Four people have made their intention to become Albert Lea’s next mayor official as of Tuesday afternoon, including former long-time third ward council member Donald Mathison.

Mathison’s filing to become the city’s next mayor makes him the fourth candidate with a strong political background. He was a council member for ten years before he was defeated by George Marin, who also filed for mayor, during the 2000 elections.

&uot;I have great feel and love for the city of Albert Lea,&uot; Mathison, an Albert Lea native, said. &uot;Being a retired person, I can work harder for the office of mayor.&uot;

United Way director Jean Eaton and 2000 candidate Mark Anderson also filed for candidacy Tuesday.

This upcoming primary is also of particular importance because of current mayor Bob Haukoos’ announcement that he will not be considering a second term.

&uot;I suspect it’s going to be very interesting,&uot; said City Clerk Sandi Behrens. Two other candidates are also expected to file for candidacy, she added.

As for the city council seats up for election, Destination: Albert Lea president Randy Erdman is the only person who has filed for candidacy as of Tuesday afternoon. Erdman filed for the second ward seat and will challenge incumbent councilor Dave McPherson.

The sixth and fourth ward seats, now held by Ron Sorensen and Al &uot;Minnow&uot; Brooks, are also up for election this year.

No surprises popped up in the first day of filing for Freeborn County positions.

Ten candidates finished filing by 5 p.m., all of whom are incumbents or those who announced the candidacy previously.

For county commissioner District Two, incumbent Dan Belshan filed. In District Four, incumbent Dave Mullenbach and announced challenger Truman Thrond made their bids for office official.

For county attorney, incumbent Craig Nelson filed; for sheriff, to replace retiring Don Nolander, former deputy Mark Harig and current deputy Bob Kindler, who both announced their candidacies weeks ago, made them official; for auditor/treasurer, incumbent Dennis Distad and announced challenger Keith Porter registered to run; and for county recorder, it was incumbent Kelly Callahan and challenger Irene Anderson filing Tuesday.

The last day to file for federal, state, county and city offices is July 16.