Candidates for City Council

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This is the first time, in at least the last 40 to 50 years, that there is not an incumbent running for a seat on the Victoria City Council.  This fall there is no former councilmember running for re-election to their seat nor running for another seat on the council such as mayor.  In other words, for the first time in a half-century, or more, only fresh faces showed up to sign up for open seats on the City Council.  Each of them responded generously to the Gazette's questionnaire and request to stop by to take photos at their front door.  Thank you, Judy Black, Sharon Eklund, Paul Hepperla, and Deb McMillan.

Judy Black was born and raised in Detroit, MI.  She is the owner/operator of J Black Designs, a home-based salon business specializing in makeovers, hair color, skin care, and makeup.  A resident of Victoria since 2001, Judy has a son and three granddaughters and she won a successful battle against cancer.

Sharon Eklund, a resident of Victoria since 1967, was born in Duluth and grew up on a small farm in Solway Township near Munger, MN.  Her parents were Swedish immigrants.  Sharon worked for Val’s Fabrics, KleinBank, and taught Swedish classes at Concordia Language Camp and the Carver County Historical Society.

Paul Hepperla, a three-year resident of Victoria, was born and raised in suburbs of Milwaukee, WI, and has a degree in Aerospace Engineering.  He’s the youngest of eight children and has three daughters.  He also loves politics, history, historical fiction, his Catholic faith, sailing, cycling, and genealogy.

Deb McMillan is a farm girl from Dimock, South Dakota, who bought their first home in Victoria in 1985.  She and husband Kerry have four grown daughters.  Deb directs policy and governmental affairs for the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and was previously President and CEO of the Waconia and Southwest Metro Chambers of Commerce.