Williams among mayors serving in tough times

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Like most of his fellow mayors in small towns around west central Minnesota, Elbow Lake Mayor Edward Williams loves his community. At the same time, he’s a realist while grappling with challenges in tough economic times.

A case in point is infrastructure improvements, including sewer, water, storm sewer, street work and curbing, that are needed in northwest Elbow Lake.

“Local assessments always are a concern, and we have many people in that section of town living on fixed incomes,” Williams said. “We’ll hold off until we’ve exhausted all requests for state and federal grants. At the same time, we’re appreciative that fellow residents, through higher utility bills, are willing to help the city as a whole upgrade its infrastructure when needed.”

Williams said the city council held off raising utility fees for many years.

“Finally, in the spring of this year, we had to raise the fees,” Mayor Williams said. “Construction costs and all costs with city government are going up. People understand that, and also appreciate our efforts to hold down city costs as much as possible.”

Williams retired in 1994 from law enforcement in Grant County. He began work in 1968 as a law enforcement patrolman in Elbow Lake. Later, he served as Grant County Sheriff from 1977 to 1990. He’s an Ashby native who moved to Elbow Lake in 1960.

He meets with fellow mayors of similar-sized communities, including Pelican Rapids Mayor Wayne Runningen and others, once a month. He is quick to praise City Clerk Jeff Holsen, the city council, and others in city government and committees who work for the best interests of Elbow Lake.

“You always try to be positive,” he said, “and this year we’re happy to see an increase in local government aid from the Minnesota State Legislature.”

A positive force, Williams said, is the Elbow Lake Economic Development Authority (EDA). Williams and City Council member Jim Franklin are on the board, as are dentist Orvin Leis, law firm assistant Jeannie Redpenning and supermarket owner Dean Schneeberger who serves as chairperson.

The EDA meets once a month. They’ve provided assistance to the new thrift store headed by the ELEAH Medical Center Auxiliary, been instrumental in establishment of the Maplewood Manor Apartments, provided small business loans and have assisted other entities such as Cafe Favorites.

Williams also takes pride in the upgrade to city hall that, in addition to city offices and the council chambers, houses the public library and community room.

“We as a community have a lot of pride,” Williams said. “Despite challenges, we as a community have a lot going for us, and that also holds true for Grant County in general.”