Incumbent faces former council member for District 3 seat

Joel Hoiland

Hometown: Benson, Minnesota

Occupation: Third District alderman, candidate for mayor, president & CEO (retired)

Prior elected office: Lake Geneva alderman, District 3 (elected 2024)

Other public service: Plan Commissioner (appointed 2021–present); many City Council committees, state and federal appointments, think tanks and task forces

Education: Bachelor of science; graduate, Institute of Organization Management

What unique expertise or experience do you bring to this office?

During my first term, I brought a level of policy leadership, executive discipline, and resident communication not previously seen on the Lake Geneva City Council. I consistently focused on residents first, long-term value, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and implementation, not politics. I led a team that rebuilt the Short-Term Rental ordinance, created an enforcement roadmap, and pushed for fair rules that protect neighborhoods and compliant owners.

I focused on public safety and infrastructure, helping deliver safer crossings, and long-term public safety facility planning. Known as an independent voice on the City Council, I supported good ideas, and opposed wasteful spending. Recognized as the most accessible alderman, I publish monthly newsletters to nearly 2,000 residents, author regular columns in the Lake Geneva Regional News, maintain an information rich website and respond to all resident inquiries.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Lake Geneva, and how would you plan to address it?

Lake Geneva is entering a critical transition, from planning to implementation. This election isn’t about choosing a familiar face or a friend and neighbor, it’s about choosing who will steer that implementation with competence, steadiness, and transparency.

We will soon complete our strategic plan, and the next City Council, and third district alderman, must be capable of turning that plan into real progress, not rhetoric. We will define where we want to go, at that point we will need an alderman who knows how to get us there. I will keep residents and the community first, deliver results and communicate throughout.

If elected, what would a successful term look like to you?

I prepare, listen, ask questions and follow through. That’s the kind of representation the third district needs as it’s alderman. In addition, I do the homework, write policies, and focus on implementation, not politics.

This includes responsible financial management, improving infrastructure, maintaining high-quality city services and ensuring that development decisions reflect long-term community priorities. If residents feel their voices are heard and the city is moving in a thoughtful, responsible direction, that would represent a successful term.

Peg Esposito

Hometown: Stillwater, Minnesota

Occupation: Marketing/art director

Prior elected office: Alderman 2023-25

Other public service: On the board of Friends of Hillmoor, Meals On Wheels volunteer, Poll Worker, board member Friends of White River County Park, Park Board member

Education: Graduate from College of St Benedict, Minnesota

What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office?

I served as an alderman from 2023 to 2025. It takes about a year to learn how to be effective in the role. I chose not to run for another term because my demanding job — now ending with my retirement — limited my ability to give my best to the position. During my tenure, however, I helped advance several meaningful, small-scale initiatives.

One of my greatest accomplishments was working with others to secure and implement a $35,000 grant to study potential impacts on indigenous remains at the Hillmoor property, contributing to both the application and follow-through.

My community involvement began long before serving on the council. Since moving to Lake Geneva in 1990, I’ve focused on community engagement and sustainability. As a Meals On Wheels manager for St. Francis, I saw firsthand where food assistance is most needed. I worked the polls for several years, helped with Turkey Trots, volunteered in our schools where I saw the strength of our teachers and programs.

These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the community and the ability to represent the people of the 3rd district effectively.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Lake Geneva, and how would you plan to address it?

The most pressing issue is retaining young families and middle-income residents. Preserving a mix of ages and incomes is essential to maintaining the small-town character that residents consistently have said they value, as reflected in recent Strategic Plan survey results.

Addressing this requires a comprehensive approach. Housing costs are rising beyond the reach of first-time buyers, so we should revisit zoning rules and ease restrictions that limit affordable options. Neighborhoods should have a voice in new developments, ensuring growth reflects community needs. We also need to invest in parks and recreation so young families can participate in programs, including access to the beach, without financial strain. Partnering with schools and nonprofit organizations can help expand capacity through shared resources, grants, and volunteer support.

At the same time, we should develop ways to encourage residents to support local businesses year-round. Strengthening local patronage will help businesses remain viable beyond the tourist season, reduce reliance on outside visitors, and allow residents to better enjoy the city in the off-season.

If elected, what would a successful term look like to you?

A successful term would lay the groundwork for attracting young people and families to our neighborhoods. Because two years is a short window for city planning, success would mean developing a strong strategic plan and taking the first steps toward putting it into action.

It would also include clear signs that downtown merchants are thriving despite Highway 50 construction, and that residents find getting around town manageable rather than frustrating.

Progress on a comprehensive Park and Lakefront Plan — with defined, actionable steps for the next five years — along with forward movement on Hillmoor, would further reflect meaningful achievement.

Finally, success would be a City Council that operates as a cohesive team—focused, collaborative, and free of unnecessary drama or individual grandstanding—demonstrating that local government is working effectively for the people.