Ferguson steps into Mayor position

New Richland city council member and deputy mayor Janda Ferguson became the city’s acting mayor following the resignation of Loren Skelton during the council’s July 22 meeting. Citing health concerns, Skelton stepped down so he can move to be closer to family. With his resignation, Ferguson acquired the leadership role through December 31, when the current term ends. Brandy Jacobson was appointed by the city council to fill her open seat.

 

Ferguson grew up in the Otisco area and graduated from the NRHEG school system in 2000. After graduating from the Rochester Community Technical College and living in Rochester for about 15 years, she returned to New Richland in 2020 during Covid. Said Ferguson, “After living in Rochester for so many years, I really missed that small town connection and wanted that for my child who also attends NRHEG.” She has family members in the area as well, including one sibling, and enjoys being a part of the New Richland community. Both her mother and father graduated from New Richland High School.

 

Ferguson has been in public service for the past one and a half years. When she’s not busy being mayor, she works for Waseca Utilities. Said Ferguson, “Working there has helped me learn the in’s and out’s of city government. I also hope my contribution brings a lot to the table and I have learned so much from the staff there. I think I can bring that experience to improve my work as mayor.”

 

Having become acting mayor of New Richland, she says she will work to be elected to the position for the next term, which will begin in January of 2025. The New Richland city website states that mayors serve a two-year term, while city council members serve for four years.

“Right now, my biggest concern is good budget outcome,” said Ferguson. “New Richland has had many issues with floods–they’re no overnight fix. We can’t keep pushing this back or it will create more problems later.” She then stressed that a lot of people in government positions, not necessarily New Richland, but people in city positions, tend to answer every problem by raising taxes. She emphasized that she would rather find another path.

 

Ferguson is the youngest person on the city council at 43 years old.