Two candidates for mayor of Hancock
Here are the questions and responses that we received.
1.Tell us a little about yourself and why you are running for mayor/council.
2. What qualifications do you bring to the council?
3. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing small towns in Minnesota?
4. What do you feel is the biggest challenge for the city of Hancock?
5. Are there any things you would like to see changed in the operation of the city?
Jeff Flaten
Hello, my name is Jeff Flaten. I've lived in Hancock all my life. I'm married to Christa, we have two children Ryan, 20 and Tara, 18. I work in Benson at the NAPA auto parts store.
My qualifications for mayor is that I served 12 years on the city council.
The biggest challenges that the city faces are going to be fiscal responsibility. If there are any LGA cuts, cities are going to have to reign in on spending, including Hancock. We'll have to cut spending and start to prioritize what services the city is going to keep and which ones we have to get rid of.
The city of Hancock is in pretty good shape as far as no major projects should be needed for years to come.
Nothing comes to mind as far as future changes. We just need to keep up the good work we are doing now.
Bruce Malo
My name is Bruce Malo. I retired this past April after 40 plus years of operating Hancock Equipment Inc. My wife, Janet and I reside at 274 4th Street here in Hancock. We raised our five children here and they all graduated from Hancock High School. They left the area to pursue their careers and raise their families.
1. I am currently serving on the city council and have for the past six years. Some of the other boards I serve on are the Stevens County HRS as Vice President, which helped obtain funding for the last street project and waste water treatment ponds, President of the Hancock Sportsmen's Club, Moderator of the 1st Congregational Church, City council Representative on the Hancock Economic Development Association.
For the past 40 years, I have taught firearms safety classes to area youth, as well as some adults. I am a former member of the Stevens County DU serving for over 30 years. I served 21 years on the Hancock Fire Department, on the Hancock School Board for 21 years, (14 as chairman), as well as all of the offices in the Hancock Commercial Club.
2. I feel that I have given a lot of time to the community in the various positions and wish to continue to serve more. I believe I have the experience to continue to serve and believe