(Editor’s note: The candidate stories are based on questionnaires given to the candidates.)
by Dennis Dalman
There are two seats on the St. Joseph City Council open for election. The candidates are Kelly Beniek (incumbent member), Troy Goracke and Adam Schnettler. Besides Beniek’s seat open for election, council seats are currently occupied by Bob Loso and Adam Scepaniak. Those two incumbents and newcomer Jon Hazen are vying for the mayoral job.
The seats now held by incumbents Kelly Beniek and Bob Loso are up for election. Beniek filed for re-election to the council, whereas Loso filed for the open mayoral position. Two other candidates, Troy Goracke and Adam Schnettler, have also filed for one of the two open seats on the council. However, if Scepaniak loses the race for mayor, he could still retain his council seat because that term does not expire until 2026.
Beniek believes collaborations make for strong city
Incumbent St. Joseph City Council member Kelly Beniek decided to file for re-election because she has seen so much good happen in the city that she wants to strengthen and increase that good by working together and forming positive relationships.
A St. Cloud Technical and Community College graduate, Beniek, her husband and children moved to St. Joseph 30 years ago where they as parents worked tirelessly to ensure the children would succeed with the best possible education.
Ten years ago, she retired to focus on fostering her grandchildren. Later, she rejoined the workforce with a part-time job at Woodcrest of Country ManorAssisted Living in St. Joseph where she supports the dietary needs of residents, something she called “a deeply fulfilling experience.”
She listed St. Joseph’s biggest strengths: neighbors caring for neighbors; creativity, focus and flexibility; a small-town feel.
“I believe we can improve on transparency and community involvement,” she said. “We need to find more ways to engage the community in all areas of city life. I believe there is a place and a voice for everyone, and it’s important to encourage greater participation from all corners of our city. Individually, we each represent a single voice, but together, we create a unified community.”
As for policies, developments, amenities, Beniek mentioned the following: safety and security of children, families and neighborhoods; and a thriving relationship between residents and local businesses for sustenance and growth through interdependence.
“My focus extends to broadening the range of voices heard in decision-making processes. I believe in the power of community involvement, and that participation should span all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s young students in grade school or college students preparing for their futures, everyone should have a chance to contribute to the direction of our city. A diverse array of perspectives will help us build a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice matters.”
Beniek said she has been a strong advocate for the development of the city’s strategic plan.
“My goal,” she said, “is to help the city stay grounded and on track as we address local issues and concerns, while ensuring we maintain complete transparency in our reports to both the governing body and the broader community. Open communication and accountability are critical in building trust and fostering a sense of unity.”
Working together, she said, is the key to success.
“Above all, I firmly believe St. Joseph is a destination – a place where people come not only for opportunity but also for the unique, welcoming, down-home feel that sets our city apart. I remain committed to preserving that spirit while helping our community grow and thrive . . . Thank you for your vote this November.”
Goracke wants more activities for youth, elderly
Troy Goracke said he filed for a city council position because he would like to make a difference and become a voice for his constituents.
Goracke is one of three candidates vying for two open seats on the St. Joseph City Council. He served previously on the council, from 2016-2020.
He is a technology-repair service technician who has lived in St. Joseph for 18 years and has an associate of applied science degree in communications as well as a bachelor’s degree in technology, education and communications.
He and his wife, Diana, have two young daughters – Mara and Emma. A St. Joseph resident, Goracke is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rod and Gun Club.
He was asked which of his skills, experiences and talents he would bring to bear on issues if he is elected.
“Well, if you ask my boss, he will say I am dependable,” Goracke said. “If you ask my wife, she would say I am committed to any project I start. If you ask my friends, they will say I am honest.”
He said he believes St. Joseph’s biggest strength is its safe community for all residents. A weakness in the city is there is not enough low-density residential housing.
If elected as a council member, Goracke said one of his top goals would be to help develop more opportunities within the city for young people and for the elderly.
Schnettler wants to give back to community
Adam Schnettler, a candidate for the St. Joseph City Council, always wanted to “give back to his community,” possibly as a volunteer firefighter.
However, disabling injuries he suffered when he was serving in the U.S. Army caused him to change plans. If he is unable to fight fires, he reasoned, he could at least serve as a member of the St. Joseph City Council. And that is why he filed for election.
There are two seats open on the council in the Nov. 5 general election. One is now occupied by incumbent Kelly Beniek, who filed for re-election; the other by Bob Loso, who filed for the position of mayor of St. Joseph.
Thus, the candidates for council are Schnettler, Beniek and Troy Goracke.
Schnettler is a part-time warehouse receiver who was educated at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. He has lived in St. Joseph for more than 4 years with Amana, his wife of 11 years, and their son Coulton, 8.
Schnettler described himself as one who likes to solve problems using a multi-angled approach.
“I don’t subscribe to a ‘business as usual’ mindset,” he said. “I’m constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency. I examine issues from all perspectives and strongly believe in maintaining transparency for everyone.”
St. Joseph’s biggest strength, he said, is community involvement.
“The citizens of St. Joseph are proud of their city, and there are numerous city-sponsored activities and events,” he noted.
And what about city weaknesses?
“I believe there should be greater transparency, and the voices of residents should have a stronger influence on local government decisions. City Hall should see residents as more than just sources of revenue.”
Kelly Beniek
Troy Goracke
Adam Schnettler
