Mayor seeks second term

Posted 2/15/22

Mayor Mary Fasbender announced Tuesday that she will seek a second term as mayor of Hastings. First elected in 2018, Fasbender said she would like to continue to build on the progress achieved over …

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Mayor seeks second term

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Mayor Mary Fasbender announced Tuesday that she will seek a second term as mayor of Hastings. First elected in 2018, Fasbender said she would like to continue to build on the progress achieved over the past four years.

'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.”

Fasbender is also proud of how the city government has supported the growing arts community in Hastings, having endorsed the revival of an arts task force, encouraged the display of public art throughout the city, and added holiday lighting to the riverfront and tree behind Hastings City Hall.

She is also passionate about working with local non-profits such as the United Way of Hastings, Hastings Family Service, and others to address issues such as opioid and drug addiction, fentanyl poisoning, suicide, and homelessness.

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 re-elected 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.”

“Being mayor takes a great deal of time, and I will once again prioritize serving the people of Hastings in the coming years,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me – I hope to have the opportunity to work hard for you over the next four years.”