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Paynesville Press - June 23, 2004

St. Joseph mayor running as DFLer in District 14B

By Michael Jacobson

St. Joseph mayor Larry Hosch announced earlier this month that he will run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 14B. Hosch is seeking the DFL endorsement.

District 14B is the center of Stearns County, including the cities of Paynesville, Richmond, Cold Spring, and St. Joseph. In the Paynesville area, District 14B also includes Paynesville Township, Eden Lake Township, Munson Township, and Zion Township and the city of Roscoe.

District 14B is currently represented by Doug Stang (R-Cold Spring), who has served four terms in the Minnesota House, being first elected in 1996. Stang, though, has announced that he will not seek re-election this November. Among the candidates for the Republican endorsement in District 14B is Paynesville Mayor Jeff Thompson.

Hosch stated that he will focus on issues affecting the district such as promoting local control and decision-making and advocating for stability and equity in school funding. He added that he will represent the district by being a diligent advocate and an open-minded listener.

Hosch currently owns Lamar Homes & Remodeling, LLC, and will be completing his master's degree in social work program development, policy, and administration this month. He has been the mayor of St. Joseph since 2001.

Under his tenure, St. Joseph has experienced accelerated commercial and industrial development and increased housing. It has also completed long-range planning endeavors such as its comprehensive plan and a capital improvement plan. Last year St. Joseph saw a 3.5 percent decrease in its tax rate, which is due to sound fiscal management, according to Hosch.

Currently Hosch is working on providing expanded educational options in St. Joseph by advocating for a comprehensive K-12 educational system within the city.



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