A MESSAGE FROM JOEL
My wife Janie and I have been proud residents of Rogers for the past 4 years, having moved here from Ripon, Wisconsin, where we lived for 35 years. I am a blessed father of 6 wonderful adult children from a blended family and grandpa to 8 remarkable kids who are our world. We also have a spirited Aussie Corgi named Brewer, who you might meet on the paths of Rogers!
My journey to Rogers began over 11 years ago when my youngest son and his family settled here. What started as a desire to be closer to family has blossomed into a deep appreciation for the vibrant community we share. The charm of small-town neighborhoods, coupled with our excellent trail and park systems, ample shopping, a variety of restaurants, and the transitioning mix of urban and rural Minnesota, made Rogers the perfect place for us to call home.
Now, as I reflect on my time here, I feel a strong commitment to give back to this wonderful community by running for City Council. My goal is to use my skills and experience to help Rogers maintain its unique small-town character while embracing responsible growth in both residential and commercial sectors.
I believe in the principle of “Transparent Government at Reasonable Cost.” City Council members must prioritize openness and actively seek input from all residents. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and respected, allowing our community to express their opinions on the issues that affect us all. While city services and programs come with a cost, it is our duty to ensure these are maintained at a reasonable expense, reflecting our community needs and values.
If elected, I will champion a responsible open government that prioritizes cost-effective solutions. I will collaborate with fellow council members and staff to enhance public awareness of the issues at hand. I promise to be accessible and responsive, ready to listen to the concerns of the citizens of Rogers, and to provide clear answers about my stance on various issues. Together, we can build a bright future for the City of Rogers, ensuring it remains a community we are all proud to call home. Thank you for considering my candidacy for City Council.
THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE TO FUEL RESPONSIBLE ROGERS PROGRESS
- 14+ Years as City Council Member for City of Ripon, Wisconsin 2005 - 2019
- 15+ Years as a Production Supervisor at a Manufacturing Company
- Regional Technical Sales Manager for a Midwest Industrial Coating Company
- Served on the Ripon Area Fire District Board
- 8 Years as the Recreation Director for the City of Ripon
- Budgetary oversite of responsibilities for the Ripon Senior Center
- Long time High Ground volunteer in honor of son Sgt. Andrew Wallace who lost his life fighting in Iraq in 2005
- Long time high school sports official
- Volunteer high school baseball coach and booster club member
- Church youth leader and church council member
- Member of Early Bird Kiwanis Service Group
- Organized efforts for Sgt. Andrew P. Wallace Scholarship fund in support of future educators
PREVIOUS COUNCIL SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
- Served on the Ripon Fire District Board, a multi-municipal board responsible for fire protection across three municipalities
- Gained valuable experience and an understanding of the day-to-day operations of city government
- Enhanced knowledge of public finance through multiple budget cycles
- Evaluated the pros and cons of a downtown revitalization project and used information to approve city enhancing updates in a fiscally responsible manner
- Worked on capital improvement projects and long-term planning
- Actively listened to constituents and placed value on their input throughout the decision-making process