I’d like to start out by thanking the Tribune for providing this opportunity for local candidates to write guest columns before the primary and general elections.

In previous articles and interviews, as well as at candidate forums sponsored by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and local chapter of the League of Women Voters and in talking to people, the issues I’ve stressed have been discussed at length. I’m not going to go into great detail about these here because the differences between me and Mayor Randall Erdman have been made clear. In summary, these are: 1. Restructuring the Albert Lea City Council’s meetings by proposing to eliminate the Thursday “preagenda” meeting, and removing the restrictions that have been placed on the public forum. 2. Focusing more on reducing spending, which has resulted in individual property taxes paid on residential and business properties doubling in the period from 2002 to 2008. I believe these actions will improve the trust and faith of Albert Lea citizens that their city is listening to them, especially in today’s troubled economy.

There are other factors that I offer as a candidate for mayor that I’d like to focus on here. First, my decision to file was simply an individual decision, after having been encouraged by a variety of individual people to run for local office. I consider it a true grassroots candidacy that is not tied to any particular interest group. I am very pleased with the support I’ve received from fellow citizens, both those I’ve known all my life, and those I’ve just met. In short, I consider myself an ordinary citizen who is willing to represent the entire city.

Although the mayor and council positions are nonpartisan, I’ve been very pleased to find support for both sides of the political spectrum. As I look around town to see where my yard signs have been placed, I see mine mixed in with signs for both DFL and Republican candidates for political offices. I think this is a good indication that my message has reached a good cross-section of the people in our city and is a sign that, regardless of politics, we can find agreement on issues facing our city.

In recent years, I’ve commented on a variety of city issues, sometimes being critical — but respectful — of decisions by the mayor and City Council. It’s often said if you’re willing to dish it out, you should be willing to be on the receiving end, so I felt it was time to offer myself as a candidate. Some have asked, why start with the mayor’s office and not a council position? As a resident of Ward 1, I could have run for that seat this year, but I did not see enough of a difference between myself and current council member Vern Rasmussen that would result in significant change. The mayor, however, can have real influence for the entire city on the issues that I have stressed.

I have said I look at the mayor’s role as a council member-at-large, not just being a ceremonial role or a tiebreaker vote. The mayor certainly has duties requiring public relations and marketing skills, and my prior work experience has prepared me for that. I was responsible for public relations and marketing at the local electric cooperative for six years, and previous to that I worked in radio and newspaper advertising, helping local businesses market themselves to Albert Lea and Freeborn County.

My work experience for much of my life has also required me to be a troubleshooter to solve problems. I’m used to asking questions and looking for alternatives in search of an answer. My work at the electric utility included helping people analyze their electric usage. As a programmer and network administrator for a company with over 500 employees, I help solve problems and look for ways to help people work more efficiently using computing technology. In both places, I developed troubleshooting skills, which are just as applicable to looking for options to the issues that face us as a city.

I appreciate the support I’ve received from my fellow Albert Lea citizens about the positions I’ve taken, and my decision to run for mayor. With your support, and your vote on Nov. 4, I believe we can work together in making Albert Lea an even better place to be.

Mike Murtaugh resides in Ward 1 and is the challenger in the Albert Lea mayoral race.