Politics & Government

Q&A: Jake Gillen, Candidate for Rice County Commissioner—District 1

Jake Gillen faces Kathleen Doran-Norton.

Two candidates are vying for your support to be the next Rice County District 1 commissioner, which represents two precincts of Northfield, Dundas and much of the east side of the county (see attached map).

The two candidates are:

  • Kathleen Doran-Norton
  • Jake Gillen

Patch asked candidates to respond to a series of questions. Below, you will find responses from Doran-Norton. You can also read responses from incumbent Doran-Norton here. Responses are written by the candidates and have not been edited by Patch.

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the coming weeks we'll run video interviews for candidates who are on Nov. 6's ballot in Northfield-related races. You can also find out more information about the candidates by checking out our election guide for all election-related stories.


Jake Gillen

Age: 72
Family: 5 grown children, 14 grandkids, and 3 great grandchildren
Education: 12 years.
Occupation: retired dairy farmer
Political expereince: 8 years on the County Board and 2 years as Chairman of the Board

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Why are you running for a seat on the Rice County Board of Commissioners?

Because with the retiring of our Senior Commissioner, I believe with a board of two comissioners with eight years of experience is a minimal amount, that a county of our size is comfortable with.


What’s the most pressing issue facing Rice County Board of Commissioners?

County roads and jobs.


What is something you think the current board has done well?

The board worked well together all 8 years. We have got the Sage project about ready to go. Almost 200 new jobs for Rice and surrounding counties.


What is something you think the current board hasn’t done well?

To the best of my knowledge I have never come away from any board meeting feeling bad about what transpired at a meeting.


What would you have tried to do differently?

In the economy we have just come through we have been playing defense for four years to just keep the ship upright, and we are not through this yet.


Why should constituents vote for you on Election Day? What makes you a better choice than your opponent?

Editor's note: Gillen didn't respond to this question.

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