Candidate Name: Jim Brown
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: Vying for Fulda City Council Seat. We have accomplished a lot in the past four years but still have a number of significant issues/opportunities coming at us. I feel my extensive financial background is a plus as we move forward. Sewer and water infrastructure, an outdated fire hall and additional housing needs are a few of the challenges the next council will face.
Experience for office sought: City council member for the last four years. Learned a lot about city government in those four years but still have much to learn. I am active in Fulda: EMT with the Fulda Ambulance, Food Shelf and Community Club volunteer and I assist a number of local businesses on a part-time basis. I feel that not being a lifelong resident of Fulda provides me a fresh and objective view on projects presented to the council.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them. Bride of 38 years – Rona. We have been residents of Fulda for 10 years. We have three sons, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Hobbies include golfing, gardening and fishing.
Candidate Name: Randy Dierks
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: City Councilman. Lived here all my life., seen bad decisions along with good ones made for our community. I’m a glass half-full person. I like to hear all sides of things and make decisions. I feel we need to start planning for the future of our town, save the businesses here now and keep looking and working on new prospective ideas.
Experience for office sought: I’ve been a small business owner for 34 years, started a new venture four years back building home furnishings and decor. Worked on many boards of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Trustee, Board of Education, Finances, Elder). I’ve learned through the years of many decision there are times when you must decide against your will for the betterment of the company, board or city. You develop large shoulders and move on.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them. My wife Denise and I have been married 44 years and enjoyed the small town living for raising our family. Our son, Ted, remained in Fulda helping with the business along with Shantel, his wife. They are raising their family here. Our daughter, Erin, opted for the big city, teaches Special Education. She and Scott got back into small town living in Norsland where they are raising their family. I am proud to say all are in small communities and look forward to remaining in the atmosphere of their upbringing.
Candidate Name: James G. Elsing
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: Fulda City Council. Because of my community involvement in Worthington, I have experience with policy making and government.
Experience for office sought: My history reflects a broad base of community involvement, holding governing positions as both appointed and elected. Serving three terms as Worthington Alderman-At-Large, along with four terms as Worthington Public Utilities Commissioner. One term as Worthington member for Southwest Regional Development Commission. Prior to my policy making experience I am past president of Worthington’s Chamber of Commerce, Noon Kiwanis, and Knights of Columbus. Currently, I continue to serve on the Nobles County Developmental Achievement Center Board. I am a member of the Fulda American Legion and of Fulda’s St. Gabriel’s Church.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them. I married Barb Clark who was raised in Fulda. We have two children. Our daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Nathan, live in Canby, MN and have two sons. Our son, Paul, lives in St. Louis Park, MN.
Additional note from the candidate: As a city councilman, I will do my best to understand our current city government structure and why. Then help determine what can be implemented for our future.
Candidate Name: Chuck Lursen
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: I’m applying for the City Councilman’s position. My qualification is previously serving on Fulda Council. I learned the ins and outs of business with Fulda and Minnesota. That 4 years makes me qualified. My moto is “Get the job done and done right. Then it won’t haunt you.”
Experience for office sought: My 4 years as councilman was a real learning experience. Fulda is well managed and a safe bedroom community of which I will continue when elected. My persistence brought GuidePoint Pharmacy to Fulda. My moto is “There is something about living in Fulda! As we have no troubles as the bigger cities have.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them.
I am married to Georgia, my bride of 40 years. We reside at 105 8th S.W., Fulda, MN.
Candidate Name: Dennis (Pappy) Paplow
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: Fulda City Council. I’ve lived in the City of Fulda for many years. I’m a small business owner and have done so for the past 5 years. I believe we need industry to come to the City and Tec Industry as well.
Experience for office sought: Small business owner, worked in the agri-industry since I was young. Worked with multiple groups while being employed by JBS in Worthington, MN for 23 1/2 years. Assistant Procurement Manager for Prime Pork in Windom, MN for a time.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them: Wife Shannon; Sons: Anthony and Jason; Daughters: Lauralynn, Khrystyna, Rachelle; Grandchildren: Dawson, Ava, Kaleb, Suri, Rhilynn, Rhaedin; Step-sons: Luke and Dawson
Candidate Name: Tim Roberts
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: City Council Member. I have been on City Council for the past 4 years and am aware of the issues going on in the City of Fulda.
Experience for office sought: Past 4 years on Council, worked with all Council heads and City Crew and Existing Council members.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them: Wife Theresa works for the Fulda Public School system; oldest daughter works in Worthington and the youngest daughter works in Woodstock. We all attended the Public School in Fulda.
Candidate Name: Cheryl Thiner
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: I am running for Fulda City Council. I worked in the private sector for 24 years, dealing with the public and employees. My husband was on the city council for 20 years so I have seen a lot of the pros and cons of public service.
Experience for office sought:
I was a government employee performing accounting functions for 17 years. During that time I became familiar with government funding and the budget process. I understand the comparable worth rules and realize how one misstep can have expensive repercussions. I think that the council needs to be discerning when setting the budget and spending public dollars. I think the council needs to be aware of setting a precedent that could affect them negatively later on.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them. I have a husband, Dave, three sons, Justin, Brandon, and Jacob, a daughter-in-law Carly, and two beautiful granddaughters, Remy and Sloane.
Candidate Name: Mitch Winter
No response was received from the candidate.
Candidate Name: Catherine B. Winters
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: City Council member. I feel my qualities include my best intentions and want to serve and better the city I love.
Experience for office sought: My experience comes from being a military spouse and having to run a household along with my other things.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them. I have a wonderful family: my husband Jeremy, and my two girls Sophia (6) and Addison (5).
Candidate Name: Ann Witzel
Please state what position you are vying for and why you feel you are qualified: Fulda City Council. I have a deep care and concern for Fulda. Growth in Fulda’s population, school and business districts starts with housing. We have an exceptional school system and room to grow.
Experience for office sought: After raising kids and having businesses here and seeing the changes that have taken place in Fulda I would like to promote “our” town and what a wonderful place it is to live. Fulda has so much to offer and could have so much more. We have a wonderful and friendly community.
Please talk about your family, if you so choose to list them: I have been part of the Fulda Community for 30+ years. Jim has run Witzel pronto since 1984 and Witzel Bus Service since 1990 and I have done the bookwork at both all those years. We raised our 5 children: Matt, Betsy, Andy, Chris and Meg here.
