Mayor, 2 at-large positions on ballot, Vaughan won’t seek re-election

By John McLoone

Candidates can officially file Hastings City Council seats on Tuesday, May 17 at 8 a.m.

Filing ends June 2, 2022 at 5 p.m. Mayor Mary Fasbender has officially announced her bid for reelection. Also on the city ballot will be two atlarge city council seats. Mark Vaughan, who currently holds one of those, announced last week that he is not seeking reelection. Lori Braucks holds the other atlarge council seat.

Prospective candidates need to fill out and file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the Deputy City Clerk. There is a $5 fee to file. Candidates can attend a Candidate Information Meeting on Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall to learn more about the position and what it entails. Vaughan announced his noncandidacy last week on his Facebook page: “I am announcing that I will not be running for reelection to Hastings City Council. I want to thank all residents, friends, and family for the immense support I’ve received over the past seven years I’ve served on the council. It has been a true honor and privilege to represent this city as an elected official and I take great pride in all that we were able to accomplish.

“I was lucky to work with and learn from many representatives of the federal, state, county, and city jurisdictions and collaborate with even more while serving on commissions 12 years prior to my tenure with the city council. I’d like to give a special recognition to the staff for the City of Hastings. They are experts in their areas and great educators to council, commissions, and residents. We are very fortunate to have great employees. Most importantly, I take with me the honor and trust of a lifetime the community had in me to make the best decision for residents, business owners and visitors.

“Thank you again for allowing me the privilege to serve this community.”

Braucks said Monday afternoon that she is still deciding whether she’ll run again.

Fasbender announced in February that she’ll seek another term.

'It’s been an honor to be the Mayor of Hastings and serve the residents of our city over these four years,” Fasbender said. 'My passion for this community has, and always will be, to do my part to make Hastings the best that it can be. I look forward to teaming with residents to develop new ideas and perspectives so we can strengthen Hastings for its future.”

Since taking office in 2019, Fasbender points to the construction of many new housing developments, business openings (such as Fleet Farm filling the empty Target space), and advocacy for local businesses who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

“Being mayor during the pandemic and these challenging times has given me more insight as a leader,” she said. 'I have learned to connect with more people and hear about their needs for safety. I pledge to continue supporting our local economy (such as purchasing city vehicles locally) and assist small business owners in accessing financial assistance so they can continue to keep their doors open and serve our residents.”

The mayor's goals for a second term include strengthening communications between city residents and Hastings City Hall, economic development in the form of more housing, businesses and employment opportunities, encouraging the hiring of diverse candidates for open city staff positions, enhanced training options for police and fire department staff, community beautification, and continued support of the city’s People Movement Plan.

'If I am reelected in November, I will continue to listen and involve residents on important issues that arise,” Fasbender said, “Hastings is a great community, and we must take action steps on being a welcoming community rather than just a statement. Having people feel they can be their authentic self and be safe. I also want to state that I believe partisan politics doesn't belong in city government or school board races, and that is how I will be running my campaign again this year.”

Ian Martin announced to the Hastings Journal this spring that he will seek one of the atlarge council seats. He is formerly vicechair of the Planning Commission and was a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Dean Markuson has also told the Hastings Journal that he intends to run for an atlarge seat.

The Hastings City Council races will be on the November election ballot.