Rock County voters will participate in the Aug. 11 primary affecting the South Ward Luverne City Council seat.
Early voting began last week and mail ballots will be sent out this week, so the Rock County Star Herald this week is featuring candidate profiles to inform voters on this local race.
Candidates in each race received the same questions as their opponents with instructions to provide responses under 600 words total. Longer responses were edited.
Luverne City Council member Kevin Aaker is not seeking re-election, and three candidates have filed for election to his south ward seat.
They include Mike Davis, Lori Ann Hallstrom and Tom Lanoue.
The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Aug. 11 primary election will advance to the Nov. 3 general election ballot for voters to decide.
Lori Hallstrom
Family:
I have no immediate family in the community, but I have always felt like this community is my family.
Education:
High school, vocational-technical school, some college.
Current occupation:
Full-time artist, and part-time assistant to the director at The Loft after school program at First Presbyterian Church.
Professional experience or awards lending to city leadership:
Luverne City Council 2017-2021. Owner Artist Hallstrom Glass Studio/Rock River Relics 2010-present.
Civic involvement:
Luverne Area Chamber Board, Municipal Utilities Petition Committee member, citizen advocate.
Why are you seeking election to city council?
I am running for city council because I want to be involved in my city. I love the city and the people of Luverne. There needs to be better communication between the city and its residents. I often advocate for myself and others in the community. I’m not afraid to ask questions and seek answers. I’m a reasonable person and I try to be kind even when discussing something negative. I have no problem speaking my mind and I’m able to have an open discussion with most people. I have no personal connections to sway my decisions other than my love for this city. Doing things correctly/fairly/ and fiscally is my goal if elected.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My long-term vision is to maintain/upkeep all community amenities in Luverne. Keep downtown green space for future community use- urban garden, dog park, community event/green space. Find grant funding, organizations and volunteers to support project so that it doesn’t come from tax payers. Work with public works and volunteers so upkeep is easily managed long term.
Community use green space in the heart of downtown will bring residents and visitors to the heart of our town. It’s an asset that should be preserved. Hopefully someday be an event space as recommended years ago. Covid and the current Trump administration has made any economic development very difficult to do that in the near future.
But why do we have to rush? We can preserve the green space (creative community space through grant funding, donation, and volunteers) and make a bigger decision in the future when we can fiscally do so. Something for future generations that we can truly be proud of instead of Styrofoam “affordable housing” starting at $285,000 downtown (across from the old Midwest Fire building) as suggested by current administration in a neighborhood that sells for under 200,000.
For housing, I would look west of the ethanol plant for new affordable housing development and to the Loupau Addition for higher end builds. Both locations have had existing infrastructure in place. I would like more transparency in how our money is spent and more discussion before decisions are made in regards to city projects. General maintenance/repairs should take priority. I would like a better understanding of our current relationship in regards to utility partners.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Luverne city leadership today? If elected, what would be your approach to that challenge?
Social media, misinformation, lack of communication discussion/information being shared and lack of response create negativity. My approach to these challenges would be to be available to and respond to citizens when asked questions. Seek the answers when needed.
I would also encourage council to have work session meetings later in the evening so that people can actually attend. Some would like to but work schedules don’t allow.
More community involvement should be welcome. In regards to social media, it should never be personal. Stick to the facts.
You may not agree with someone, but that doesn’t afford you the right to personally attack anyone.
Tom Lanoue
Family:
Wife, Sara Lanoue, and daughters Sophia, Ella and Lilly
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Science Education from St. Cloud State University. Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University
Current occupation:
I am currently employed as a middle school science teacher and have been for 31 years. I have also spent the past five summers as a seasonal employee for the City of Luverne Public Works Department.
Professional experience or awards lending to city leadership:
Luverne Education Association co-president
Civic involvement:
I am currently a member of the City of Luverne Zoning and Planning Commission. I have volunteered with the Luverne Education Peer Helpers for the many Luverne Hospice Banquets.
For over 20 years, I have led the Adopt- A-Highway program, which involves organizing eighth graders to clean 10 miles of Highway 75.
Throughout the time I have lived in Luverne, I continue to be active in student activities, including coaching football.
Why are you seeking election to city council?
The city of Luverne is a great place to live and raise a family, and I am proud to be a member of the community. During the time I have lived here, the amount of praise given is notable.
Family, friends, and complete strangers quickly see all that the town has to offer, how well-kept it is, and how much care is put into the community.
I am running to be a part of the Luverne City Council as an opportunity to play a role and continue to grow a community that I take great pride in being a part of.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My long-term vision for the City of Luverne includes strengthening our local character, building economic resilience, and continuing to build the community’s connections.
I would strive to be proactive in providing opportunities for economic development. It is important to me to place great value on providing resources to local businesses that create the strong and unique brand culture that Luverne is becoming known for.
I believe that by continuing to build the network of community connections it will deepen the support given to our community members and the pride of residents.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Luverne city leadership today? If elected, what would be your approach to that challenge?
I believe that the biggest challenge facing communities like Luverne is how to counteract rural decline in prosperity and population.
This would require a forward-thinking approach to not only current needs but future needs and opportunities.
I believe we need to invest in our community to retain its current residents and highlight existing assets to showcase the excellence of Luverne, a family-centered community, providing high-quality education, access to healthcare, and economic diversity.
I feel confident that by continuing to strengthen these things, the pride and excellence of our city will draw great attention and encourage many others to be a part of it.
Michael Davis
Family:
Wife, Traci Davis, and children Trae and Sarah Davis, Carson Davis and Carter Davis.
Education:
GED; one year at Southeast Technical Institute.
Current Occupation:
Self-employed owner of Luverne Campground and Davis Tree & Snow Removal.
Professional experience or awards lending to city leadership:
Blandin Leadership Program graduate; Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB); former Magnolia Township Board member; former Southwest Regional Development member.
Civic involvement:
Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Fourth of July Committee and Fishing Derby Committee.
Why are you seeking election to city council?
Through my involvement in the community, many people share their concerns with me. I am running for City Council to be their voice and make sure residents are heard when decisions are made.
I believe it’s important to listen to residents, understand their concerns, and work together to find practical solutions that benefit our community.
What is your long-term vision for the city?
My long-term vision is to preserve Luverne’s small-town atmosphere while keeping our community well-kept and a great place to live.
I also want to increase tourism, bringing more visitors to our city and creating opportunities that support our local businesses and our economy.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge facing Luverne city leadership today? If elected, what would be your approach to that challenge?
One of the biggest challenges is transparency and accountability to taxpayers. When major spending decisions involving significant taxpayer dollars are being considered, I believe the community should have a greater voice in those decisions instead of them being made solely by the mayor and four council members.
Another important challenge is addressing the staining issues affecting both public and private property. This is a concern that impacts the appearance of our community and should be taken seriously.
If elected, I’ll ask questions, listen to residents’ concerns, and work to get things done. If I need to be the squeaky wheel to make sure concerns are addressed, I will be that person.
