From left: Matthew Drwall, Roger B. Hess, Jr. and incumbent Mayor Dan Roe. Courtesy of Matthew Drwall, Roger B. Hess, Jr. & Dan Roe
Matthew Drwall, Roger Hess, Jr., and incumbent Dan Roe are on the ballot for Roseville’s Aug. 11 mayoral primary
By Max Jasper
In the upcoming primary election on Aug. 11, voters will choose the candidates for Mayor of Roseville who will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
Absentee voting has already opened for the primary and all eligible voters in the city can vote early either in-person or by mail. For more information, visit the Ramsey County elections page, email elections@ramseycountymn.gov or call 651-266-2171. For statewide elections, visit the Secretary of State’s elections page.
The three Roseville mayoral candidates Matthew Drwall, Roger B. Hess, Jr. and incumbent Dan Roe. Each candidate was asked to provide biographical information and answer two questions. Their responses were edited for length and clarity.
Matthew Drwall
Age: 40
Education: Associate’s degree in law enforcement from Chippewa Valley Technical College
Occupation: Risk Management Investigator
Years lived in Roseville: 12
Community involvement: Spearheaded an initiative to protect local residents during planning of the new maintenance operation center
Contact: mattdrwallformayor@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election for mayor?
When the current administration planned to build a maintenance operation center on land bordering my backyard, I began attending city meetings and organizing with local residents. During this process, I learned the project involved removing Veteran’s Park and potentially displacing the local VFW. Recognizing the significant impact this would have on the entire Roseville community, I decided to run for mayor under my “Refresh Roseville” campaign.
What do you consider the top issues the city council should address?
- Keeping Roseville affordable
- Keeping our community safe
- Investing in reliable infrastructure
- Supporting local business and smart growth
- Transparent and accountable leadership
Roger B. Hess Jr.
Age: 69 (turning 70 on Sept. 12, 2026)
Education: K–12 in Roseville Area Schools; B.S. in accounting with math minor, Saint John’s University
Occupation: Self‑employed in the professional hairstyling supply industry; member of a family business operating in Roseville for over 100 years called Mr C Products
Years lived in Roseville: Lifelong resident (nearly 70 years), part of a six‑generation Roseville family
Community involvement: Longtime participant in city and school district committees; supporter of Roseville youth athletic programs; advocate for including youth storage space in the new Public Works project; involved in local theatrical groups
Contact: vote4grandparoger@hotmail.com; 651‑270‑6910
Why are you seeking election for mayor?
I have been very involved in the workings of the city for many decades, and previously ran for mayor in 1979. Since my family has lived here for over 100 years— and I expect future generations to continue living here— I want to help put Roseville on a better path toward the future.
What do you consider the top issues the city council should address?
I want to see much more interest and participation by everyday residents in the workings of the city. I want greater fairness, openness and transparency from city staff and the council. I believe throwing more money at a problem is not the only solution and that thinking outside the box can lead to better outcomes.
I believe the plan to break up the new public works facility into two buildings is inefficient and does not provide the best value, so I would strive to return to the original plan for one large building. I would also like to see the proposed dance studio changed to a Black Box Theater with a first‑class dance studio included, which could serve more people and more types of events.
I do not agree with current efforts to take as much money from Roseville residents as legally possible. Greatly increasing property taxes while also adding a local sales tax and city fees to Xcel bills seems excessive.
Mayor Dan Roe (incumbent)
Age: 58
Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering, University of Michigan
Occupation: Sales Manager for an industrial process equipment company
Years lived in Roseville: Since 1990
Community involvement: Member of Rice & Larpenteur Alliance board; past member of Northeast Youth & Family Services board, Visit Roseville board, Roseville Planning Commission, Twin Lakes stakeholder panel and Parks & Recreation master plan stakeholder panel
Contact: roe4roseville@comcast.net; 651‑487‑9654
Why are you seeking re-election for mayor?
I believe that my experience and openness to new ideas have served the community well and will continue to do so if the voters want me to continue to serve as mayor. My approach is inclusive and respectful and I work toward the best solutions to the issues and challenges we face, taking into account the variety of input and perspectives that come from the public.
What do you consider the top issues the city council should address in your next term if re-elected?
The city faces pressure from increasing costs just to maintain expected services. In addition, the city has increased resources for public safety staffing in both police and fire services to meet rising needs. The city council must work to mitigate the impact of these cost pressures on property taxes and utility fees while ensuring efficiencies and cost savings.
The council will also work with staff and contractors to bring the new city maintenance facility project to completion on time and on budget while addressing impacts to surrounding residents.
All of this will occur within the framework of the city’s recently adopted strategic plan, which is based on extensive community input and will guide prioritization and decision‑making.
