Ellen Kehr

Age: 60

Address: 1712 Plainview Lane, Albert Lea, MN 56007

1. What is the best thing the city can do to attract business?

The best thing the city can do to attract new business is to maintain a strong infrastructure and keep taxes in a competitive range with other cities in the region.

2. What steps should Albert Lea take on its downtown business area?

I believe that Albert Lea has already taken significant steps to strengthen the downtown area. The creation of the Historic District and the matching funds account for exterior improvements, and the renovation of the Freeborn Bank Building are just a few. The most recent step is still in progress. Artspace Inc. is looking at the bank building as a possible location for a new development of artists’ lofts. Artspace has a rigorous evaluation but, if chosen, they have a 100 percent success rate. If we are successful, it will be a huge step forward for the downtown area.

3. Do you think the preagenda meeting is necessary? Why?

Albert Lea has conducted City Council meetings both with and without preagenda meetings so technically they are not necessary. I have discussed this topic with many residents and for those who oppose the preagenda meeting, the underlying issue seems to be one of inadequate access to the governmental process. (They believe that decisions are made before the council meetings without the opportunity for public input.) Eliminating the preagenda meeting is one solution. Expanding the public forum at the council meeting or allowing public comment at the preagenda meeting might be others. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether the preagenda meeting stays or goes. What matters is that the people are engaged in the governmental process because an involved community will attract others to it.

4. How do you rate the city manager’s performance over the last five years?

I think that rating a performance without knowing the total job performance would be very irresponsible. Performance appraisals are a personnel issue and should always be private. What concerns me about this question is that those being asked to respond either already have or would have the responsibility of doing a fair performance appraisal as part of their job.

5. What changes would you make concerning the relationship between city officials and county officials?

I would like to see at least two workshops a year. One would be hosted by the city and the other by the county. I would also invite all of our elected state representatives. This opportunity to collaborate and communicate would bring to light areas where we could either share resources or help each other succeed. Our state representatives need to be involved so that they understand our challenges and can effectively lobby for us at the state level.

6. What are your plans to improve the quality of life in Albert Lea over the next five years?

One of the things that I would most like to see is the city and county get together and hire a high-quality grant writer. This person’s sole job would be seeking and securing grant monies for community projects. Grant writing, like marketing, pays for itself. The idea is to bring in money so I don’t see the salary as an issue.

7. What changes would you make in the city and/or in tax rates?

Due to the recent national economic crisis it has become critical that all aspects of budgeting and placement of savings be carefully monitored. Monies earned on investments and used to either increase fund balances or pay for current projects may have been significantly impacted. This is not just an individual or a business issue. Governmental bodies must also evaluate how the current economy has impacted their financial position. Setting priorities, balancing needs, sharing assets and evaluating staffing needs may all be required to balance the budget and keep tax increases at a minimum. I believe that in the next couple of years the city will face many challenges in this area. How we meet these challenges and the choices we make will have a significant impact on our future and the ultimate health of our community.

8. What is your track record of community service?

Community service is one of my strongest assets. It is a visible demonstration of my commitment to Albert Lea and Freeborn County. On a countywide level, I was co-chairwoman of the 2005 annual campaign of the Freeborn County United Way and served four years on the board of the Freeborn County Chemical Dependency Center. My city involvement includes participation in both the Albert Lea Area Listens and Minnesota Design Team projects. I am a board member of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. Education has always been a high priority for me, and I am a board member of the Children’s Center and the Riverland Foundation. I belong to a service club and several professional organizations. I have served eight years on the finance council of St. Theodore’s Church. Through these groups and others, I find there is never a shortage of activities that need community involvement, and I have tried to do my part. From the Relay for Life to the New Years Eve Sesquicentennial Gala, I have watched our citizens contribute and celebrate their unity and love for the community. Community service is where I have experienced the true character and heart of those I am seeking to represent.

9. Please tell us why voters should pick you.

I will be a committed leader and a strong voice for the people of the 3rd Ward. I will work hard, be accessible, listen carefully and speak honestly, study the issues and always work with a spirit of cooperation. Cooperation and collaboration with many different groups is what it will take to meet our present challenges and be a healthy, growing community in the 21st century.

Ryan Sabinish

Age: 27

Address: 1102 Janson st Albert Lea, MN 56007

1. What is the best thing the city can do to attract businesses?

Continue to offer tax breaks to new business and current businesses. And go after businesses looking to expand and ask them what would it take for them to move to Albert Lea.

 
2. What steps should Albert Lea take on its downtown business area?

We need to lower our sewer and water fees to these small businesses. Also open up more parking and continue to offer low-interest loans to the down business to fix up their stores.

3. Do you think the preagenda meeting is necessary? Why?

No. Because I do not feel they should plan, how they should vote before the City Council meeting and determine things before the meeting. And if elected I would push not to have preagenda meetings, but if I could not succeed I would push to have a preagenda meeting right before the City Council meeting and air it on television.

  

4. How do you rate the city manager’s performance over the past five years?

I feel she has done a good job, but it is her job to follow the City Council’s direction. But the City Council has not done enough to keep property taxes down and sometimes she gets the blame for what the City Council does.

5. What changes would you make concerning the relationship between city officials and county officials?

I think they should have monthly meetings if they already do not do so.

 
6. What are your plans to improve the quality of life in Albert Lea over the next four years?

I will not vote for more property taxes. With the downturn of the economy and so many people losing their jobs and homes, we cannot afford to increase our property taxes and put further pressure on homeowners. Take a forward stance on the practical usage of the Farmstead site by using this land for a community park with a soccer field, outdoor ice area for winter and picnic area, but we need to go after our state leaders to help fund this project.

 
7. What changes would you make in the city budget and/or in tax rates?

I would keep property taxes down by putting more evaluation into seeing whether roads need repair or waiting another year. Also hire a independent person, not from Albert Lea to investigate ways to cut down on city costs.

 
8. What is your track record of community service?

I volunteer more than 30 full days a year to my country and community by serving in United States military. I have served 29 months of active duty, in which I have served my community members by defending their freedom, rights and by protecting my community by serving 15 months in Iraq.

 
9. Please tell us why voters should pick you:

Because I am a lifelong resident of Freeborn County who offers the voters of the 3rd Ward leadership through service of our country. I am someone who understands that we cannot raise property taxes when families are losing homes and jobs. I also feel some of the best companies we can get are warehouse and transportation facilities with our easy accessibility and location to the interstates.