I LIKE TO BE an informed voter. So this evening presents an ideal opportunity to learn more about candidates vying in the August 11 primary for three open seats on the Faribault City Council.
A candidates forum is slated for 7 p.m. today, July 20, at the Washington Rec Center, 117 Shumway Avenue, Faribault.
THREE QUESTIONS FOR 10 CANDIDATES
All 10 Faribault residents on the ballot—Jack A. Cluck, Thelma A. Estrada, Kameron Gustafson, Natalie Halverson, Katie Howard, Brett Pollard, Jacob Reed, John Rowan, Lexi Temple and Paul Wunderlich—have been invited to answer three pre-written questions and then mingle afterwards with attendees.
Those questions are:
- What distinguishes you from the other candidates?
- What is one concrete policy you would champion?
- What is one thing about Faribault you hope doesn’t change?
A moderator will run the forum with candidates asked the same questions in a randomized order.
I look forward to hearing from these individuals who want a seat on the council. I’ve already met several and certainly know incumbent John Rowan. It’s important to understand their viewpoints, their goals, their plans and more as Faribault grows, changes, evolves.
HOT TOPICS
Already I know of topics of concern: a proposed data center in Faribault, property taxes, government spending, inflation, housing, privacy concerns over usage of Flock cameras by local law enforcement, a proposed community center…
It’s heartening to see 10 people running for city council, people willing to give of their time and talents to represent Faribault residents. I just want to know more about them so I can make an informed vote.
THANKS, SAM
I’m grateful to Sam Temple, life-long Faribault resident, local historian, documentary filmmaker, director of advancement for Faribault Community Television, active in local government and now a candidate for Rice County commissioner in the third district, for hosting this evening’s forum. Note that Temple’s sister, Lexi Temple, is on the ballot. But Sam states that he is not endorsing any candidates for city council.
Please plan to attend if you’re a Faribault resident and become informed as early voting is already underway for the August 11 primary in Minnesota.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Good information for voters in your area.
I feel much better informed after listening to the candidates this evening. I’ve narrowed my choices to four, but can only choose three.
This is fantastic Audrey. I love the questions. It’s so important to know who you’re voting for and why, and how to vote. Perfect article! I can’t wait to hear the results of the forum.
The forum was exactly what I hoped it would be, an opportunity for me to hear from the candidates. Their responses helped me narrow my choices to four. Now I need to get the number down to three to vote for in the primary.