Meet the Candidates: Chaska Mayor

A pair of candidates are vying for the Chaska mayor's seat: Taylor Hubbard and George Glaros Jr.

Each candidate in contested races was asked the same set of questions by the Patriot, and were asked to limit their responses to 100 words or less. Unedited responses from Hubbard can be found below. Glaros did not respond to the questionnaire.

Early voting in Minnesota opened on Sept. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Find your local polling place online at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Question 1: What prompted you seek election (or re-election) to office?

Taylor Hubbard: For the past five years, I’ve been honored to serve as a Councilmember, dedicated to improving our community of Chaska. Running for Mayor, my goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone. My love for Chaska and enthusiasm for our future inspire me to combine passion with practical solutions. I am committed to planning effectively for our growth while advocating for each resident’s well-being. Let’s work together to build a vibrant community where businesses succeed, neighbors connect, and everyone feels valued and at home.

Question 2: What is your long-term vision for the community?

Hubbard: I envision a bright future for Chaska. Our community will approach full population, with the last areas of open development being completed. Downtown will thrive with dynamic economic growth, offering residents ample opportunities to shop, work, and enjoy recreational activities. Key city facilities—including the public safety campus, municipal service building, library, city hall, and community center—will be fully operational, effectively serving our community’s needs. Throughout this growth, our core community values will remain steadfast, ensuring that Chaska continues to be a welcoming hometown for everyone.

Question 3: If elected, how would you handle balancing economic development with maintaining a sense of community?

Hubbard: Chaska’s identity is rooted in its mission to be “The Best Small Town in Minnesota.” We achieve this through careful planning of new developments that align with our vision and actively involving residents for transparency. I believe advocating for mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, we can build vibrant neighborhoods where people can live, work, and socialize. Additionally, we enhance Chaska by maintaining our high-quality amenities and community engagement, which strengthens the sense of belonging and connection.

Question 4: What do you believe is the best way to address aging infrastructure and acquiring the funding to replace/update that infrastructure?

Hubbard: Long-term planning and dedicated funding for maintenance are crucial for effectively managing infrastructure. Frequently, facilities and roads are constructed with one-time use funding dollars, without a comprehensive strategy for addressing deferred maintenance. This oversight can lead to subsequent financial burdens for taxpayers when municipalities are forced to play "catch up" on necessary repairs. Proactive planning, including setting aside funds for future maintenance and construction, ensures that facilities remain up-to-date and lessens the financial strain when the time comes to implement new construction.

Question 5: What in your background/experience best qualifies you for office?

Hubbard: As a current Chaska council member, I have a comprehensive understanding of the City’s planning procedures, budgetary practices, and departmental operations to make informed and thoughtful decisions on behalf of the community. I own/operate a successful storefront business for the past 14 years. Business ownership has given me extensive experience in financial planning, operations, promotional marketing, customer service, and employee relations. I am deeply committed to lifting the voices of all Chaska residents to shape a community they desire by intentionally listening, learning, and engaging. As Mayor, I will work tirelessly for the benefit of our community.