There are four candidates for Claremont Mayor
Ethan Johnson
I have lived in Claremont for about eight years. I married the love of my life in September 2025, and we plan to start and raise our family here in Claremont.
Most recently, I have worked in the commercial construction industry. I am currently self-employed, operating a commercial door installation and sales business. In the coming years, I plan to grow the business to employ three to six people. Before entering the construction industry, I worked at the ethanol plant here in Claremont for a time. I also spent several years building dirt-track racing engines in Byron, Minnesota.
I have served on the Claremont City Council for two years and as chairman of the Hogfest board for one year.
I would like to continue making smart decisions for the City of Claremont. I moved here because I value the character of our small, tight-knit community, and I want Claremont to remain an affordable place to live and raise a family.
One of my goals is to do what we can to bring a gas station and convenience store back to town. I also want to create more opportunities for the community to come together and ensure that everyone feels welcome here.
Over the past few years, we have seen significant growth in community engagement. That involvement has created a great deal of momentum toward making Claremont better than ever. I will do my best to keep that momentum going and ensure decisions are made by people who are genuinely invested in the long-term future of our community.
Heather Gray
I purchased my home in Claremont in June 2018, so next June will mark nine years in the community. Although I have enjoyed living here, I tend to keep to myself and, as a result, know only a few people. I am originally from Canada and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. My parents, who are in their mid-80s, live in Rochester, as does my sister, while my brother lives in Arizona. As a single mother, I raised my two sons on my own. I am proud to say that both have built successful careers in engineering and are wonderful fathers. They each have two children, making me the grateful grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren.
I have more than 20 years of experience working in a family-owned small business. In addition to the day-to-day operational responsibilities, I managed all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, payroll reporting, budgeting, and financial reporting. I also worked closely with management on planning and decision-making by providing budget analyses and other financial information. In addition, I have more than 20 years of experience as a legal assistant, working in a variety of legal fields and for several law firms. I also spent five years with the Olmsted County District Court, where I gained valuable experience in the judicial system. I worked for Rochester Public Schools for approximately nine years, providing administrative support to assistant principals and counselors. During that time, I was also responsible for coordinating and preparing for state testing throughout the entire school. I am currently employed by Olmsted County as an Eligibility Specialist. In this role, I determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, prepare and analyze budgets, interpret complex policies and regulations, and make decisions regarding the approval or denial of applications.
Throughout my career, I have developed strong skills in budgeting, financial management, policy interpretation, administration, problem-solving, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have provided me with a solid foundation for making informed, fair, and responsible decisions. I served as an appointed member of the Claremont City Council for approximately one year. During that time, I became concerned about some of the decision-making processes and ultimately chose to resign. It often appeared that important decisions had been made by a select few before council meetings took place, which left me feeling that my time and efforts were not being used as effectively as they could be.
As an introvert, public service was not something I initially sought out. However, after spending countless hours reviewing city finances, audits, payroll records, meeting minutes, and other public documents, I became increasingly invested in the future of our community. Those efforts ultimately led me to decide to run for Mayor.
I am a straightforward person who believes in honesty and transparency. I tend to say what I think and do not sugarcoat issues, which can sometimes be off-putting to others. At the same time, I believe effective leadership requires integrity, accountability, and a willingness to address difficult issues directly. I am confident that I possess those qualities, along with knowledge and experience that could benefit the community. Mr. Hudson, who is also running for Mayor, presents himself very well and is knowledgeable about the issues facing our city. While we have similar goals and share many of the same ideas about what Claremont needs, I believe my extensive review of the city’s operations and finances has given me valuable insights that I would bring to the position.
My priorities as Mayor would be: Ensuring that decisions are made with input from all segments of our community. Families are important, but so are our senior residents who live on fixed incomes and still contribute through their tax dollars. Every resident deserves to have their voice heard and considered. Promoting responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars through strong accountability, transparency, and sound financial oversight. Bringing integrity, openness, and public trust to City Hall, with a focus on serving the needs of community members while also supporting our employees in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. Ensuring fair and equal treatment for all residents. City ordinances should be applied consistently and enforced fairly, without favoritism or selective enforcement. Fostering an active and engaged City Council that provides meaningful oversight and serves as an effective check and balance within city government. Strong governance requires participation, accountability, and adherence to established financial controls to safeguard public resources. Encouraging collaboration, respectful dialogue, and informed decision-making so that the city can move forward in a way that benefits the entire community.
My vision for Claremont is to make it a community that people are proud to call home and one that others look to as a model of community involvement and quality of life. I want Claremont to be known as a place where neighbors help one another, residents feel valued, and everyone has an opportunity to contribute. I believe community members who are willing to donate their time, skills, and talents to improve our city and help reduce costs should be welcomed and encouraged to do so. I have heard stories about residents coming together to clean parks and participate in community activities for families and children. I would like to see more opportunities that bring residents together, strengthen community pride, and foster a greater sense of belonging.
A top priority for many residents is property taxes. Rising costs have affected everyone, but they can be especially challenging for single-income households, families on tight budgets, and seniors living on fixed incomes. Through my review of city finances, I have identified opportunities for cost savings and more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. With the Al-Corn TIF ending and careful budget management, I believe there is an opportunity to provide meaningful tax relief while continuing to meet the needs of our community.
I also believe residents should evaluate candidates based on their track record, priorities, and commitment to serving the entire community. Effective leadership requires making decisions that benefit all residents rather than advancing the interests of a select few.
Finally, I would like to see the City Council function as an active, engaged governing body that provides leadership, oversight, and long-term planning for the city. I believe there should be more opportunity for discussion and collaboration before formal decisions are made. Together, we should develop a long-range plan that reflects the needs and priorities of our residents, including responsible planning for infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and future growth. Claremont has tremendous potential. I believe it is time to approach city government with fresh ideas, meaningful citizen involvement, transparency, and a commitment to doing the work necessary to build a stronger community for everyone.
Tim Hudson and Dustin Klemmenen are also on the ballot for Claremont mayor but did not respond to the request for interview.
