A Voice for the People.
Because Strong Families Make Strong Communities.
Gerry Hoisington is fighting for efficient government, pushing back against state mandates, and ensuring the hardworking people of Rice county are always heard.
Serving District 3
"I believe in God, family, our country, and the undeniable value of hard work. I am not a career politician; I am one of you."
— Gerry Hoisington
Deep Roots.
A Call to Serve.
I really feel called to run for a second term as your County Commissioner because Rice County is, and always has been, my home. I have been blessed in so many ways by this community. I was born here, educated here, grew in my faith here, met my beloved wife, Julie, here, built two homes here, and raised my family here.
Julie and I have been happily married for 50 years. We have been incredibly blessed with 9 children and 39 grandchildren. I want Rice County to remain a place where they, and all of our hardworking families, can thrive for generations.
Professionally, I am a proud graduate of the Faribault Area Technical School and spent my entire career in construction. For 30 years, I served as a project superintendent for Magney Construction, managing multi-million dollar projects. I brought this real-world, blue-collar executive experience to the County Board to ensure tax dollars are spent efficiently.
When I first ran, I made it a point to shake hands with thousands of my neighbors. I saw hardworking folks who aren't asking the government for a lot; they just want to live well and provide for their families. It is a profound privilege and an honor to represent you.
The True Role of Your Commissioner
"We must recognize that change happens at an incremental level, and every decision we make must be aimed at doing what is truly best for the people in our County."
What We Actually Do
Many people don't know the exact role of a County Commissioner. We manage the absolute core of our community's infrastructure: Public Health, Social & Health Services, Public Safety & Justice, Elections, Property, Taxes & Records, Community Resources, Land Use & Environment, and our extensive network of County Roads and Bridges.
The "Meat & Potatoes"
While others focus on abstract theories, I focus on the "meat and potatoes" of local government. Are our roads paved? Are our sheriffs fully funded? Are we taking care of our most vulnerable while fiercely protecting the taxpayer's wallet?
Pushing Back on Overreach
Many folks are frustrated with a government that tries to control too much of their personal lives. I see it as my duty to push back against government overreach, trusting hardworking families to make their own decisions.
Root Causes, Not Bandaids
Government too often puts bandaids on a broken society instead of getting to the root cause. My phone is always on, and my door is always open to the people of District 3 to listen and find real, lasting solutions.
A Record of Real Results
Explore the impact of collaborative, steady leadership over the last term.
Twin Oaks Housing
Championed the award-winning development, collaborating closely with Habitat for Humanity, the HRA, Three Rivers, and the USDA to bring 22 brand-new, affordable homes to local families.
National Award Winner (NACo)
Boosting Downtown Economy
A huge victory for our community: By collaborating with the City of Faribault, we successfully kept KGP's new international headquarters downtown. Retaining these 80+ professional employees in the heart of our city will be a massive economic boost for surrounding local businesses.
Establishing the Open Forum
When campaigning for my first term, it became clear citizens had no formal way to voice their opinions. We proudly established a monthly Open Forum (2nd Tuesday, 8:00 AM) to ensure every citizen is heard.
Preserving Our Heritage
The historical Conservation Building at the fairgrounds was neglected and leaking. After 2.5 years of debate and utilizing a structural engineer, we completed repairs and added a new roof, saving those hand-hewn timbers for another 100 years.
The Hard Realities of the County Budget
I realize that Rice County citizens are feeling the effects of our tax burden. To fully fund our county, we were forced to make the extremely difficult decision to raise the tax levy. I ran on fiscal responsibility, and the budget is on my mind with every decision we make. Here is why this happened:
- Underfunded State Mandates: Minnesota is 1 of only 16 states where the county is forced to distribute and oversee Social Services. The state mandates these programs but underfunds them, passing the cost directly onto our local tax levy.
- Taking Action: To combat this burden, we are challenging every county department head to make an active effort to decrease their budgets by 5%.
"I promise to always deliver services in the most efficient way, and I will continue to lobby our state legislators to pass tax reform and fully fund their mandates."
Where the Budget Goes
Common-Sense Leadership for Our Future
The work isn't done. My priorities for the next four years focus on economic growth and fighting for the taxpayer.
Join Our Grassroots Campaign
This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about us. Often times, people don't get involved until an issue directly affects them. I am asking for your support today so we can continue to protect Rice County.
Campaign Phone
(507) 291-5302
Email Address