Leland to be next Fergus mayor

Published Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Hal Leland’s campaign for mayor, it seems, was a family affair.

After helping distribute over 3,000 leaflets in town over the weekend, Leland’s son and grandson made a surprise trip from Brainerd Tuesday, and witnessed the outcome they’d hoped for.

“It wouldn’t have happened without them,” Leland said. “I’m very, very pleased.”

Leland, a former counselor and administrator at MSCTC-Fergus Falls, beat opponents Brad Howland, John Strauch and Ivan “Skip” Mallas in Tuesday’s race, which wrapped up shortly before 11 p.m. A third ward alderman since 2002, Leland received about 49 percent of the total mayoral votes.

A priority in the next few months will be to appoint a new council member to serve the remaining two years of Leland’s term, he said. This decision will be made by aldermen.

From there, Leland and the new council will need to address next year’s budget, plans at the Regional Treatment Center and a host of other issues.

“We have a lot on our plate and it’s going to be busy, but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Howland, Otter Tail Power’s area manager for Fergus Falls and Wahpeton, received about 37 percent of the mayoral votes. He has two years remaining on the Fergus Falls Planning Commission, where he served from 1999 to 2002, and again from 2006 to the present.

“Obviously I’m disappointed,” Howland said, “but Fergus Falls is under the helm of good leadership.”

Strauch, who owns J.S. Floors and received about 8 percent of Tuesday’s votes, echoed similar sentiments.

“I wish him the best and I feel the city will go forward,” he said.

Ivan “Skip” Mallas put up only a handful of lawn signs and attended none of the mayoral debates, but came out with about 5 percent of the total votes. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Mayor Russ Anderson said Monday he will help the mayor-elect prepare for the responsibilities of the office.

“He’ll be very helpful, no question about it,” Leland said Tuesday. “That will be a good process.”

The first council meeting including Leland as mayor and newly-elected aldermen is scheduled for Jan. 5.