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City’s brightest encouraged
Published Tuesday, July 22, 2008
With Fergus Falls Mayor Russell Anderson stepping down after his term ends, this year’s mayoral race will be an excellent opportunity for new ideas and new voices.
Anderson has done a commendable job since taking over the position from the late Kelly Ferber in 2002. That said, this year’s mayoral race should bring out some good candidates in the area, and bring attention to issues the city has been, will be, and should be addressing in the coming months and years.
One of the top issues should be the prioritization and financing methods for requested community projects, from a library expansion to a police facility to the Pebble Lake water reduction system to an ice arena. While all of these projects are worthy, the city has limited funds, and determining when and how they will be completed will require some creative thinking.
With the national economy as it is, economic development and job creation also will be a major issue locally, and, as Kelly Ferber did in the 1980s, it is the mayor’s job to lead the charge.
Of course, there are many other issues affecting the city. Let’s hope that some of the city’s best and brightest decide to run, so residents have viable options on election day. Filing for council and mayoral positions begins on Aug. 26 and ends Sept. 9.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Clara (anonymous) on July 22, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FINALLY, Mayor Anderson is stepping down. When he took over the term of former Mayor Ferber, the agreement was that he would ONLY fill out the term and not seek re-election. Not exactly a man of his word, in my opinion.
For all of you out there who are constantly belly-aching about how the City is run; put up or shut up! Serving in public office may be the most rewarding thing you will have the opportunity to do. Filing opens August 26.
Posted by prowler (anonymous) on July 22, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, you just go ahead and go for it Clara! You've got my vote.
Posted by Clara (anonymous) on July 22, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
prowler: If I still lived within the City limits of Fergus Falls, I would go for it.
Posted by toad3 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
I would like to see Brad Howland run for Mayor. When he was a city commissioner he always answered any emails I sent him within a day or two, not weeks later like another one did. He wasn't in my ward but I got results with him!
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