Frazee’s top vote-getter excited to push town’s momentum forward

By Robert Williams

Editor

Frazee voters were ready for a new face on the city council and showed that support by voting in Andrew “Drew” Daggett with 34 percent of the vote. Daggett was the top vote getter earning 340 votes to fill the seat vacated when Mike Sharp took over mayoral duties when former Mayor Mark Flemmer announced his retirement in June.

Rather than wait the usual time until beginning in January of the next year, Daggett, 36, was sworn in immediately and has hit the ground running as the newest and youngest member of the council.

“It’s interesting,” said Daggett. “I’m still just learning what I don’t know. I’m trying to absorb as much as possible. So far, it’s been great. I think we have a great team on board.”

Daggett joins Andrea Froeber, Jim Rader, Sharp and Kemper on the new council. Daggett likes the working relationships and appreciates Sharp’s leadership.

“He’s all business and I like that,” Daggett said.

Daggett also believes the combined efforts of the council are being done for the benefit of the community, as a priority, and feels that kinship with his fellow council members and the mayor.

“For all politics in general, it’s the people that are there for altruistic reasons that are going to be the most efficient and best for the community,” he said.

Daggett’s decision to run for council was not solely his idea. He was approached to run by multiple people and over the past few years has discussed the council seat with current members and others in passing.

“They all thought I might enjoy running or being involved and I’m sure there were lesser roles that might have been more ideal, getting involved in some committees first, just be a fly on the wall for more meetings and I wish I would have done that,” Daggett said. “I talked to my wife a lot about getting involved and she is very supportive of it and it just kind of seemed the timing of this whole thing was right and we decided to go for it.”

Daggett also liked what he heard when talking to others about the current council members.

“A lot of what people had said to me was that the city council right now is a really good group and things are moving smoothly and we’re making a lot of progress. It’s just a sharp team. It was a good time to get involved and I knew I would have a lot of help along the way.”

Daggett’s election also provides a voice for younger generations of residents. In the same light, Daggett believes plans for the future of Frazee are as important as plans for today.

“For sure, I’ve certainly got my vision or my desires for the town extend out really far because I have young kids,” Daggett said. “And a big family in this town. We’re very dependent on this town and this community. We want it to thrive and grow. That only helps everyone.”

Daggett and his wife Jenae have a daughter and three sons ranging from age 8 months to 8 years. The couple met in the Twin Cities connecting through mutual friends and classmates at the University of North Dakota. 

“My wife works full-time too, so we’ve got our hands full,” Daggett said. “I really appreciate her supporting me in doing this.”

Drew graduated from Frazee-Vergas High School in 2007 and has seen the positive momentum building in Frazee with 2024 being a highlight for new businesses with more opening in 2025.

“It’s such a turnaround,” he said.

Daggett was quick to complement the people behind those turnarounds, like Heather Perrine and the Monarch Coffee House.

“I’m so happy we have that; she did such a great job,” Daggett said. “It’s perfect and I think it’s exactly what that corner needed and she did such a great renovation to it. It’s progress and she took a big risk. I really hope it works out.”

The East side of Main Avenue is set for more food options in early 2025 to complement the Gobbler Grub and Pub and fill two of the three remaining business bays in the downtown retail building. Karey Smagacz’s Home Sweet Bakehouse and Sara Erickson’s Mama’s Pizzeria N Scoops have signed leases with the city and will open after the interior construction is completed.

“That’s going to be great,” said Daggett. “That was a big undertaking for the city, kind of a big risk. I think that’s important to do. I’m for taking those risks. Those things are sometimes easy to shoot down and say no to. It takes someone to do that stuff and I’m really happy the city has done that and now they’re going to be full. It’s going to look great.”

Daggett also commended the work of Economic Development Specialist Karen Pifher and her team at Creating Community Consulting.

“She’s incredible,” Daggett said. “I’m anticipating I’ll get to know her more now. From the outside, I’ve seen what she’s been able to do and constantly coming up with ideas. You really have to have a passion and love for something to put that much effort into it. She’s an incredible value.”

Another value that Daggett shares with the current council and mayor is continuing to upgrade the look of Frazee, both downtown and in neighborhoods, from new businesses to updated ordinances. He talked about that and the importance of what Wannigan Park and a renewed Town Lake Beach can do during October’s candidate forum:

“I think this town has a lot to offer and has attractive qualities environmentally and recreationally,” he said.

The coming trail connections through Frazee to Wannigan Regional Park also have Daggett excited for the future, along with the continuation of Phase I development at the park in 2025.

“That’s been huge and it’s only going to continue to get better,” he said. “The team of people on that are all just rock stars. When you watch the minutes, notes and agendas and see how fast and efficient they are.”

Daggett has a bright vision for Frazee and is certainly a champion of those willing to take risks to do so.

“I think everybody can get behind this and latch onto that it’s only going to be good for our town,” he said. “Our town is going to get more shops; people are going to spend more money here. I think more people in town is good. It’s a little more work for everyone and the town. There are going to be some growing pains and some change. Sometimes change is tough for people to see; some like things how they are, but it’s only going to make our town a lot more beautiful and thriving.”

The coming year is also going to be a special one for businesses that have been part of the backbone of Frazee for the last century, including Daggett Truck Line, Anderson Bus Company and Ketter’s Meat Market all celebrating their 100th year anniversaries and Jay Estenson’s The Yak Shak turning 50. 

“That’s pretty cool; I’m excited for that and I think this next summer is going to be a lot of fun,” said Daggett. 

Daggett qualifies what he desires to be on the city council as, “a sturdy fifth leg.”

“I like the direction we’re going in and I support what they’re doing,” he said. “I’m super passionate about Wannigan Park and the beach and in agreement with Mike Sharp on ordinances, especially the dangerous dog one, and then getting some of the older houses in town that have been vacant a while or neglected for sometime – getting that cleaned up and attractive entrances. I think they’re are going to be a lot of people visiting this town in the next decade.”