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This year’s campaign for Rochester city council president is unusual to say the least. Denny Hanson, the popular incumbent council president, passed away in June after suffering a fatal brain aneurysm. Recently changed state election law dictates that Hanson’s name must stay on the ballot, even though the filing period for candidacy had passed at the time of his death. Newly retired Federal Medical Center employee Jan Throndson is the only other name on the ballot besides Hanson. Rochester attorney Jeff Thompson is running for the seat as a write-in candidate.

Denny Hanson

A vote for Denny Hanson on November 6th is a vote for the opportunity to have a choice in who you elect for city council president.  As the ballot now stands, Denny and one other opponent are the choices offered to voters.  Unfortunately, Denny died suddenly in June from a brain aneurysm, but due to a state law, his name cannot be removed from the ballot and other names cannot be added.  

To prevent Denny’s opponent from essentially winning by default, voters need to choose Denny.  A win for Denny will force a special election where candidates, including his opponent, can run for his position.  Many Rochester residents approved of the way Denny was helping to run our city, therefore they chose to not run against him.  The state law has prohibited qualified candidates from stepping forward to have their name on the ballot, but a vote for Denny will give all qualified individuals the chance to run for his position to serve as city council president for the next four years.  

The position of city council president is considered the most powerful position in the city, a position that should not be won by default.  The city council president not only runs weekly meetings, but is the face representing Rochester.  With a population of over 100,000, Rochester is the third largest city in Minnesota and deserves a proper election when looking to replace a leader who has let the city in a strong and competent manner.       

Opponents to a special election cite the cost of a special election as a reason not to vote for Denny. However, this cost is less than 1/100th of 1% of the City budget over the next four years. Don’t you agree that this is a very small cost to pay for democracy? We certainly do!  Please vote for Denny Hanson on November 6th.   

Submitted by the Denny Hanson Campaign Committee

Jan Throndson

Transparency and accountability is one of the issues that face the entire city not just a single ward. Property owners, neighborhood groups, and developers at times have not been on a level playing field which has created many issues. I bring a team approach that has proven itself, HDR, Honesty, Dedication, and Results through Transparency and Accountability. Property owners, neighborhood groups, and developers all need to be on board at the conception of the issues or zoning changes with equal access from inception to completion. This change will foster a positive relationship and trust among all involved. All will become engage because they will believe they have a voice and that voice will carry credibility.

One of the most important things I have learned is how we have treated our future economic growth. We need to take and roll out the Red Carpet for responsible economic growth and cut the Red Tape policy that has been in place to long. Our community is diverse which means we need to encourage small business in our community so spouses and their children can find jobs. We need to remember that not all coming to Rochester have a desire or educational background to work in the medical field. We need to develop and use a team concept in the permit areas that assign a staff member to individual projects from conception to completion. This team approach will also include an alternate member that will fully be able to respond to any and all question in the absence of his co-worker.

I am running for City Council President to bring a new approach of Transparency and Accountability to the property owners, neighborhood groups, business owners, and developers. Transparency is the key that insures public trust and support. Accountability, I would ask the respective council member, of the ward where issues or concerns have risen, to speak first. This will inform their constituents how they stand on the issues. I would seek a change in the time frame on the issues that come before the council. At present the agenda comes out late Friday afternoon and the council votes on it the following Monday. I would ask this policy be changed to a week prior to engage everyone in our community from inception to completion on all issue which will build their trust and respect.

My experience is extensive, I served on Congressman Tim Penny’s action group representing the Federal Bureau of Prisons at town hall meetings, Chairman of the Minneapolis Federal Wage Grade Committee, working with all branches of government and Fortune 500 companies in the 7 county metro areas, 24 years Contracting Technical Representative for multi-million dollar projects FMC. Citizens for Public Safety Board RCH, Chairman Bell of Honor 501c3, volunteer veterans’ programs, knowledgeable in labor law, contract negotiations, arbitrations, EEO, served on Affirmative Action Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Energy Conservation Committee at FMC RCH. I bring a team approach that has proven itself, HDR, Honesty, Dedication, and Results through Transparency and Accountability. Visit www.janthrondson.com for more information.

Jeff Thompson (Write in Candidate)

I am a lifetime resident of Rochester with over 30 years of experience working with all levels of government and a long-time business owner here in Rochester which makes me a uniquely qualified candidate for this term as City Council President.

In my perspective, government is like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle and as a leader; I have the ability and commitment to bring all of the pieces together through communication.  I firmly believe that Good Communication is the Key to Good Government.  I have spent a majority of my life in public service in the city of Rochester and one thing that is inherently true is that communication between our Governmental Leaders and our Citizens is the best way to promote the integration of good ideas and brings quality results.  After all, Government decisions are only as wise as the Community input behind them.

In 1999 I received the friend of the township award for my service and commitment to my neighboring citizens.  I have had the privilege to work with the City, the County, Marion Township and the Rochester School Board in a variety of ways over the years; add to this the eight years of service as an Olmsted County Commissioner, my years working as a Court Appointed Attorney and as a Public Defender.

In my campaign, I am motivated to step up as a write in candidate by my neighbors, friends and family as the city of Rochester has a distinguished choice for leadership.  Take your Stand with Pen in Hand and write in Jeff Thompson!