By Rebecca Houg, staff writer

Bruce Hanson, 50, has been mayor of Clarks Grove for seven years and would like to get two more.

Hanson was appointed to the position back in June 1999 when Mayor Paul Hanson died. As mayor pro tem, Hanson stepped into the role and said he&8217;s enjoyed the job.

He and his wife, Susan, have three grown children: Holly, Karie, and Christopher. The Hansons have five grandchildren.

For the past 30 years, Hanson has worked as a John Deere salesman. He is currently a full-time employee at Ag Power in Hollandale. He also farms about 800 acres.

Hanson has served on the Clarks Grove Fire Department for 24 years.

&8220;We&8217;ve been tackling a lot of big projects that have all been completed in the last three years,&8221; Hanson said.

His list of accomplishments included: Installing a new water main, reconstructing Independence Avenue, new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, a new tile and holding pond to divert rain water from the First Baptist Church, a new fire truck, and new American flags in honor of Clarks Grove resident Corey Goodnature, who lost his life as a soldier fighting in Iraq.

&8220;All of these things, we have done and maintained a conservative budget. Keeping it in the black without any long-term debt,&8221; he said.

There are still projects in the works he would like to see finished, such as the construction of a Frisbee golf course.

Hanson said that working with the city council hasn&8217;t been difficult.

&8220;Sometimes when you&8217;re working together you get five ideas and they all different but one might come to the top as the best one.&8221; Hanson. &8220;We get things done a little better with more ideas.&8221;

&8220;I&8217;ve always been proud of the residents of Clarks Grove because they take pride and excellent care of their property, and I have comments from visitors all the time about what a neat little town we have,&8221; Hanson said.

Hanson said he will serve the city the best way he knows how and would like to stay involved in working to improve the city’s infastructure.

&8220;I think Clarks Grove has a lot to offer people,&8221; he said.

Kathy Jensen has been Clarks Grove&8217;s city clerk since before Hanson was appointed.

&8220;I enjoy working with him as mayor,&8221; she said.