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 
Voting for a scarecrow November 1, 2016
Tags: 100 Ladies & Gentlemen Craft Sale, elections, humor, Kenyon, Minnesota, opinion, political commentary, politics, Scarecrow Contest, scarecrows, voting
WITCH (sic) ONE SHOULD I choose?
Is this one It? Looks like a shady character hiding behind that signature hair style.
This scarecrow stands out in the field. Just look at that perfect, practiced smile and that perfectly pressed plaid.
The artistry here is certainly something to crow about.
I’m struggling to wrap my head around the choices.
Is this unique scarecrow raking in the votes? If only there were exit polls.
I like this scarecrow entourage. But those signs bother me. BEWARE. Of what? And No crows. What’s wrong with crows? Yeah, I know they’re not robins…
On the surface, I thought, how clever to post a campaign sign. But then I reread the words. Turning Green with Envy Needs Money popped out at me. You can’t sway my vote with sympathy, excess advertising, confusing rhetoric or via deflection.
I hope the candidates will accept the outcome, respecting the democratic process that veils our votes in secrecy. No rigged polls here.
There are so many choices. But really, these are just scarecrows. I shouldn’t take this election so seriously. There’s a more important election on November 8.
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FYI: These scarecrows are part of a Scarecrow Contest at the 100 Ladies and Gentlemen Craft Sale. That sale, located at 45986 Highway 56 just off Minnesota Highway 60 in Kenyon, continues from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 3 -6 and November 10 -13. All items are handcrafted.
Disclaimer: There’s nothing political about the craft sale. It’s just that–a craft sale.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling