Sue Dodds
1) Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for the city council this term?
I have lived in Kenyon my entire life, both in the rural area and within the city limits, where we raised our family. I would like to see the City of Kenyon and the families who call it home continue to prosper.
I believe my experience as finance clerk for the city could be an asset, especially in the area of budgeting and reviewing financial reports.
In the current economy, keeping expenses at a level where residents can afford to continue their current lifestyle is difficult. I would like to work with the other members of the council to keep our residents and businesses a top priority when making decisions about the budget and other issues.
2) Should you be elected, what are the top 3 issues you wish to address?
• Taxes and keeping Kenyon affordable for residents
• Responsible management of city finances
• Communication between employees, the council, administration, businesses and residents
3) What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
I would like to see new residents feel welcomed in our community and have their families thrive here alongside our longtime residents. I want to continue to see our K-W graduates view Kenyon as a place where they would like to stay and raise a family. Kenyon is filled with citizens who care deeply about the city. We have a low crime rate, which helps make it a safe community for children to be out and about. We also have businesses that offer many of the day-to-day items residents need.
4) What should the Kenyon community know about you? (government/management qualifications, background, etc.)
I worked for the City of Kenyon as finance clerk for 26 years under the direction of six different city administrators before retiring in December 2021. During this time, I was responsible, along with the administrator, for all aspects of the city’s financials, including payroll, for the city departments and Kenyon Municipal Utilities.
I worked with department heads, answering questions that arose concerning their finances during the year, and assisted with budgeting to set the yearly levy. Due to the resignation of finance clerks following my retirement, I returned to help, with the last time ending in April 2026.
5) What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of the city council? If elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
The city council is responsible for monitoring monthly expenses and revenues, working with departments to set the annual budget and levy, reviewing reports from committees and department heads, setting ordinances, and discussing other issues that develop. I hope to have open communication with administration so that we have all the information we need to make informed decisions on issues brought before the council. As a council, we should work together to find ways to keep Kenyon an affordable place for retired residents as well as our younger population.
6) How do you plan to work with the other members of the Kenyon government? What is your view on collaboration and communication?
I feel my experience with city finances will be helpful, especially with budgeting, while other council members may have additional expertise in other areas. There will always be different points of view on issues, but there should be constructive discussions with all sides being heard.
7) Anything else you want The Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
The current council has had to deal with many tough issues over the past few years. I want to thank all of these members for their service, and I believe I can continue to make a difference if I am elected.
Deanna Gard
1) Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for the city council this term?
I moved back to Kenyon in 2012, after having lived here as an elementary student and graduating from Kenyon High School in 1976. Since returning, I’ve enjoyed getting reacquainted with the community, making new friends, and getting to know my neighbors.
Whether someone has lived in Kenyon their entire life or is new to the community, I believe everyone wants to feel welcome, safe, and listened to. Those values are important to me, and they are part of why I chose to become involved in our community.
I have had the opportunity to serve on the City Council for the past four months after being appointed to fill a vacant position in early summer. In that short time, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities of serving our community and for the importance of listening to residents and working together to address the needs of Kenyon.
2) Should you be elected, what are the top 3 issues you wish to address?
a) Hold quarterly town-hall meetings to provide residents with regular opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly with city leadership.
b) Publish a regular column or blog from the City Administrator to keep residents informed about city operations, projects, challenges, and decisions.
c) Ensure that every member of the City Council—including myself—receives education and training on the workings of city government, including municipal responsibilities, procedures, budgeting, and the roles of city staff and elected officials.
3) What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
I want everyone who calls Kenyon home to feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected to the community. My goal is for residents to know where to find local resources and support for themselves and their families so they can feel safe, happy, and at home here.
Kenyon is a slow-paced, quiet town with a strong sense of community. At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to stay busy, get involved, and be active. From community events and local organizations to recreational activities and family-friendly opportunities, Kenyon has something for everyone.
4) What should the Kenyon community know about you? (government/manangement qualifications, background, etc.)
I retired six years ago after a 40-year career in health care, including many years in supervisory and administrative roles. Throughout my career, I learned the importance of leading by example, listening actively, communicating openly, and treating people with respect. I believe effective leadership is built on transparency, accountability, and a genuine willingness to listen to others. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership and continue to guide how I work with and serve others.
5) What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of the city council? If elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
The procedural role of a city council member is to help set community policy, approve the city budget, enact local ordinances, and provide direction to city administration.
I want to make sure citizens have meaningful avenues to let their council members know about their needs, concerns, and ideas. The people who live in Kenyon drive the activity of the council—not the other way around.
Every citizen matters, and every voice has value. I encourage all residents to participate, speak up, share their ideas, and stay engaged in the decisions that shape our community.
6) How do you plan to work with the other members of the Kenyon government? What is your view on collaboration and communication?
All of us in city government have strengths and weaknesses. The first step is having the humility to acknowledge where we can improve, and the second is using our individual strengths and talents to the best of our ability.
We are one body with many parts, and collaboration is key. There is a time to listen and a time to be heard. I am open to constructive criticism, and I welcome lively, respectful conversation.
When we work together, listen to one another, and make the most of the talents each person brings to the table, we can accomplish more for the community we serve.
7) Anything else you want The Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
Family is one of my top priorities, and I’m grateful to be able to spend a lot of my time with the people I love. My two sons and their families live nearby, which gives me plenty of opportunities to stay connected and enjoy time together.
My son Greg and his wife, Angela, live in Kenyon with their sons, Joseph and Isaac. My son Brent and his wife, Jamie, live in Dundas with their sons, Landon and Ethan. Being close to my family and watching my grandchildren grow is one of the greatest joys in my life.
I’m a down-to-earth person who values good friendships, honesty, and treating people with respect.
Michelle Kreisler
1. I have been a member of the KVFD Ladies Auxiliary, and my husband has been a volunteer for the Kenyon Fire dept since 2018. My family is involved with Kenyon Snowmobile Club. and take part in many of the town’s activities. I care deeply about the city of Kenyon and its future.
2. Reviewing the cities budget and helping to control spending are among top priorities. We must ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently while maintaining the services our community depends on. Together we can work to identify opportunities to reduce property taxes, as a Kenyon resident we currently have the highest property tax burdens in Goodhue County.
3. Kenyon is a great community where families can put down roots and build lasting connections. The strong sense of community means residents look out for one another, creating an environment where friends become family. By promoting all that Kenyon has to offer, we can attract new residents, encourage growth, and strengthen our town for future generations. Whether you're starting a family or looking for a place to enjoy retirement, Kenyon is a community where people can flourish.
4. I graduated from Hastings and moved to Kenyon in 2003. My husband and I raised our son here and he graduated from Kenyon High School. I am an Insurance Agent for Castle Rock Agency. I love being with friends and family. I am always planning something. Since covid, I have raised money to deliver Christmas gifts to the local Nursing Homes. Last year I was able to deliver gifts to Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, and Faribault.
5. I will do my homework by thoroughly reviewing meeting agendas, provided financial reports and city codes so I am prepared for every vote. Second, the council members operate as part of a team, and I will collaborate respectfully with my colleagues. Third, I will listen to our residents and make decisions that serve the long-term interests of Kenyon.
6. I plan to work with my fellow members by building open, respectful relationships because we are here for the betterment of Kenyon. Communication is key and listening to the residents on their concerns.
7. I am running for City Council because I’ve lived here for 23yrs. As a homeowner and parent, I want to keep this town a great place. My background with Insurance, banking, and management will help me prepare to be an effective City Council member. I will work hard and make sure your voice is heard.
Kevin Maring
1) Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for the city council this term?
I have lived in Kenyon for most of my adult life. I graduated from KW Schools in 1994.
I really would like to address the issues of high taxes. Taxes are a little scary right now. We're going to tax our young people out of this town. I like this town. We've got to survive in this town. In addition to taxes, the grocery store concerns me. I try to do as much business as I can with it. I think there are a lot of common-sense things that can happen.
2) Should you be elected, what are the top 3 issues you wish to address?
Common sense. Let's do some positive things. We have to take care of our businesses here before we expand. I want to understand more about what the spending plan is. I want to give back to the city. The town has been good to me. I want to get in there and help people.
3) What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
Somebody’s got to do it. I want to get involved.
We’ve got a good community. It's a strong community. But it's also a farming community. We got to be careful with our spending! I want to know what we are doing with our money and why we are doing it.
4) What should the Kenyon community know about you? (government/management qualifications, background, etc.)
I have lived in and around this community and been in business in Kenyon most of my life. Worked with people on a daily basis. I hold a real estate and auction license. I’ve been involved in the auction business since I was 15. I have been involved with Rose Fest planning for a few years. I am willing to listen. We don’t want to lose our school or our grocery store. I believe communication is key and that better communication is needed. I want to help make decisions based on the facts.
5) What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of the city council? If elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
We need to look at what we are doing and where we are going. We also need to listen to what the people have to say and serve the people. We need to be transparent, so people know what's going on, and be open to concerns and discussion. Sometimes change is good in the long run.
I hope to bring some different perspectives to the table. I’ve heard a lot of concerns. Some of them include taxes and the need for more businesses coming to Kenyon. We can have good things happen, but if we don’t take care of what we’ve got… I want more businesses to come here, but we have to have a reason for them to come here.
6) How do you plan to work with the other members of the Kenyon government? What is your view on collaboration and communication?
I want to have very open communication and put our heads together. We need to get a good plan together. I think the city is in a bad position right now, and we need to keep businesses and jobs in the town. The priority I have is to get back to the basics. We can do this by checking the spending and asking good questions.
7) Anything else you want The Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
I want to be a good steward to the community. I can bring a lot of good perspective. I want to help out. We need some new blood. Let's get some positive things going.
Ron Peterson
1. Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for the City Council this term?
Kenyon has been my home my entire life. I graduated from Kenyon High School, raised my two children here, and have owned and operated my own businesses in the community since 1993.
Over the past two years, my family and I have become more involved in the Kenyon Rose Fest Car Show. My wife, JoAnn, has also taken on a major role in organizing the event and put a tremendous amount of work into making it successful. We traveled to car shows in other communities, handed out flyers, talked with people, and encouraged them to come to Kenyon. Seeing that work result in more than 300 cars participating this year was very rewarding.
That experience gave me a new perspective on community involvement. I saw what can happen when people have an idea, put in the effort, and work together to make it successful. It also got me thinking more about Kenyon's future and what I could contribute.
I have a lifetime of experience in this community and more than 30 years of experience running a business here. I decided this was a good time to put that experience to work in another way and become more involved in helping shape Kenyon's future.
2. Should you be elected, what are the top three issues you wish to address?
One of my biggest priorities would be responsible growth and economic development. I would like to see Kenyon attract new businesses while also doing everything we reasonably can to support the businesses that are already here. When our local businesses succeed, the entire community benefits.
Second, I want Kenyon to be a community where families want to move, stay, and raise their children. We have something valuable to offer: a smaller community, a good school, and the small-town values and sense of community that many families are looking for. Attracting families helps our school, our businesses, and our tax base and contributes to the long-term future of Kenyon.
Third, I believe in responsible spending and making thoughtful decisions about taxpayers' money. I've been in business for more than 30 years, and I understand that sometimes you have to spend money to invest in the future. But you also need to understand what you're spending, why you're spending it, and what you're getting in return. I would bring that same approach to decisions on the City Council.
All three of these priorities really work together. We need businesses, families, a strong school, and an involved community for Kenyon to continue moving forward and grow.
3. What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
I've spent my entire life in Kenyon. This is where I grew up, went to school, raised my family, and built my business. I have a personal investment in seeing this community succeed.
I think one of Kenyon's greatest strengths is something that's becoming harder to find: a real small-town sense of community. People know their neighbors. Local businesses support community activities. People volunteer. Families can become part of the community rather than simply living in it.
I would like to see us build on those strengths. We should be asking ourselves what will make a young family look at Kenyon and say, "That's where we want to raise our kids," or make someone considering opening a business say, "Kenyon is where I want to invest."
If we can attract more families and businesses while maintaining the character and values that make Kenyon special, I believe that benefits everyone—the school, our existing businesses, our community organizations, and our residents.
4. What should the Kenyon community know about you? (government/management qualifications, background, etc.)
I'm a lifelong Kenyon resident and Kenyon High School graduate. I raised my two children here, and in 1993 I started my own car dealership and car detailing business.
More than three decades in business have taught me lessons that I believe translate well to serving on the City Council. I've had to budget, manage expenses, work with customers, negotiate, solve problems, adapt when circumstances change, and make difficult decisions.
I've also learned that your reputation matters. If you tell someone you're going to do something, you need to follow through.
I don't come from a government background, and I'm not going to pretend that I already know everything about running a city. What I do bring is decades of real-world business experience, a willingness to ask questions and learn, and a lifetime of knowing this community.
When I take something on, I put the work into it. That's the same commitment I would bring to serving Kenyon.
5. What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of the City Council? If elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
I believe the City Council is there to represent the residents of Kenyon and make responsible decisions about the city's finances, services, infrastructure, and future.
To do that well, council members need to listen. They need to hear from residents, business owners, city employees, and one another. They also need to ask questions and understand the facts before making decisions.
I think part of the responsibility is looking beyond what's happening today. Where do we want Kenyon to be five, ten, or twenty years from now? Are we creating an environment where businesses want to invest? Are families going to want to live here? Are we supporting a community that can sustain our school, businesses, and services?
Those are questions I think the council should continually be asking.
I would approach the position the same way I've approached business: learn the facts, ask questions, consider the financial impact, listen to the people involved, and then make the best decision I can.
6. How do you plan to work with the other members of the Kenyon government? What is your view on collaboration and communication?
I believe you accomplish more by working with people than working against them.
After more than 30 years in business, I've worked with all kinds of people and personalities. You're not always going to agree, and I don't think disagreement is necessarily a bad thing. Different perspectives can lead to better decisions when people are willing to listen to one another.
I would expect other council members to challenge my ideas at times, and I would expect to challenge theirs. That's part of doing the job. What matters is being able to disagree respectfully, explain your reasoning, listen to another person's position, and then continue working together.
I've seen through my involvement with Rose Fest how much can be accomplished when people bring different abilities and ideas together around a common goal. I would like to bring that same attitude to working with the mayor, other council members, city employees, and the community.
7. Anything else you want The Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
I've been fortunate to spend my life in a community that has given a lot to me and my family. I've raised my children here, built businesses here, and, more recently, had the opportunity to become even more involved in community events.
That involvement made me realize that I would like to contribute in another way.
I want to see Kenyon grow, but I don't believe growth means changing what makes Kenyon special. I think we can grow while keeping our small-town values.
I would like to see more families choose Kenyon as their home, more businesses see Kenyon as a place worth investing in, more residents support our local businesses, and more people become involved in the community. That kind of growth can help strengthen our school and create a healthier community for the next generation.
I'm not running because I think I have all the answers. I'm running because I care about this community, I'm willing to listen and learn, and I'm willing to put in the work.
I've always believed that if something is worth doing, it's worth putting the effort into doing it right. That's the approach I would bring to serving Kenyon.
Jennifer Sweet is also running for the special city council position but was unavailable for an interview.
