Mayoral candidates discuss the future of St. Joseph

Election day is right around the corner. Do you know who you’re voting for? St. John’s and St. Ben’s students have the opportunity to seriously impact the mayoral election results right here in St. Joseph. On Wednesday, St. Ben’s hosted a forum between the three candidates running for mayor in St. Joseph to help students and community members get a better grasp on their values and policies.

Rick Schultz, the current mayor of St. Joseph, is stepping down after 14 years in office. Three candidates are looking to replace him: Jon Hazen, Bob Loso and Adam Scepaniak. The candidates gathered on Wednesday evening to discuss their respective versions of the future of St. Joseph. The forum was moderated by Kyle Rauch, the Sustainability Program Manager for CSB+SJU. Questions were asked and each candidate had two minutes to answer the question.

“We want to emphasize that this is not a debate, just a respectful discussion of different ideas for the future of St. Joseph.”

The forum had seven pre-set questions. At the end, the moderator allowed for audience questions as well. The evening started off with each candidate introducing himself.

Adam Scepaniak has been a city councilor for the past two years, as well as the acting mayor of St. Joseph for the last year. He also volunteers in various spots across the community. He says the reason he is running for mayor is due to his past relationships with citizens through city council. “About 3 or 4 years ago, I was talking to citizens about how difficult many people think it is to approach the government with their concerns. I want to make it easier for citizens to communicate with government and get their needs met.”

Bob Loso is another candidate for mayor. He has served on the city council for a number of years and has served in numerous other positions on the city and commission levels. When asked why he wants to be mayor, he responded “The short answer? I’ve earned it. I’m qualified. I’ve lived here on and off my whole life and I know how this city works.”

Jon Hazen is the third candidate in this year’s mayoral race. He has lived in St. Joseph for most of his life, and he and his wife decided that this was the best possible place to raise their family. He has previously served on the city council and the city commission board, and currently coaches diving for Sartell High School; at one point he coached diving at CSB. He wants to be mayor because of his values.

“I have a passion to serve, I want to give back to the community that gave me so much in my childhood. I am looking to foster collaboration in our community and allow it to flourish.”

The candidates were then asked about what their visions for the future of St. Joseph were, as well as what they would do for the city as mayor.

Loso emphasized the importance of the mayor listening to the needs of the residents.

“I will not be the one doing the talking,” he remarked. “I will listen and pass on the residents’ concerns to the council. The mayor’s job is to facilitate the business of the city and make sure the problems get solved.” When asked what his vision was for the city in the future, his reply was, “wish I knew. It’s a month at a time, maybe 6 months at a time.”

Hazen’s vision was one of growth and connection.

“Together, we can create a city of economic connectivity, committed to building bridges between the past and future.” He also emphasized his appreciation for the city of St. Joseph. “I love our small-town charm; I am deeply committed to the community. I want to be a mayor that is out in the community, talking to residents and businesses.”

Scepaniak views the role of mayor as a communication point between the city of St. Joseph and the surrounding cities, as well as their residents.

“It should not be a position of prestige,” he emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of unity. “This is not a party- affiliated event, we are not liberals, we are not conservatives or independents.” He feels that St. Joseph has the potential for a lot of growth in the future, and unity is essential for that.

The candidates also discussed their plans for St. Joseph parks and recreation, businesses, housing plans and taxation. Students or citizens who missed the event can watch the livestream on the McCarthy Center website.