St. Michael voters will decide between a lifelong St. Michael resident and a relative newcomer when it comes to the Nov. 4 general election for the city’s mayor.
Jerry Zachman is the incumbent, having served the city for over a decade and the last several as the city’s mayor. Jennifer Pederson, a mother of three who is concerned about the status of commerce in the community, is seeking her first spot in public office.
St. Michael council members are paid per meeting, with the mayor position receiving $70 per meeting. Normally, there are 3 to 4 meetings per month.
Here are the candidates:
Jerry Zachman
Age: 57
Address: 5249 Ogren Ave. NE
Family: Wife, Roxann, 3 children, one grandchild (with two on the way)
Years in St. Michael community: 57 – part of a fifth-generation family here
What inspired you to run for St. Michael City Council?
With all of the rapid development, building boom, and growing pains of the previous decade happening in Saint Michael, I wanted to make sure the decisions being made four our city had our citizens’ best interest, and that the thought for the city’s future were being put into consideration first and foremost.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
Transportation will continue to be one our top priorities. The Interstate 94 expansion is the first step to opening up our communities from commuter congestion. Also, this will help with the future development of our communities.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
We can continue to invite residential, commercial and retail developers to St. Michael. With the 94 corridor expansion coming, we are hearing from developers about renewed interest in our area.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
Naber Avenue is a big part of that future. The freeway interchanged there, which has been approved, will open up 500 to 600 acres of farmland to develop into what will be additional commercial and retail areas for our city.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
We are very proud of the services we receive from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and our local fire department. Even though we are the largest city, by population, in Wright County, our city has one of the lowest crime rates in the county. We also work well in conjunction with our neighboring communities to provide mutual aid when the need has risen.
Do you have anything else to add?
I’d like to thank the citizens of St. Michael for their continue support and involvement in our city, and for allowing me to be a part of it. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Your vote does make a difference.
Jennifer Pederson
Age: 42
Address: 4290 Kaelin Ave NE, Saint Michael
Family: Eric husband on 14 years, Tommy 11 Christopher and Caitlin 10
Years in St. Michael community: One and a half
What inspired you to run for St. Michael Mayor?
I am looking to add to and improve the community I live in by encouraging businesses to invest in our city.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the community, and into 2015?
Lack of growth in the business side – We are forcing our residents to spend their dollars elsewhere, because we do not have the businesses to support them here in Saint Michael.
What role can the city play in the revitalization of the housing market, as evidenced by the new additions in 2014 and planned for 2015?
The city needs to limit the number of permits granted for new housing starts as the new housing starts are causing the value of existing homes to remain stagnant or decrease. In my neighborhood I have 4 houses on the market right now that aren’t selling due to the influx of new construction.
What is your vision for future commercial development in the City of St. Michael?
We need new business growth in our town. I look at neighboring towns and wonder why we don’t have the options in commerce that smaller surrounding towns possess. We have to leave town to go get the basic household items such as a lamp or a set of sheets.
Residents of St. Michael are protected by the County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time fire department. Is that sufficient for a town of 17,000?
This is the top of my priority list I would determine the cost effectiveness of adding a full time police force and bringing the Fire Department to full time while keeping our current positive working relationship with the Sheriff’s department until that determination can be made.
Do you have anything else to add? No
Thanks so much for participating in this process. All forms are due by Oct. 16.