COFFEE CHAT - Zdenek Kavka, an 18-year-old Czech exchange student, along with Sheriff Jay Dulas, Robin Dulas, Representative Tom Sexton, Chamber President Mikhail Rostislavovich, Ann Staloch, and Jess Klinger, all attended the latest installment of Coffee with Tom Sexton on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
Coffee with Sexton addresses key issues
Thu, 02/26/2026 - 12:30am
At the recent Coffee and Conversation with Representative Sexton event held at
the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, community members gathered to discuss critical local issues impacting Waseca and surrounding areas.
Water quality in and around Waseca was a central topic of conversation, with Sexton affirming his support for infrastructure improvements. “I am committed to passing a bonding bill that has appropriations for Waseca in it,” Sexton said, highlighting his dedication to
securing state investment for local water concerns for lakes, watersheds, and capacity.
Attendees also raised questions about proposed changes to deer hunting regulations in response to recent state legislative action. The Minnesota Legislature passed changes that will eliminate the statewide shotgun-only deer hunting zone starting with the 2026 season, allowing the use of rifles throughout much of the state unless individual counties choose otherwise. Counties that were previously in the shotgun-only zone may decide to adopt their own ordinance restricting firearm types for deer hunting, following public hearings and local decisions. “When it comes to the rifle versus shotgun discussion, I believe our county commissioners have a better grasp on the needs and wants of local hunters and landowners than the state legislature does. They are closest to the people, and they should be trusted to make that decision,” stated Sexton confidently.
Discussion also focused on the local option sales tax proposal. Waseca County is exploring an additional sales tax to support a proposed justice center. While the County already has a sales tax in place, this new tax would require voter approval. Community members asked whether this would affect the City of Waseca’s ability to pursue its own local option sales tax for city projects.
Representative Sexton shared that the answer was “possibly,” noting that the interaction between county and city sales tax authority could influence future project funding options.
These monthly gatherings, Coffee with Tom, are held at noon on the second Friday of every month at the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and are open to the public for dialogue with Representative Sexton on issues that matter most to the community.