I grew up on a 40-acre farm. I am the youngest in a family of eight. I have six older brothers and one older sister. We grew up very financially challenged. My mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis shortly after I was born, and my father suffered a severe stroke when I was 6, which made full-time employment difficult.


At the age of 15, my father could not care for me, so my incredible sister and her family opened their home to me. She taught me discipline, the value of learning, and pushing myself to a better person. My mother succumbed shortly afterward to the ravages of M.S. When I was 16, I underwent the first of four successful brain operations, despite suffering a stroke and complete paralysis on my right side after my first operation. With months of intensive physical and occupational therapy, combined with a positive outlook, I was able to recover. Due to these experiences, I believe we can overcome all challenges. I bring the same drive to Community Service.


I spent over seven years with Precision Inc., a national electronics manufacturer, leaving the company in 2002 as Director of Operations to be a stay at home Dad. My wife Kay and I moved to Isanti in the summer of 2001. We welcomed Alexander in August 2002 and Abigail in December of 2004.


In 2003 I was elected President of the Isanti Jaycees for the first of two terms. I also became a Park and Recreation Board member and joined the Cambridge/Isanti Bike/Walk Trail Committee. In 2004 I ran for City Council, serving two years before running for Mayor in 2006. I served 12 years as Mayor of Isanti, working on so many unique projects.


Today I am still working to spread the idea that local communities can achieve so much. We as individuals can have a significant impact on the quality of our communities. I have always wanted to create a way to help bring a little more light on important issues that affect us. Wimmer’s Wilderness Podcast spreads this message far and wide. I am an avid reader of history & philosophy. I enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking.

I try to live by the following attributed quote –
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi.

Community Involvement

  • 2003 and 2004 President of the Isanti Jaycees
  • Past Health Council Member
  • Religious Education Teacher
  • School Volunteer Coach Odyssey of the Mind
  • Past Rum River Classic Committee Member
  • 2004 to 2014 Arctic Plunge Fund Raiser/Sponsor/Jumper
  • Co-Chair of the Isanti/Cambridge Bike/Walk Trail Committee
  • Past Partner with Isanti County Active Living
  • Park builds
  • City tree planting
  • Past Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Mayor 2007 to 2018
  • City Council 2005-2006
  • Park and Recreation Member 2004 to 2018 (Chair 2005-2014)
  • Planning Commission 2005-2006 & 2015 to 2018 (Chair 2016-2018)
  • Economic Development Authority 2007 to 2018 (President 2016-2018)
  • Isanti County Economic Development Authority 2008 to 2011
  • Isanti City Partnership 2007 to 2014
  • Personnel Committee 2005 to 2018
  • Development Advisory Committee 2005 to 2018
  • Finance Committee 2007 to 2018
  • Chamber of Commerce Liaison 2005-2006 & 2015 to 2018
  • Police Committee 2005-2006
  • Community Education Board 2015 to 2018

Local Government Record

FINANCIAL REFORM AND GROWTH

  • Per Capita Income increased 77%
  • Median Household Income increased 54%
  • Median House Value is $35,550 higher than neighboring City
  • Long-Term Financial Plan
  • Cut net debt from $9.1 million to $2.9 million since being elected Mayor
  • Improved City Credit Rating from Baa or 1 step from Junk/Speculative rating to AA+ or High Quality
  • Administrative cost per capita are 20% less than our peer cities
  • Spending is 16% less than peer cities
  • 48% net increase in total number of businesses
  • Local jobs increased by 40% since being elected Mayor
  • Received multiple Business Recruitment Awards from the Minnesota Economic Development Association

RESPONSIBLE CITY GOVERNMENT

  • Cut Sewer Base Fee 50%
  • Cut Water Base fee 25%
  • Cut SAC/WAC fees $2,500
  • Cut City Property Tax Rate 7% for 2018 Budget
  • Cut City Property Tax Rate 21% for 2019 Budget
  • Formal City Rules, Procedures & Transparency
  • Increased General Fund balance 42% since 2015
  • Made City Council meetings video recorded to improve transparency
  • Mayor’s Employer Appreciation Awards
  • Business Retention and Expansion visits with existing businesses

CITIZEN SAFETY & ENGAGEMENT

  • Isanti named 6th Safest City in Minnesota (out of 853 cities)
  • Added Patrol Officer and Police Investigator positions and Police Bike Patrol
  • Isanti School Resource Officer named #1 in the State
  • Improved Police equipment and technology
  • Won Drinking Water Quality Award
  • Won Blue Star Award for Protecting and Preserving Minnesota’s Water Resources
  • Won Conservationist of the Year Award 2018
  • Created Residential Handbook
  • Isanti’s Farmers Market
  • Street Dances
  • Youth Programming
  • Increased recreational opportunities
  • 67% increase in Park land through negotiation with developers and DNR at ZERO cost to Taxpayers
  • Fit City Designation
  • Green Step City