Zimmerman elected mayor of Waseca

A hotly contested race for Waseca mayor was won Tuesday evening by lifelong resident, graduate of Waseca highschool in 1993, and former school board member from 2008-2018, Randy Zimmerman. As of Wednesday morning the vote totals were Zimmerman 1,398 votes, Gary Conrath 1,158, and Matthew Petsinger 589. 106 votes were cast for write in candidates and/or Kevin Chindlund. 

On the night of the election, Zimmerman, family and friends spent the evening together waiting for results to come in. “Honestly, I prayed about this a lot and left it in God's hands,” Zimmerman told the Pioneer. “I truly believed that if this was his will, then it would happen… Oh gosh I have too many people to thank. First and foremost, literally thank you God. I put it in his hands. My wife has been extremely supportive. My kids. My many Waseca mentors. Business owners. Good close friends. And, of course, the people who voted for me. Thank you.” 

Zimmerman said he appreciates the other candidates' willingness to put themselves out there and run. “Their willingness to serve. I respect that a lot. We need more of that. It was clear that they both care about the community and about serving. I appreciate that as well. Most importantly I appreciate that it was a positive, clean campaign from everyone.” 

Zimmerman said the message from Waseca is clear. “Growth and change.

“We have some planning to do, relationships to build, and action to take. 

With the help of his wife, and two kids, Zimmerman made it to every section of the town prior to election day. “I talked to a lot of people. Old, young, and in between and the common message was, “‘we need growth.” That was overwhelmingly the message I heard from people.”

Zimmerman said one of his underlying goals is to change the mindset of Waseca. “We nee more willingness to serve in this capacity. Whether it’s mayor, city council, school board, or volunteering in general. I hope I can do that and I hope I can spark more interest in that… I had a good amount of success with the school district while I was on the school board and I believed that helped me here. I have a track record of doing what I say I’m going to do. I bring new ideas. A glimmer of hope.”

Zimmerman thanked mayor Roy Srp for his years of service to Waseca and said he looks forward to working with the new council.