There are two candidates for two open positions on the West Concord city council
Galen Koekeritz
We purchased the old hardware store at 207 West Main St in early 2019, Purchased our house at 324 State St in late 2019, and moved our business Minnesota Implement down here full time in 2022 when we purchased to old Stur-Dee welding building at 268 West Main St.
I Grew up in Afton Mn with my parents Orin and Roxanne Koeckeritz, and my brother Lance. Been with my Life and Business partner Lois Johnson for 24 years.
I Have been a welder / metal fabricator since I was 8 years old, I am 53 now. I Grew up in the family excavating and landscape business. I worked random jobs here and there including building large scale robotics for the rail road, mainly for the experience, but always come back to building a business is where my heart is. I have been an Auto Dealer, Construction and demolition crew leader, Elector-hydraulic technician, Auto mechanic, motorcycle mechanic/dealer, and a dozen other trades over the years. I Started Minnesota Implement in 1998, Building attachments for the farm, excavating and landscape industries. I partnered with Lois in 2002. We decided in 2019 that if we ever wanted to retire out of our business, we would have to grow, and moving the business to West Concord and buying a home here were our first big steps in that plan. Since Minnesota Implement moved down here, we have grown to 18,000 sq ft of manufacturing, retail and warehouse space, and have employed up to 10 people per season as both part time and full-time workers. Our Goal is to grow the shop to around 30 employees within the next 5 years.
I was appointed to a vacated West Concord council seat in 2024. This 2 years on council has been my first venture into any political realm.
I would like to help re-vitalize the Main Street business corridor, I would like to make sure that the businesses and citizens that are here get the support they need to stay here, and help draw in new citizens, new businesses and restaurants to our community. I also would like to help develop or draw in affordable housing within the community, and help create stability and growth for both the community and our people. I feel that a growth minded community is good, but all too often cities focus so much on growth, that they forget about the needs of people who already live there. I want to make sure that all people have a voice and are heard.
Nick Kilen
I have lived in west concord since June of 2020. I have one daughter (in the picture with me) who is turning 24 in a few weeks. I also have one dog named Davina who is a chihuahua mix. You more than likely have seen us walking around town as we go as much as we can weather permitting. I also foster for camp companion and currently have a rat terrier named Agatha.
My work background is i am a union HVAC worker for the last 12 years. Currently working in Zumbrota. Before that I work construction in different areas for the most part of my working life. I have done other odds and ends jobs but main construction.
I have no public office experience. I hope to continue to help the city to grow and thrive. I love living in a small community where people know each other, look out for each other and care about each other.
