100 percent of the people. I do feel, though, that we can listen and try to come to common ground on what is best for our families and neighbors. I feel it’s important to listen to our town’s people and understand what is important to them.
“Just when we think we have all the answers to the questions, the questions change. I always want to keep learning and growing. We should always keep answering the ever-changing questions to the best of our ability. I would like to continue to work with the other elected officials and come together for the common good of St. Joseph.
Background
Hazen earned a degree in community psychology (with emphasis on applied behavior analysis), graduating from St. Cloud State University in 2006.
He is an operations supervisor at Fingerhut in St. Cloud where he oversees the receiving department.
Coaching diving has been a passion of Hazen’s for 22 years. He coached many high school boys’ and girls’ teams from 2001-2009 and coached at CSB/SJU from 2010 to 2020. He currently coaches girls diving at Sartell High School.
Hazen is a member of the St. Joseph Jaycees and president of St. Joseph Area Dollars for Scholars, which was started by his father in 1996. Since then it has given out 550 scholarships worth a total of $145,000 to area students.
He is also a member of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce through Fingerhut and volunteers on various committees.
He and Christina have been married for nine years and have four children he calls “amazing”: Nikolaus, 8; Wesley, 6; Calvin, 3; and Helena, 9 months.
Kluesner loves ‘thriving’ St. Joseph
When asked to use one word that best describes St. Joseph, city-council candidate Kevin Kluesner replied, using all capital letters: “THRIVING.”
Kluesner, an incumbent member of the St. Joseph City Council, is vying for one of two open council seats to be determined in the Nov. 8 general election.
The following are Kluesner’s responses to questions submitted by the Newsleader:
List and explain the strengths of St. Joseph. Then list and explain some of the city’s weaknesses or areas that could use improvements.
Kluesner listed these strengths: the pride that residents and business owners have in their city; the city’s excellent bond rating of Double A from Standard and Poor’s, a national credit-rating agency; the city’s department heads have deep experience and are effective leaders of their teams.
Weaknesses and improvements Kluesner noted are the need to lessen the tax burden on residents, partly by attracting more businesses to the city and its Industrial Park; and a hotel or other lodging options for St. Joseph.
“Trobec’s (bus service company) is relocating here, and Knife River (construction company) is expanding,” Kluesner said. “We need more. Residents pay a disproportionate share of taxes, more than surrounding towns. We must do more to offset that burden.”
What specific issues or needs of the city would you prioritize on your “Must Get Done” list?
Fund and build a community center. Attract a hotel developer.
Do you think the city has a good relationship with the two area colleges and their students? Are there ways those bonds and communications could be improved?
Kluesner’s response: “St. Ben’s and St. John’s are assets to our city. That obviously comes with a price. Residents have to live with the social life of college students and their respective activities. The city works closely with the CSB/SJU administration to navigate these issues.
“I wish new president Brian Bruess success with his expanded role and welcome him and his wife, Carol, to the community. I wish the students the best in their studies and hope they enjoy their college years being mindful of their neighbors and residents of St. Jo(seph).”
Why would you be effective on the city council?
“I love St. Jo(seph)!” Kluesner said. That love is what inspired him to serve more than 35 years in the city (church, business, government). Kluesner said he enjoys collaborating with fellow council members and city staff.
“Having been annexed into the city a few years ago,” he said, “I bring a perspective of residing in the former township and the benefits of living within the framework of the Rural Residential District ordinance.”
Other comments:
“I’m glad to have three council member-candidates running for two seats and two candidates running for mayor. It’s good to have a choice! All five candidates care about our town and would serve the city well.”
Background:
Born in Minneapolis, Kluesner graduated with a business degree from St. John’s University in 1979. He married Amy Heymans, a 1981 graduate of the College of St. Benedict. They moved to St. Joseph from Minneapolis in 1987, and he owned and operated Kluesner Financial in St. Joseph, retiring in 2021.
He has been a member of the city council since March 2021 and also serves on the board of directors for Treasure Chest, a thrift store in Waite Park.
Amy Kluesner is in charge of planning and decorating for St. Joseph Catholic Church for each of its liturgical seasons.
Kevin and Amy live at the end of Field Street, southeast of downtown, on a farm formerly owned by the Sisters of St. Benedict.
The Kluesners have one son, Paul, a 2008 graduate of St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Paul’s wife, Melissa, is a 2007 graduate of the College of St. Benedict. They and their four children live in Red Wing.
Contact
Residents with any questions or concerns are welcome to contact Kluesner at:
City email: kluesner@cityofstjoseph.com
Personal email: kevin.kluesner@gmail.com
Personal cell: 320-761-2729
Scepaniak: City should advertise strengths
City-council candidate Adam Scepaniak said he believes St. Joseph’s strengths (vibrancy, diversity, burgeoning opportunities) often go unrecognized by its residents, which can amount to a community weakness.
The following are Scepaniak’s responses to questions submitted by the Newsleader:
List and explain the strengths of St. Joseph. Then list and explain some of the city’s weaknesses or areas that could use improvements.
“We have a lot to offer in St. Joseph – from dining to careers to education,” said Scepaniak, referring to vibrancy, diversity, burgeoning opportunities. “Making St. Joseph, as well as the greater central Minnesota area, aware of those businesses and prospects will be important in our future.”
If you could use just one word or one sentence or phrase to describe St. Joseph, what would you say?
One word: diverse. One phrase: A place to grow, admire and call home.
What specific issues or needs of the city would you prioritize on your “Must Get Done” list?
“I believe we need to remove the barriers new businesses face, advertise our community’s strengths to its citizens (strengths such as public parks, events, new business openings and more); evaluate the budgets of city departments; and look at future community projects (roadway enhancements, community center and more).”
Do you think taxes on residents and businesses are too high, too low or just about right?
“The current tax level should remain the same – if not be lowered.”
Do you think the city has a good relationship with the two area colleges and their students? Are there ways those bonds and communications could be improved?
I do believe the community of St. Joseph has a good relationship with St. John’s University, the College of St. Benedict and their student bodies. Also, those relationships could be improved upon, as well, by identifying resources within St. Joseph that would specifically benefit our younger populations. Moreover, the city should give (students) additional reasons to tie themselves more permanently to our community and retain them within St. Joseph beyond graduation.”
Explain why you would be an effective council member.
“Having managed multiple businesses for (more than) a decade and being an articulate communicator, I would serve St. Joseph’s city council well.”
Feel free to give any other comments:
“I want our community to be reflected in its representation on city council; I want their voices to be heard. I will serve as that megaphone for our community’s concerns and objectives.”
Background:
Adam Scepaniak is a member of the St. Joseph Planning Commission, a St. Joseph firefighter, a member of the St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, manager of the Guns and Gear Store in Waite Park, managing editor for AllOutdoor.com, and a freelance writer for more than 10 publications (print and electronic).
Scepaniak, who attended St. Cloud State University, has 10-plus years of experience in public speaking, writing internationally and doing videography.
Additional personal skills he listed are managing businesses, editing and budgeting.
His mother and father, Cindy and Bob, are the founders, chief executive officers and chief financial officers of the Guns and Gear Store in Waite Park. His brother, Bobby, also works for Guns and Gear as chief operating officer, chief information officer and master of business administration.
Scapaniak has marriage plans: “My fiancée is Andrea, who is my unceasingly wonderful and significantly better half.”
Jon Hazen
Kevin Kluesner
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