Pierce County voters will once again head to the polls April 1, 2025 to cast their ballots for important local village board, city council, town board and school board elections.

Local races have a crucial role in shaping the lives of citizens. They determine the leadership and policies that govern schools and communities. Those elected make decisions on education, public safety, infrastructure, services, and what to do with taxpayers’ money. Serving in a public office role is often a thankless task that involves hours of discussions, research, presentations and meetings.

The Pierce County Journal sent questionnaires to candidates in local races. The hope is their answers will allow voters to get to know them a bit, what they stand for and how they would approach these roles if elected. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*.

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For Prescott City Council, incumbent Maureen Otwell is running unopposed for the Ward 2 alderperson seat, while two write-in candidates are vying for the Ward 1 alderperson seat: James Phernetton and Ben Bettis. Incumbent Ward 1 Alderperson John Peterson decided not to run for re-election.

Ben Bettis

Position: Alderperson Ward 1

Previous elected offices: None

Occupation: District Manager for Signal Garage Auto Care

Community/civic activities: None

What specific skills and/or experience have prepared you to serve as an alderperson? My experience in business, management, leadership, and customer service will translate into the ability to listen to all ideas and city objectives. I will be able to work with my fellow council members to have educated discussions and come to solutions that are best for the city and its people. Common sense solutions are a must!

What are key issues the city is facing? How would you help find a solution? Prescott is a great city, and I do not see any major issues. Transparency and openness to new ideas is something I would like to see as we move forward.

What motivated you to run for this position? Friends and neighbors. I have also talked at a couple of meetings in the past, and feel my voice and ideas could have a positive impact for the council.

What makes your city special? Why do you live here? Small town living. There is nothing better than coming home every night to Main Street, the river, and the relaxation of this small town.

Why is transparency and accountability important in local government? How do you feel your city does in this area? The people should know what is happening at all times. I feel this is the biggest shortcoming of the council. I would like to see more information and upcoming ideas be out in front of the public. I believe using social media more could help with this.

What is your vision for the city long-term? To continue to improve Prescott both financially and visually, but keep the small town look and feel that has made this city so great.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better. Communication

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? Without knowing what the budgets look like, what plans are in place, and what is needed most in town, there is no educated way to answer this. This is why I am running, as I feel there are people who see money come in, but do not understand how to allocate it that best fits the people of the city. They will just spend money without a lot of thought behind it.

Why should you be elected? Common sense and leadership. These are the two biggest things I know I can bring to the council.

James Phernetton

Position: Prescott Alderperson Ward 1

Previous elected offices: None

Occupation: Routing Supervisor for a food distributor

Community/civic activities: I have been a member of Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and I have done volunteer work for Coulee River Trails.

What specific skills and/or experience have prepared you to serve as an alderperson? I’ve worked in business management for over 30 years. Over that time, I’ve developed communication, leadership, decision making, budgeting and conflict resolution skills. I can analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions. I’m confident in making tough choices.

What are key issues the city is facing? How would you help find a solution? Water infrastructure is one of our key issues. We need to address aging infrastructure and provide necessary improvements to maintain safe and reliable water services. We need to ensure compliance to regulations regarding PFAS, and plan for necessary replacements of lead service lines, while minimizing costs to residents and avoiding increased impact fees that could hurt growth.

What motivated you to run for this position? I want to help preserve the charm of the community, while planning growth in a responsible manner that ensures a bright future for our city. When I heard that nobody was running to represent our ward in the upcoming election, I decided that it was time to step up and go to work for my community.

What makes your city special? Why do you live here? Prescott blends small-town charm with rich history and natural beauty. Prescott offers stunning river views that make it a picturesque place to live and visit. The downtown has well-preserved historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants that give it a welcoming, community-oriented feel. The access to boating, fishing, and parks like Magee Park and Freedom Park give Prescott residents and visitors great recreation opportunities. I live here because the combination of history, nature and community make it a great place to live. I moved here 10 years ago for a job. I can’t imagine ever leaving.

Why is transparency and accountability important in local government? How do you feel your city does in this area? Transparency and accountability in local government are crucial for several reasons: Trust and Public Confidence – When local governments operate transparently, citizens are more likely to trust their leaders and institutions, fostering civic engagement and cooperation. Prevention of Corruption – Open decision-making processes reduce the likelihood of corruption, misuse of public funds, and unethical behavior. Efficient Use of Resources – Accountability ensures that public funds and resources are used effectively and for their intended purposes, benefiting the community. Better Decision-Making – Transparent governance allows for public input and scrutiny, leading to more informed and community-driven policies. Encouraging Citizen Participation – When people have access to information and can hold officials accountable, they are more likely to participate in governance, improving community outcomes. I think Prescott does a good job of being both transparent and accountable. There is always room for improvement.

What is your vision for the city long-term? I would like to see Prescott maintain the small-town charm and natural beauty, while growing at a sustainable rate that keeps our downtown vibrant and our residential neighborhoods safe and affordable for families.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better. We could improve public communication and engagement regarding ongoing and upcoming projects. Providing regular progress reports, detailed timelines and channels for public feedback on initiatives like the Magee Park improvements could foster greater community involvement and satisfaction. Enhanced transparency and active solicitation of resident opinions can lead to more successful project outcomes that align with community needs and expectations.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? I would invest in parks and outdoor recreation. Enhancements could be made at Magee Park, Freedom Park, or riverfront access could be expanded. More trails could boost tourism and local enjoyment. Improvements could be made for accessibility and amenities like picnic shelters, playgrounds, or kayak launches could be added.

Why should you be elected? I’ve been a proud member of the Prescott community for 10 years, and I care deeply about keeping it a great place for all residents and visitors. My experience in business leadership has helped me develop the skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions. I understand how to work within a budget, listen to diverse perspectives and take actions that reflect the needs of the people. I want to ensure that Prescott remains a great place to live, work, and visit by preserving what makes our community special while responsibly planning for the future.

Maureen Otwell*

Position: Alderperson Ward 2

Previous elected offices: I have been elected to three previous terms as alderperson.

Occupation: Retired

Community/civic activities: Facilitator, Prescott Memory Cafe; Among Friends, board member; member, Prescott Area Churches Association; deacon, Episcopal Church of Minnesota; member, Building a more Inclusive Community; St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, board president; Director, Great River Road Learning Center at Freedom Park.

What specific skills and/or experience have prepared you to serve as an alderperson? 28 years of managerial experience at the Minnesota Historical Society; familiarity with non-profit and government finance structures

What are key issues the city is facing? How would you help find a solution? Affordable housing for both seniors, workers in our community and families just starting out. Maintaining progress on improving the town's infrastructure. Keeping taxes affordable for the middle class.

What motivated you to run for this position? I am concerned that under the current federal administration small communities like Prescott will be left facing great financial odds to maintain a healthy small town for residents and small businesses; provide equitable tax structures; and improve our responses to climate change.

What makes your city special? Why do you live here? I really enjoy the small town feel of Prescott; the quality of its schools; and the way most folks have a "can-do" way of thinking about problems and issues.

Why is transparency and accountability important in local government? How do you feel your city does in this area? I believe this is very important. It is difficult sometimes for the city to discuss the bigger issues in our community in a language that residents can understand. The complexity of the financial structures through which local funding is funneled and the inclination to use unfamiliar vocabulary makes it seem as if the city is hiding information.

What is your vision for the city long-term? To continue to meet the needs of current residents and maintain high standards in doing so.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better. We are between communication modes -- the analog and the digital -- and it is difficult to reach all residents given the proliferation of the many different communication models out there. It is also difficult to keep up with the fast-moving changes in communication technology.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? I'd complete walking and biking trails through the city that connect to other trails out to Minnesota, and southern and northern townships.

Why should you be elected? I believe I am a trustworthy public servant. I understand the complex funding of small cities. I believe the city has an excellent vision for its place in a changing environmental and cultural complex.