Ward 1, 3 voters to choose next city council reps
Brandon Ward 1 Candidates
Adam Buss
Career: Financial Advisor – Eagle Strategies, LLC
Number of years as a Brandon resident: +4 years as a resident within the Bluffs neighborhood.
Family: I married Heather in June of 2012. We have three wonderful children: Finley (12), Sullivan (11), and Fletcher (7). My side of the family is from Orange City, Iowa, and Heather’s side of the family is from the Madison, S.D., area.
Prior Service on City Council/Other civic affiliations: I’m currently a board member of the Brandon Community Foundation. I have served as a steering committee member with the Young Professionals Network (YPN) through the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. I have volunteered through a broad range of organizations:
• Junior Achievement (+5yrs and counting)
• Habitat for Humanity
• Sioux Empire United Way
• Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce – Community Appeals Campaign
• Brandon’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
• FCA Flag Football
• BVBA Coach
• …among many other volunteering experiences.
Why are you seeking election to the Brandon City Council?
I was interested in city council after learning how my tax dollars were being spent and how collective decisions were made. I became passionate about a few topics and came to realization that if I wanted to see impactful change, I’d have to run for the position myself.
I am seeking the Ward 1 position because I’m confident I can reduce spending and increase quality of life projects, and build trust through transparency.
What do you feel your strengths are as a candidate for this position?
Effort: No candidate will out-work me.
I already attend most city council meetings. (You may recognize my balding head from the city council YouTube replays)
As of this date, 10/15/2026, I’ve gathered over 180-plus signatures from citizens across Ward 1.
Cost efficiency: I’m so committed to cost savings that I’ve never paid for yard signs, mailings, billboards, or asked for donations.
I advocated cancelling the city’s $56,000 contract with Asterra (11/17/25 city council meeting, YouTube 17:50-21:48). The city then rescinded the contract at the next meeting (12/01/26 city council meeting, YouTube 22:20).
What area/facilities do you want to see improved and/or changed in Brandon, and what needs to be done to make these improvements and/or changes happen?
Cost Efficiencies – I’ll dedicate substantial time and effort reviewing the budget for cost savings.
Bid Process – I’ll advocate to lower thresholds for bids, require multiple quotes, and seek to eliminate no-bid contracts.
Quality of Life Projects – I want to see the VanBuskirk trail attach to the Big Sioux Rec Area. I’d advocate for a pedestrian/bike path that circumnavigates the city.
Water Supply / Quality / Pricing – Developers are seeking to add 260-plus new dense homes across Brandon, while we have consistent watering restrictions. I’d recommend increasing the transparency around our water sources, history, and costs associated with our rates.
Pool Upgrades – I’d advocate for pool upgrades that make Brandon a destination and bring in tax revenue. Luverne, Minn., has a great pool and fitness center. Siouxnami in Sioux Center, Iowa has an indoor/outdoor pool facility to generate some tax revenue and an increase to their standard of living.
Volunteerism / Engagement – We’re a growing city of 11,000-plus residents. Other municipalities have three-day festivals to generate tax revenue and civic pride. We need to celebrate that we have a state park running through our boundaries!
A new City Hall has been an obvious need for a number of years. Do you support a new City Hall, and if so, why? If not, why?
I took a tour of the facilities 09/14/26 to educate myself on the topic. There was standing water in the basement, active leaks in the council chambers, cutouts from mold remediation, an exterior wall deterioration, and general lack of space for police staff.
I’d prefer the city seek to build on the existing property to prevent having to purchase expensive commercial land that takes away from tax-generating businesses.
A three-story building would help reduce the footprint now and will allow for future outward expansion as our needs change.
I’m disappointed to learn this has been an “obvious need” for 5-10 years while multiple iterations of city council and leadership are no further along in considering location/cost/capabilities. The underlying truth is that a repaired city hall or a new city hall will not generate a single dollar in tax revenue to support our residents. Future residents and potential businesses will not choose Brandon because we have a good-looking city hall.
Why should Ward 1 residents vote for you in the Nov. 3 election?
Yard signs can be bought, and name recognition can be gained, but neither can replace the passion, effort, and commitment I have for serving Ward 1 as alderman.
Residents are seeking a candidate that is cost-conscious, willing to ask tough questions of the current process, and use critical thinking to move Brandon ahead as an exceptional community.
Ross Kotewa
Career: ATM and Safe Support Technician for Burroughs
Years in Brandon: 8 years, since 2018.
Family: Wife Nicole (married 16 years), Son, Gavin (age 12), daughter, Keeley (age 9)
Prior Service to City: Volunteered with Robert Bennis Elementary PTA, 1/125 Veterans Group, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
Why are you seeking election to the Brandon City Council?
I am seeking a seat on the City Council because I feel the Council can better support the people of Brandon. I have no business to promote and hold no current position with the city; I just want to bring the everyday citizens perspective to the Council. I know the City Council has an important role and it is to represent the people. I am against the proposed Cellular Tower by Robert Bennis Elementary and the Data Center that Sioux Falls wants to build near the Bluffs on the west side of Brandon. I am a hard-working family man, wanting to ensure that the people have a say in our city’s future.
What do you feel your strengths are as a candidate for this position?
I am a natural problem solver and want things to be solved efficiently while saving as much as possible in the process. I enjoy looking at an issue and seeing all the options, getting feedback from the community, and work on the best option to the issue.
What area/facilities do you want to see improved and/or changed in Brandon, and what needs to be done to make these improvements and/or changes happen?
Brandon has some great parks and facilities, I know we made a huge investment in the water treatment plant. Even with this investment it seems there isn’t enough flow to support the city’s new developments without watering limitation. I also want to ensure that our parks are kept to the high standard we all have come to enjoy.
A new City Hall has been an obvious need for a number of years. Do you support a new City Hall, and if so, why? If not, why?
I do support the New City Hall. I want to ensure that our Police and City employees have the facilities they need to effectively perform their jobs. The need is clear. What is not clear is where the facility should be placed. I was at the special meeting to discuss the possible location near Aspen Park. A lot of residents are not in favor of that location. I believe there is a better location to be found.
Why should Ward 1 residents vote for you in the Nov. 3 election?
Life has taken my family all across the U.S. and we have never felt more at home than here in Brandon. My wife and I first moved to Brandon after graduation from SDSU but only stayed a year before life took us elsewhere. Brandon is my favorite place I have lived. We are so happy that we found a community that we can call our own. I would be honored to represent Ward 1 on the City Council if given the chance. Thank you all for your support.
Rob Schoeneman
Career: Owner of Schoeneman Construction – Third-generation Contractor
Number of years as a Brandon resident: 39
Family: Ashley (Wife), Avery (Daughter)
Prior service on city Council/Other civic affiliations: Brandon Planning and Zoning Commissioner (2019 – present); B.S. degree in Construction Management from South Dakota State University.
Why are you seeking election to Brandon City Council?
I am seeking election to Brandon City Council because I care about the community I have called home my entire life. I want to use my experience as a contractor and member of Planning & Zoning to help make thoughtful decisions that move Brandon forward.
What do you feel your strengths are as a candidate for this position?
I believe my strengths are being a good listener, approachable, and willing to work with others to find practical solutions. I am available to listen and have conversations with residents, and I care deeply about Brandon and the people who call it home, as I have called Brandon home my entire life.
I am a problem solver and believe in making thoughtful decisions that help our community move forward. I have practiced these qualities in my day-to-day work as a contractor building custom homes, as well as during my time serving on Planning & Zoning. I understand the importance of listening, working through challenges, and finding solutions that benefit the community.
What areas/ facilities do you want to see improved and/or changed in Brandon, and what needs to be done to make these improvements and/or changes happen?
I would like to see continued improvements to Brandon’s roads, parks, recreation facilities, and community spaces. I would also like to see a welcoming community space where youth to seniors have a safe place to gather, participate in activities, and connect with others. As Brandon grows, we need to make sure our infrastructure and facilities keep pace with our expanding community. These improvements should come through responsible planning, listening to resident’s wants and needs, and prioritizing those needs responsibly. Most importantly, we need to be responsible with taxpayer dollars and invest in projects that benefit Brandon for years to come.
A new City Hall has been an obvious need for a number of years. Do you support a new City Hall, and if so, why? If not, why?
Yes, I support a new City Hall. Brandon has outgrown its current city hall, and our city facilities need to keep pace with the needs of our community. A new City Hall would provide a functional, accessible space for city staff and residents while serving Brandon for many years to come.
Brandon Ward 3 Candidates
Brett Bastian
Why are you seeking election to the Brandon City Council?
I am seeking the opportunity to serve as Brandon’s next Ward 3 City Council member because I feel called to serve.
Service has always been an important part of who I am – from enlisting in the South Dakota Army National Guard at age 17; to nearly 32 years as a physician assistant in family medicine, neurosurgery, and orthopedic hand surgery; serving students as a professor in the Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program; to serving children today as an educational assistant in special education.
I am also proud to have distributed more than 500 Unity Flags throughout our community and across eight states and to have helped co-found Warriors Never Give Up, a successful nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans.
These experiences, along with being a husband and father, have reinforced the values that guide me: faith, service, passion, purpose, humility, responsibility, and caring for others.
I believe good leadership starts with listening. It means asking tough questions, listening intently, doing your homework, and following through. It also means treating people with respect, even when we may disagree.
If elected, I will work hard to earn the trust of Ward 3 residents and represent them with honesty, respect, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the community we are fortunate to call home.
What do you feel your strengths are as a candidate for this position?
My prior appointment to the Brandon City Council gave me firsthand experience with both the responsibilities and the importance of this position. I understand that a council member’s role is to ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, come prepared, do the homework necessary to make informed decisions, and ensure there is appropriate follow-through.
I believe City Council members should provide responsible oversight while respecting the experience and expertise of the professional staff who carry out the city’s day-to-day work. I will work hard for our community, remain accessible to residents, and dedicate the time necessary to understand and address the important issues facing Brandon.
I also bring decades of experience in healthcare and education, where listening, problem-solving, teamwork, accountability, and making thoughtful decisions have been essential. With more availability now than during my years practicing as a physician assistant in hand surgery and neurosurgery, I am ready to dedicate that time to serving Brandon with the focus and commitment this role deserves.
I also recognize that no council member has all the answers. I am willing to ask questions, continue learning, acknowledge when I make a mistake, and grow from those experiences. I believe effective public service requires not only experience and preparation, but also humility, accountability, and a willingness to listen.
What areas/facilities do you want to see improved and/or changes in Brandon and what needs to be done to make these improvements and/or changes happen?
I view the Brandon City Council as the legislative and policy-making body of our city. Council members are there to represent residents, ask tough questions, listen intently, set priorities, responsibly oversee taxpayer dollars, and follow through – while allowing City administration and employees to manage day-to-day operations.
Brandon is a great community because many people have worked hard to get us where we are today. Our current and past City Councils, administration, and employees deserve credit for that work. If elected, my goal isn’t to come in believing everything needs to change. It is to build on what has been accomplished, listen carefully to residents, and help make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.
As I have talked with residents throughout Ward 3, two priorities continue to stand out: reliable, long-term water security and safer pedestrian and bicycle routes along East Aspen Boulevard.
Water has been a long-standing challenge for Brandon. As our community grows, I believe we need to continue to pursue a clear, proactive, long-term plan for safe and reliable water.
I also continue to hear about the need for a safe pedestrian and bicycle connection from town, across Split Rock Creek, to the sidewalks near Country Club Avenue and Aspen Heights. As this area grows, I believe families and children should have a safe way to walk or bike between these neighborhoods and the rest of Brandon. I would like to see that connection considered as a priority in the city’s capital-improvement planning.
These issues reflect how I would approach serving on the Council: listening intently, doing the homework, asking tough questions, setting priorities, and following through to help Brandon protect what matters and plan what’s next.
Colin Steen
Career: Residential Appraiser; Owner & Appraiser for Elevate Appraisal / Honor Appraisal
Number of Years Brandon Resident: 11 years
Family: Wife - Christy; Son - Palmer (12); Son - Harvey (11); Daughter - Eve (8)
Prior Service on Council/Other civic affiliations: I’ve been serving as Ward 3 alderman in Brandon for the past 4 years; Coach - SD Junior Football (3 years); Coach - Brandon Valley Baseball Association (6 years); Coach - FCA flag football (4 years); previous Elder Board - Ransom Church, Sioux Falls (4 years).
Why am I seeking reelection?
My family and I have fallen in love with the city and I would be honored to serve another four years as an alderman representing Ward 3. The city of Brandon continues to grow and I would be honored to help lead in the growing pains of a smaller community. I want to continue to listen to the residents’ needs. Help the City to be transparent, accountable and financially responsible.
What are my strengths as a candidate?
I bring four years of experience serving on the City Council, along with a strong commitment to being accessible and responsive to residents. I make it a priority to answer calls, return messages, and be available when people need me. I believe one of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen, remain level-headed, and approach issues with a steady temperament. My desire to serve is genuine, and my roots are firmly planted in this community. My wife, children, and I are actively involved in the Brandon Valley School District and the Brandon community. These connections give me a strong understanding of our residents, their concerns, and the needs of our growing community. Ultimately, I care deeply about Brandon and am committed to serving its residents with integrity, approachability, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
What area/facilities do I want to see improved in Brandon and what needs to be done?
The police station and City Hall offices are embarrassing for a city of our size. I would love to be a part of helping bring a new Police Department and City Hall to Brandon. I’m a business owner, so I’m always looking at the bottom line. There will be a price tag for building a new PD and City Hall, so if elected I would continue to make sure we are being conservative with the build, however, knowing we are building this for years to come.
I also believe the city is in need of a community center / youth rec center. As our city grows, I would love to be a part of a team to bring a community center to Brandon. I have young kids that are involved in many sports. We find ourselves traveling outside of Brandon for training due to lack of facilities in Brandon. I would love for that to change!
Do I support a new Police Department & City Hall
Absolutely I support it. If you tour both the PD and City Hall, you will see our PD and city staff deserve a new space!
Why should Ward 3 residents vote for me on Nov. 3?
As a current City Council member and a parent raising young kids in our community, I care deeply about the future of Brandon. My family is actively involved in local sports and the Brandon Valley School District, so I see firsthand how important it is to have a community where families can thrive. I would appreciate your vote and would be honored to serve Ward 3 and the City of Brandon for another four years!
