Anderson won’t seek re-election

Mayor has served city for nearly 22 years

By Lauren Radomski (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, July 19, 2008

Russell Anderson

After years as a council member and more than a term as mayor, Russ Anderson will retire from public service this fall, choosing not to run in the 2008 mayoral race.

“It’s been just about 22 years now,” Anderson said of his career in local government. “It’s been a good run.”

That run began in 1975 when Anderson first served on the city council. After five years he left the council to pursue work with his flooring business and later the County Revenue Department. He won a council seat again in 1992, and was appointed mayor following the death of Kelly Ferber in 2002. Anderson was elected by the public to the position in 2004.

Anderson said he’s proud of what the city has accomplished over all those years, particularly the installation of a water loop through the northwest part of town, which allowed for future development. He’s worked to involve young people and women in city committees, he said, and he’s happy with the strong relationships the city has formed with local businesses.

Anderson credits Fergus Falls staff with helping improvements happen.

“We have a remarkable staff here at City Hall,” he said. “They are one strong team. I that that relationship makes it so much easier to do this job.”

Anderson said he doesn’t plan to disappear completely and will work to update the new mayor on city projects.

Anderson’s office isn’t the only public position to open this fall. Four of the city council’s eight members are up for re-election this year, though two of the four have already said they won’t run.

After roughly dozen years on the council, second ward member Merlyn Shelstad says he will not run for another term. Third ward councilman Rick Wilson has filed for a spot on the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.

In the fourth ward, Ben Schierer’s term also wraps up this year. Schierer could not be reached for confirmation of his plans by press time.

First ward councilman Ron Burt says he will run again for his current seat. Fellow first ward councilman Greg Stumbo is in the middle of his term but is running to represent District 10A in the state House. If he should be elected, the council would likely take recommendations for the seat and appoint someone to serve the remainder of the term, said City Administrator Mark Sievert.

The mayor and council members each serve four-year terms. Two council members serve each Fergus Falls ward, with one of the two up for election every other election year.

Filing for council and mayoral positions begins Aug. 26 and runs through Sept. 9. The city is looking not only for candidates, but election judges. Lynne Olson, assistant to the city administrator, estimated the city will need at least 100 election judges — volunteers responsible for duties including: setting up and closing polling places; registering individuals to vote; determining results after polls close.

More information about city positions and how to file will be available from City Hall by late July.