Meet the Candidates: Sauk Centre City Council

Sauk Centre voters will select two people to fill four-year terms on the Sauk Centre City Council. The seven candidates to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot are incumbent council member Diane Kelly and challengers Cindy Drevlow, Alexandra Evenson, Jacob Holck, Brad Kirckof, Scott H. Kowski and Patrick Winters.  

Each candidate was presented the same questions, word limits to their answers and deadlines to return the questionnaire. Any responses beyond the maximum length were cut off at the limit with ellipses. 

Holck did not return a questionnaire by deadline.

Cindy Drevlow

Age: 69

Profession: Semi-retired. Employed part-time at the Sauk Centre DMV

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? We are fortunate to have some highly talented residents who wish to step up to the plate for our town. I am humbled to be on the ballot. My love of this quaint (charmingly, nostalgic) town is why I threw my hat in the ring. At times it seems the … 

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? Boost Up is doing a wonderful job of addressing a possible community center for Sauk Centre. My thoughts: The senior center and the ice arena are both city-owned property, which I believe are underutilized for public gatherings. We do have three pools, which the public can access — two at the motels and one at the high school. There are opportunities to use the school gym and a few workout facilities in town. I would vote against building something new. The empty building across the street from McDonalds could be revamped. Plenty of parking available. We also need to figure in … 

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? We have a lot to offer in this area. Prime Interstate 94 location to transport goods into and out of. Plenty of empty land surrounding the actual hub of town. The Beltline Road area could be utilized for more manufacturing facilities. How to attract new business: Market the community, offer tax incentives, invite interested businesses to spend time here. Instill a wow factor. Have a designated team to showcase our town and the surrounding area to potential business owners.

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? The north end of town could use a new plan. The multi-stop sign area where the curve enters town is a high-traffic nightmare. Redirect Highway 71 during the upcoming resurfacing project to alleviate the congestion and add a stoplight. Adding a combination motel/dining establishment in that area (properly placed). Turn the senior center into a visitor center, and move the senior center closer to the middle of town to make it more accessible to the elderly. Put additional signage up along Highway 71 and the freeway, encouraging tourists to take a break here.  

If elected, what are your top priorities. Additional job opportunities/enticing new business to Sauk. Upkeep of our infrastructure. Affordable housing. Childcare. Reasonably priced internet. Things I’d like to see happen in the area: promotion of the Fairy Lake area. Put in plumbing for flush toilets, something similar to Joe’s Crab Shack overlooking the lake. While employed at the printing facility in Long Prairie, we utilized Hennington’s to entertain visiting customers and sales. Not sure where corporations take their guests now. I like the idea of using the area by the band shell as a weekend summer gathering place. Bring on the food trucks/music/games for kids and not …

Diane Kelly

Age: Not provided

Profession: Not provided

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? I am the incumbent for this position. I have served on the city council since January 2015. I have also served on the operation commission, council liaison to the senior center board of directors, the CVB board, the HRA board as well as the park board and planning and zoning. … 

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? As for the community center, it would be a great project. However, it would require a substantial increase in taxes to build and support it. With current inflation rates and people struggling to put food on the table or gas in their car, I would not support this at this time. The last thing we need is another tax increase. If the economy turns around in the future, this would be something that could be looked into.

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? We already have a competitive business climate. Years ago, the council voted down trying to keep business out that would compete with existing business. We have brought new businesses into Sauk Centre (Taco Bell, Caribou Coffee and soon Kwik Trip). We have also offered low interest business loans to help during the pandemic to keep our businesses going.

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? I would not plan to implement any changes to the city council. One council person cannot dictate any changes. We are a democracy, and not a dictatorship. Only when the council meets, can changes be made, and only by majority vote. Our current council works very well with each other and have for years.

If elected, what are your top priorities. Clean air, clean water and a great education for our kids. This is what we all want and strive for. Our decisions impact all our taxpayers. We take an oath of fiscal responsibility for the tax funds that are collected. We spend many hours going over and approving budgets in order to protect our taxpayers.

Alexandra Evenson

Age: 28

Profession: Receptionist/building permit technician

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? I am ethical, strategic and collaborative. I already serve on the Sauk Centre Parks and Recreation Board and would like to become even more involved in the community to ensure the city stays prosperous for both current and future residents.

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? With public funding, funding from various prospects, and collaboration between entities in the city; a city community center would be achievable and a great addition to the city. Maintenance and wage cost would also have to be factored in regard to the building of a community center as well.

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? Using favorable financing options for businesses would be a great incentive to ensure more private businesses can start up and grow. Available real estate and office space would also be needed to provide opportunity for business growth in the community. In order to support current businesses, having a diversity ordinance would help ensure they are able to keep operating successfully. 

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? I would like to see less assessments put on Sauk Centre property owners. Looking at more state funded grants would be ideal to help achieve this goal. Another change I would like to see is more year-round community engagement for all residents of Sauk Centre, especially in the winter months.  

If elected, what are your top priorities. Economic growth and affordable housing. We need to keep growing local businesses to offer more workplace opportunities and for economic stimulation. We also need more affordable housing to grow the population of Sauk Centre to increase the revenue in the city, which is vital to prosperity. 

Scott H. Kowski

Age: 51

Profession: Retired military

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? With 30-plus years of military experience and leadership responsibilities for more than 26 of those years, I feel I can provide that same leadership for the citizens of Sauk Centre and continue to lead the city in a direction that enables it to grow and prosper.

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? I would support a community center in town. Currently, there is not a facility in town that is big enough to support family and community events year-round. The community center would provide a place to gather with friends and family of all ages and be a multi-functional space that could be utilized for a variety of events. Public funding for facilities is always a contentious issue, but this facility would be for all and would provide a space this town is currently lacking. Other communities that have community centers have an advantage of drawing business away from towns like ours.

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? Business growth is essential to the overall growth of our community. Our community is small enough to have a vibrant downtown but is also competitive to the big box stores. In order to continue to grow our community, we need to be open to competition and provide resources such as small business loans to tax breaks/credits to entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in our town.  Bringing in new business and sustaining our current businesses will attract new families moving to Sauk Centre. I feel that if businesses work together, they grow their own business and others by mutual cooperation.  

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? I do not plan to come into the council and want to make wholesale changes. With my vast experience in the military and having new commanders every three years who wanted to come in and change the world, I really feel that coming in as the new guy, you have to be willing to learn and adapt. I will listen to our community members and bring their concerns up to the council and fight for those who elected us to the council. An active listener is a trait that is stronger than wanting to change the world.  

If elected, what are your top priorities. My biggest priority would have to be stressing the need for transparency. Many people I have talked to who urged me to run have stated they have not been kept informed during major street projects and increases to their assessments. While residents may not be happy with price increases, things do not get better over time by keeping residents in the dark on the matter. Being upfront and honest with our residents is a necessity since they are the ones who voted us in, and we owe it to them since we’re working for them.

Brad Kirckof

Age: 55

Profession: Operations manager — DOT/safety director and partner — Traut Companies

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? One of the traits that best describes my passion to serve on the council is my commitment and ambition to help others. This is something that allows me to use my past experience and compassion to continue working with our residents and businesses that call Sauk Centre home.

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? Although there is much work to be done in the collection of data to see what type of facility might work best for Sauk Centre, there are ways the city could work in collaboration with Boost Up Sauk Centre in the construction of a community center; operating and maintenance costs is something that would be more difficult for the city to fund. Two options might be a local sales tax or tax abatement; these tax incentives are typically based solely on a specific project and do not impact the school and/or county tax calculations, but would impact all as a … 

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? One of Sauk Centre’s biggest assets is our location and major highways mean opportunity. As recently noted in 2022, about 24,000 vehicles passed by on Interstate 94, and 9,500 drove through town on Highway 71 per day. We need to focus our efforts on sharing this data with potential new businesses and work with existing businesses to find ways to get the traffic to stop, shop, enjoy a meal, visit our historical places and stay for the night. This is done by community engagement, business involvement, local events and a welcoming environment. 

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? Although I have attended many meetings over the past three months, I would not say changes are needed as much as getting myself familiar with the current projects and understanding the processes taken and how the decisions made impact the decisions going forward. One area I would focus on is growing city and business relationships, by understanding the desires of the businesses, at the same time working on solutions that assist in meeting these goals and minimizing regulatory challenges and confusion. Also, work as a liaison for entrepreneurial success, with the desire for Sauk Centre to have a nice sit-down … 

If elected, what are your top priorities. One thing that continues to be a focus is the reconstruction of U.S. Highway 71; this is on the State of Minnesota construction schedule. This will take planning, effective use of taxpayer dollars, and a strong relationship with PUC, MNDOT, Stearns County and property owners. This reconstruction project will be the largest infrastructure project the city has ever seen. One additional effort I would work tirelessly on is revitalizing our downtown and working collaboratively with property owners to assure the buildings are used to their greatest potential. And lastly, I would continue my efforts working with all our community stakeholders … 

Patrick Winters

Age: 53

Profession: Accountant

What traits or qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve city residents? I believe my years of experience in accounting/finance/tax, and as a small business owner make me the best qualified person to serve on the Sauk Centre City Council. My determination, enthusiasm and commitment to service support that experience.  

Currently, non-profit organization Boost Up Sauk Centre is surveying community members regarding a community center. Would you support public funding for the construction or operation of a facility such as this in Sauk Centre? I would pending the outcome of the survey and a thorough feasibility study. I believe there is a need for additional resources in Sauk Centre that a community center could fill. Space allocated for recreational activities, banquets and entertainment, and various business uses such as meeting and convention space. Perhaps one of the most important potential uses would be to accommodate a childcare center. As Sauk Centre grows and attracts new businesses and families, the need for quality, affordable child care will become critical.  A combination of public funding and private fee structure could make this happen.   

What are your plans to attract new businesses to the city of Sauk Centre while supporting existing businesses? A culture of collaboration between our city government and our local business and community organizations will be key to attracting new businesses. Working with the EDA, Boost Up SC, chamber of commerce and the school board gives us the chance to share resources, ideas and talent to support our local businesses and attract new ones. Listening to the wants and needs of our citizens is also key. I would be willing to serve as a council liaison with any of these groups and to discuss both opportunities, issues and concerns with our current business owners.    

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council? Improving communication between our city government and concerned citizens is an issue I hear about consistently. I would like to improve the flow of information to make sure we, as a city council, are accessible to the people. This could be done through online forums/posts, newsletters, periodic articles in the newspaper, etc. I would also like to encourage more communication and collaboration with the organizations I referenced in question three. Again, I would be happy to represent the council at the invitation of any of these organizations.  

If elected, what are your top priorities. Sauk Centre is a great place to live, work and raise a family. My priorities are to improve communication, grow and support our business community, and utilize my background in finance, accounting and business to assist with both current city operations and in building a vision for the future. I am excited for the opportunity to serve and do my part. I appreciate your consideration on election day.