Rich Fjerstad is the current Hayfield Mayor and running unopposed.
There are six names on the ballot for the two open Hayfield City Council.
Chris Nelson has lived in Hayfield his whole life, other than 4 years in the US Navy, so 46 years. Chris and his wife Michele have triplets Carly Isaac and Aidan, they are 21 years old.
He is currently the business owner of Nelson’s Gas Inc of Hayfield. This will be his first time to run for the city council. “I’ve worked with the maintenance crew for many years.”
Randy Demmer has been a resident of the city of Hayfield his entire life. Been married to Kathy for 47 years. They have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. His job history includes working in his father’s John Deere dealership in Hayfield, farming (raising corn and soybeans), forming and growing a company in Hayfield that sold computers and accounting software, starting and managing a NAPA Auto Parts store in Hayfield, acquiring NAPA Auto Parts stores in Dodge Center and Kasson and moving both to new stores in those communities, and becoming a partner and working in a commercial/institutional/industrial construction company in Winona.
He has served as a member of the Oaks Golf Club board, as treasurer of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield, as a member of Hayfield Economic Development Authority board, as a member of the Hayfield Community Schools board, as a State Representative in the Minnesota legislature, as a commissioner on the board of the Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, on the board of Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, and on the board of the Dodge County Community Foundation.
He would like to become knowledgeable in the role of a council member so I can be a productive contributor in the governance of our community.
“I’d like Hayfield to continue to be a safe and welcoming community in which to live, work and raise our families. In addition, I’d like our community to be an environment that helps our existing businesses thrive and encourage the development of new business enterprises, homes and public amenities by and for our citizens”.
Dave Subbert has lived in the Hayfield area community his whole life, with his lovely wife Yvonne and 4 children, Jordan, Breanna, Devan and Harper.
Dave has been owner & operator of DS Carpentry for 25 years.
“I have proudly been serving the City of Hayfield as a councilman for 16 years. I will continue to help the city grow and be fiscally responsible”.
My goal has always been to keep property taxes at a minimum while continuing to improve the infrastructure and development of the city.
Richard (Rick) Linskey. Has lived with his family in Hayfield for over 30 years. He has two successful adult sons, two grandsons, and one more on the way. “2013 was a life changing year for my family, and myself. The military said 28 years was enough for me, and I retired. While serving, I worked in Maintenance and Logistics. My last deployment was 2011/12 to Afghanistan. I do not have any experience working in a public office, however I do have plenty working with large groups, and even working with different Liaisons from different countries. I am running for city council to be more involved within the community”.
Joshua Therring. His current career is working as a tunnel boring machine operator/technician.
He has not held a public office previously. “I want to participate more in the community and help with any changes the community would like to see”.
Mark Peterson did not respond to interview.
There are three Hayfield School board seats open and three candidates running in this election.
Tyler Kramer. Was born and raised in Hayfield and moved away after college for work. He moved back in 2017 with his wife to raise their three children. He works at The Mayo Clinic.
“I would like to be a good steward of the resources to provide our students and staff the best opportunity to succeed and excel and work to earn the trust of the community, staff, and students.” Tyler states. “I understand that in a small community, the school is the lifeblood for the community. I want the community to take pride in our school as well as the students being proud that they represent our school and community. I want new and existing families feel like they are welcomed to our school and community.”
Rachel Gagliasso, is running for the Hayfield School Board. She has lived in the Hayfield community for 16 years and has two children attending Hayfield Elementary (4th and 1st grade). She is actively involved in Little Vikes Youth Sports - coaching soccer, volleyball, basketball, and T-ball. Rachel is also an active member of PIE, supporting volunteer efforts for Hayfield Elementary. Professionally, she has been a registered nurse for 19 years, with experience in bedside nursing and nursing education. Most recently, Rachel joined Winona State University as an assistant professor in the undergraduate nursing program. Her work in healthcare and education has strengthened her skills in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and making thoughtful decisions while considering different perspectives.
As a school board member, she would like to help ensure Hayfield continues to provide a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. “I not only bring a parent’s perspective, but an educator’s commitment to learning and will strive to work collaboratively to make responsible, evidence-informed decisions. My goals are to support strong communication between the district and community, be a responsible steward of district resources, and help Hayfield Community Schools remain a place where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported”.
Tyler Anderson declined to be interviewed.
There is also a question on the ballot concerning the Hayfield School District referendum.
School District Question 1. Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue
Authorization; Approving New Authorization The school board of Independent School
District No. 203 (Hayfield Community Schools) has proposed to revoke the school district’ s
existing referendum revenue authorization of $646.12 per pupil and to replace that
authorization with a new authorization of $1,250 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue
authorization would be applicable for ten years commencing with taxes payable in 2027, and
increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2028, unless
otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
Shall the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization be revoked, and the
increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No . 203
be approved?
