Editor’s note: Candidates filled out a Tribune questionnaire and selected from a range of topics on the last question. Look for candidate profiles to begin Friday.

Race: Sheriff

Mark Harig

Age: 58

Address: 73054 180th St., Albert Lea

Occupation: Freeborn County sheriff

Family: wife, Trudy; son, Randy; granddaughter, Addison

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I am a member of Western Star Lodge and Osman Shrine. We provide scholarships for students and free health care for children with disabilities. I support the American Cancer Society (Bike-A-Thon), Salvation Army, Red Cross, Fire Association, Homeless Response Team, Fountain Lake Treatment Center Advisory Board, REACT, Amateur Radio Club, Youth Gun Safety, Eagles, Moose and American Legion. I participate with Toward Zero Death, Drug Education Task Force, Sheriff’s Youth Programs and South Central Drug Task Force Executive Board, Minnesota Sheriff’s Association and National Sheriff’s Association. I am an active member of the Harley Owner’s Group and American Motorcycle Association.

Why did you run?

To protect and serve. I believe that I can continue to structure the Sheriff’s Office and provide training to staff that will proactively promote fair and competent enforcement, safety for citizens, assistance when needed and leadership to the benefit of the community. I am consistent with my goals to upgrade operations, enhance emergency management, meet mandated guidelines and develop Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office to a leadership role in Minnesota law enforcement.

I work with a talented staff. Together we are bringing excellence to Freeborn County during an economic depression, providing jobs, savings and revenue wherever possible to our benefit.

Why should people vote for you?

I bring 37 years of experience, eight as sheriff. I bring experience in budgeting having a flat-line — zero increase — budget the past three years with reductions where available. I bring an ICE contract, generating jobs and over $2.6 million generated during economic downturns. I consistently meet goals, mandates and community needs by actively helping whenever possible. I promote training for continuity, collaboration for effectiveness and change for the future.

I bring to Freeborn County a unique approach to advancement that other counties have not been able to realize in our present economy.

I am consistent with my goals. I am dedicated and continue to positively promote Freeborn County.

Our Sheriff’s Office excels. I believe that our goals are met because we work together, not for personal credit, but for benefit of all. I was born and will live by choice in Freeborn County.

Where do you stand on jobs?

During this economic downturn, full-time employment is needed to stimulate the economy and provide employment opportunities.

Our federal contract with ICE provides 17 full-time jobs to manage this contract.

This contract is funded from our federal tax money from our paychecks. Minnesota is one of the poorest states at re-capturing federal taxes we pay. While some states receive $1.25 for every dollar of federal tax paid, Minnesota receives approximately 90 cents. Anytime we can get a contract that brings federal tax money back to Minnesota, it is good for Minnesota’s tax base. Anytime we can bring these jobs and income back to Freeborn County, it is good for our Freeborn County economy.

Our contract has earned over $2.6 million since June 2009. This revenue goes to our county general fund to operate Freeborn County, reduces our debt, provides jobs, stimulates the local schools and economy.

Bob Kindler

Age: 51

Address: 76809 170 Street, Albert Lea

Occupation: detective/supervisor, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office

Family: wife, Laurie

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

The Blandin Community Leadership Program I attended emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the need for people to work together to solve problems and have a positive impact on their community. Currently, I am an active member of Daybreakers Kiwanis and several conservation organizations. I serve on the board of directors of a local credit union and actively participate in Freeborn County’s Towards Zero Deaths Coalition and working to better meet the needs of crime victims with disabilities. In my free time I enjoy spending time with Laurie, traveling, bicycling, woodworking, stained glass work, and I’m an avid fisherman.

Why did you run?

The Sheriff’s Office needs a new leader. We are headed in the wrong direction and are not efficiently or effectively meeting the needs of the citizens.

Our current trend of wasted spending, preferential treatment, financial mismanagement, failure to adequately train, lack of patrol presence in rural areas and the need for increased traffic safety and enforcement are just some of the reasons why I chose to run for the position of sheriff. With my education and experience, I am in a unique and opportune position to make the ethical changes required to restore professionalism and accountability.

Why should people vote for you?

Throughout my career I have developed strong leadership skills supported by extensive education and experience. I have earned the trust and confidence of the patrol and supervisory staff and have developed strong professional relationships with other county agencies and fire departments. I have hands-on emergency management experience and have developed a strong working relationship with the Albert Lea Police Department that will prove invaluable as we work together to eliminate duplication and reduce costs.

I have a plan that will restore professionalism and morale while making us more responsive to our citizens. The plan is fiscally sound and eliminates thousands of dollars in unnecessary overtime while capitalizing on revenue from grants and the ICE contract. Other benefits include greater patrol presence with increased traffic enforcement, all designed to be cost efficient and effective law enforcement that you have come to expect and demand for your tax dollar.

Where do you stand on budgets?

At approximately $5.7 million, the Sheriff’s Office budget is the largest it has ever been. Because of its enormity and complexity, much thought needs to go into the development of the budget as well as identifying ways to stay within budget. Strategic planning is essential to proper fiscal management.

A budget is more than placing dollar amounts into each line item and then spending the money because it is there. Proper management requires a constant reassessment of needs versus wants as well as careful monitoring of all assets and expenditures. Any mismanagement of public funds, regardless of the amount, is unacceptable and inexcusable.

As sheriff, I will eliminate the wasted spending in the current budget and use my financial abilities to strategically develop and manage a budget that provides fair and cost-effective law enforcement to all citizens. In short, we will become more efficient with our financial resources while improving our services.

Race: 1st District representative

Randy Demmer

Age: 53

Address: 502 Second St. NE, Hayfield

Occupation: farmer, small business owner

Family: wife, Kathy; daughters Lauren, Ann and Margeaux

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

Strong involvement in our communities helps make Southern Minnesota such a great place to live and work. In addition to service in the Legislature, I also served on the Hayfield School Board and Economic Development Authority. I’ve been involved in a senior housing task force, Dodge County Ice Arena Board, Trinity Lutheran Church Council and the boards of the local Corn Growers, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and the Rochester Area Library Foundation. I enjoyed coaching girls youth basketball for eight years, and my wife and I enjoy singing in an a cappella gospel quartet called Hosanna.

Why did you run?

I believe that our nation is truly at a crossroads. Over the last several years, and with the support of Congressman Tim Walz, our country has been pulled away from individual responsibility and personal freedom and toward increased government power and control and intrusion into people’s lives and businesses. We have added trillions of dollars to our national debt by spending money we don’t have in an attempt to buy our way to prosperity — effectively mortgaging our children’s future for little short-term gain. I fundamentally disagree with this direction and believe that the American people do, too.

Why should people vote for you?

Voters in southern Minnesota need a representative who truly reflects their values and beliefs and works tirelessly on their behalf. As a small business owner, I understand that in difficult economic times, our country needs fiscally responsible leadership focused on private-sector job creation. Despite billions spent on Walz’s “stimulus,” our economy remains stagnant with high unemployment. As a farmer, I understand how the cap-and-trade scheme that Walz voted for will devastate our agricultural economy and increase energy costs for all Americans. As a citizen, I’m concerned about the government takeover of health care and will work toward its immediate repeal. As a lifelong resident of the district, I will represent the values that built this country: common sense, individual responsibility, the importance of community. Working together, we can get back to a government that works for all of us, instead of all of us working for the government.

Where do you stand on jobs?

Even as Democrats in Washington claim job creation is one of their top priorities and even with billions of “stimulus” dollars spent to jumpstart the economy, we remain mired a jobless recovery — at best. What Congress fails to understand is that the economic engine for our future economic recovery will not come from more government spending and debt, but from the small businesses, entrepreneurs and private sector enterprises.

We need to free businesses from burdensome regulation, rethink tax burdens placed on job providers and focus on encouraging existing businesses to expand, rehire laid-off workers and create new opportunities. Congress can immediately begin to restore business owner and consumer confidence by preventing the largest tax increase in our nation’s history from hitting at a time when economic recovery remains fragile and uncertain. We need to create an environment that benefits job seekers and job providers, rewards investment, and grows our economy.

Tim Walz

Age: 46

Address: 110 E. Liberty St., Mankato

Occupation: Mankato West High School teacher, 1st District representative

Family: wife, Gwen; two kids

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I am a teacher on leave from Mankato West High School while I serve in Congress and was proud to serve 24 years in the National Guard. While at Mankato West, I helped coach the football team to the state championship.

I enjoy watching football, reading and any chance to play with my kids.

Why did you run?

I believe our best days are ahead of us, but the failed policies of the past won’t work. We need to come together and find common-sense solutions to the challenges we face and partisan bickering won’t get the job done. Whether it’s my work on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee or my work on a bipartisan energy bill that brought Democrats and Republicans together, I have a record of putting differences aside and getting things done. My focus will be on three key issues: growing our economy and creating private sector growth and jobs; ensuring our veterans have the care and benefits they have earned; and tackling the national debt.

Why should people vote for you?

This election is a choice. Voters in southern Minnesota have a choice between a new direction and the same failed policies of the past. I am proud of the successes we have been able to achieve on behalf of veterans in the past several years. I am committed to creating private sector job growth, ensuring our veterans have the care and benefits they have earned and tackling the national debt.

Where do you stand on jobs?

Creating jobs in southern Minnesota is my No. 1 priority. Small businesses have always been the engine of our economic growth, which is why I have laid out a jobs plan focused on offering small business the tools for innovation and prosperity to create jobs. Businesses also need a stable, modern transportation system to efficiently ship their goods. I also believe that local control and investment ensures accountability of tax dollars. That’s why I authorized legislation to give rural communities more of a say in how their transportation dollars are spent. Businesses and consumers also need stable energy costs and new sources of energy are the key to growing our rural economy. I also support tax cuts to middle class families to ensure the money is in the hands of those who can revitalize this economy.

Race: Senate District 27

Kathy Green

Age: 53

Address: 1508 16th Ave. SW, Austin, MN

Occupation: account specialist and hygienist at family dental practice; member of Austin school board and Minnesota School Boards Association; trustee with the Public Employee Retirement Association

Family: husband, Peter Green; sons Fred, Nathan, Luke, Spencer and Jerome

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

Community involvement is who I am. I’ve spent 30 years actively leading in local schools, churches and community organizations. This provides me a unique understanding of what’s important to local residents and how state government directly impacts our community and families. I’ve been active in education, from the parent-teacher committee for my five boys all the way to serving on the Austin and Minnesota state school boards. I’m also active with the local Boy Scouts, Hormel Institute, First United Methodist Church, Relay for Life and the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund. In my spare time I enjoy quilting, reading and family time.

Why did you run?

I am running to fix the budget, grow jobs and provide a brighter future for our state. The nearly $6 billion deficit will bankrupt our children’s future and threatens local farmers, jobs and families. I, like many citizens, am frustrated that the incumbent has been unwilling to fix Minnesota’s budget and control spending. My 30 years of community and statewide experience give me a unique understanding of the issues that are important to southeastern Minnesota. We need a responsible budget and a senator who will fight every day to help our farms, businesses and schools. I will be that senator.

Why should people vote for you?

I have the experience and proven record to create a brighter future for Minnesota by fixing the budget and growing jobs. The incumbent has had eight years to get things right, yet we are left with a budget crisis and a broken state. I hear the frustrations of my fellow citizens and will set a budget that prioritizes needs before wants and gets spending under control.

My background in health care, economics and the community help me understand the impact state government has on local farmers, businesses, families and schools.

I have the determination and courage to make the tough decisions that need to be made. I grew up in Minnesota with a Midwestern work ethic and commitment to faith, family, education and personal responsibility. I will carry those values to St. Paul while working tirelessly to create a brighter future for you and your family. I ask for your vote.

Where do you stand on budgets?

Minnesota’s $5.8 billion budget deficit threatens farmers, businesses, families and schools. I’ll solve this crisis in three ways: First, approach the state budget the same way families approach their own budget: Don’t spend more than we have. Incumbents have maxed out the state credit card; we can’t afford to keep racking up debt. Legislators must finally make tough decisions and prioritizes needs over wants.

Second, pass the budget in a timely manner. This is crucial because it creates stable and predictable funding for schools and cities. Minnesota schools are spending $20 million on loan interest this year because the budget wasn’t balanced in time. That’s $20 million that’s not being spent on kids. I will work across the aisle to pass a responsible and timely budget.

Third, increase revenue by growing our economy. This requires fiscally responsible budgets and reducing regulations that strangle small businesses and the jobs they create.

Dan Sparks

Age: 42

Address: 2009 Seventh Ave. SE, Austin

Occupation: state senator

Family: spouse, Andrea; three daughters

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I am a lifelong resident of this area — the same as my parents and grandparents. Before being elected to the state Senate, I worked in a number of fields from farming with my grandfather to plant work at Hormel to county road construction work and finally to the financial field of banking and real estate. I continue to have a personal interest in all these fields today. In my spare time, I have not only participated in sports activity all my life, but have coached Little League teams as well.

Why did you run?

I have been honored to be the state senator from District 27 for eight years. During this time, I have fought hard for our schools, our seniors, our veterans and military families, our small businesses, our laborers, our police and firefighter forces — and most of all, for taxpayers. I’m proud to have earned a reputation for being someone who listens to all sides and puts people before politics. I have also earned a reputation for getting things done — working together with our local elected officials and with my colleagues both Democrat and Republican at the Capitol. Most of all, I care deeply about the future of this area. My daughters now attend the same schools I attended, and I want to make this a better place for all of us to live and work.

Why should people vote for you?

I take great pride in my community and I enjoy working hard to improve the lives of its residents. The decisions I make as a senator don’t affect just “voters” — they affect my family, friends and neighbors whom I’ve gown up with. The people of this district deserve to have the strongest and best representation possible. They deserve a senator who not only seeks their input, but who knows how to work with people and how to get things done. I do.

I am proud to have passed major legislation with support from Democrats and Republicans — and with the support of Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Locally, I have been a champion for the Edgewater Park cleanup, flood relief and wind energy developments. And last year, I authored one of the only solutions to the budget deficit that didn’t involve new taxes: the racino bill.

Where do you stand on jobs?

Growing jobs is the most important part of getting our economy moving again. To grow jobs, we need to support a quality education system to produce a strong workforce. We need to keep up with transportation needs to allow businesses to transport goods and services. Most importantly, we must balance the budget responsibly so we have enough resources to support these priorities for the long term. Our state needs leaders with the courage to address all of these issues — whether the solutions are politically popular or not. It is my goal to put Minnesota back in a position to grow new jobs and improve the ones that already exist. I will continue to play a key role in the I-90 Coalition, a strong, hardworking group of Democratic and Republican legislators who understand there are strength in numbers. While I recognize the challenges we face, I am confident we can all work together to achieve our goals.

Race: House District 27A

Robin Brown

Age: 49

Address: 27667 Mower-Freeborn Road, Moscow Township, Austin

Occupation: Albert Lea High School art teacher, state representative

Family: husband, Joseph E. Brown, superintendent of schools; adult children Jeb, Nathaniel, Bristen, Crystal, Madison, Earnest

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I have enjoyed teaching thousands of students at Albert Lea High School.

In my spare time, I share my horses with friends. Teaching a child to manage a 1,200-pound animal instills the important qualities of responsibility and confidence.

I also enjoy photography, painting, gardening, trail riding and reading. I have exhibited work at the Albert Lea Art Center.

I am a member of Thorne Crest Advisory Board, AAUW, Freeborn County Historical Society, North American Peruvian Paso Horse Association, Sunset Saddle Club, Albert Lea Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, Women of the Moose, Education Minnesota, Farmer’s Union, Civil Air Patrol, DFL.

Why did you run?

Having personally visited more than 9,000 homes this year alone, I understand the diversity of our district. We differ in our family structures, jobs, income, health care, education, views and beliefs. I consider this with each vote I take.

This year the Legislature will tackle a projected $6 billion budget deficit. The choices made by legislators during this session will affect every one of us. Decisions will be made about what services, programs and credits the state is no longer able to afford. I feel a sense of duty to actively represent District 27A as these important decisions are made.

Why should people vote for you?

You know me and you know my record. I have voted for balanced budgets in each of my four years of service. With each vote, I carefully weighed the needs of the people of southern Minnesota with the needs of the entire state. I have voted in support of jobs, infrastructure, education, health care and the environment. I have been a thoughtful, fair and responsible legislator. I have a record of strong constituent service. I personally visit the homes of our district during both election and non-election years because I think it’s the best way to hear your priorities — face to face. I am encouraged with statements like, “We really appreciate your hard work,” and “Thank you for getting back to me about…” I am known for working across party lines and for working with local officials including: county commissioners, mayors, city council members, township trustees and school board members.

Where do you stand on education?

Education continues to be a passion of mine and I have been honored to serve on multiple education committees during my two terms as a legislator including the K-12 Finance Committee. The K-12 finance formula has received a lot of attention over the last few years and many agree that it is in need of reform. I would add that the current formula is out of date, overly complicated and unfair to students in greater Minnesota. We need a new formula that is fair to students whether they attend school at Albert Lea, Alden-Conger, Glenville-Emmons, Lyle or Southland. I have been working with nonpartisan House Research creating BEST, a formula that is balanced, equal, simple and targeted. I have been sharing BEST with legislators across party lines because I believe we owe it to our future to get education funding right.

Rich Murray

Age: 53

Address: 124 Ridge Road, Albert Lea

Occupation: financial adviser

Family: wife, Sandy; four adult children, three sons, one daughter and eight granddaughters

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

Community involvement has always been a part of my life — serving in many organizations including youth sports throughout the area. From the time we moved to Albert Lea in 1983, I became involved with the United Way — becoming the campaign chairman in 1997, and serving as the board president a year later. I currently serve on the Salvation Army and Naeve Healthcare Foundation boards and teach parenting classes at the jail. In my free time I love spending time with my family, especially my granddaughters. I also like to read and enjoy working out to stay sharp mentally and physically.

Why did you run?

The thought of running for office has always been in the back of my mind but the timing never seemed right. Early this year, I had many people talk to me about running and I decided that “the time is now!” After talking it over with my wife and family, they agreed. There are so many critical issues facing the state right now that I can make an immediate and positive impact on. I don’t think we should pass our problems on to our children and grandchildren. This is the message I’m hearing from many of the people I’ve met as I’ve been visiting residents across the district.

Why should people vote for you?

Anyone who knows me knows I never give less than 100 percent. I am ready to serve and will be a strong voice for my constituents. I was born, raised and other than three years I proudly served my country in the U. S. Army, I have lived my entire life in southern Minnesota. I understand southern Minnesota values such as hard work, community pride and service to others, God, country and family. I have worked in financial services for more than 25 years and hold an undergraduate accounting and business degree and a master’s in business administration, which I believe could be put to very good use a we tackle a $6 billion budget deficit next year. I care deeply about people, especially our children and seniors. I also will work hard to ensure our children and grandchildren have the best education we can provide to make them competitive in today’s global economy.

Where do you stand on jobs?

There are a number of important issues facing the state of Minnesota, but I believe that more and better jobs are on the top of the list. We must work to ensure that Minnesota businesses can be competitive with other states and can compete in the global economy. We must review all rules and regulations to make sure we are not at a competitive disadvantage. We must continually work to find innovative ways to start and attract businesses to our region. If we put more people back to work and also create new jobs that pay a decent wage we can have a huge impact on most critical items facing the state. As I’ve talked to many people around the district I keep hearing we need to stop spending so much and we need more jobs. I believe we can solve a number of the state issues if we focus on jobs first.

Race: Albert Lea school board

Mark Ciota

Age: 46

Address: 72669 220th St., Albert Lea

Occupation: orthopedic surgeon and CEO of Albert Lea Medical Center

Family: wife, Allison; daughters Alexandra and Morgan

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I have lived in Albert Lea since 1995.

Jeshua Erickson

Age: 35

Address: 811 St. Thomas Ave.

Occupation: self-employed computer consultant

Family: wife, Jennifer; son, Axel, 18 months

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

♦ Acted in two ACT productions: “She Loves Me” and “Don’t Hug Me”

♦ Participated in Minnesota’s sesquicentennial production of “Tales of Two Counties”

♦ Co-director of the Vitality Project’s walking moai program

♦ Board member for the Flying Lea Disc Golf Club

♦ Former vestry member at Christ Episcopal Church

♦ Former co-facilitator of Albert Lea Chess Club

♦ Volunteered as a mentor at Southwest Middle School

♦ Volunteered in an Options classroom at Albert Lea High School

♦ Currently a volunteer assistant track and field coach at ALHS

♦ Currently serve on the United Way Allocations Committee

Jill Marin

Age: 47

Address: 1311 S. Fourth Ave., Albert Lea

Occupation: minister/counselor

Family: husband, George; son, Elisha, 18; daughter, Suzie, 16

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

Education has always been a passion for me. I have been a school board member, AmeriCorps mentor, curriculum committee member, Math Masters coach, room parent, chaperone, tutor, testing volunteer and science fair judge. My high school awards/activities included valedictorian, national honor society, choirs, bands, orchestras and dramas. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, mathematics minor, and hold a substitute teacher’s license. Currently, I am working on my master’s degree in mental health counseling. I am involved with Freeborn County Partners in Prevention and Freeborn County CARE. I also am a chaplain at Fountain Centers and assist in pastoral care at Grace Christian Church.

Editor’s note: The Tribune did not receive a response via e-mail from school board incumbent candidate Sally Ehrhardt, which could have been for various and good reasons, but if a response does come, it will be printed at that time.

Race: Freeborn County attorney

Craig S. Nelson

Age: 60

Address: 72348 197th Street, Albert Lea

Occupation: Freeborn County attorney

Family: wife, Mary; two adult daughters, one son-in-law

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I am a lifetime resident of Freeborn County. For 34 years I have worked as a lawyer in Albert Lea and have been county attorney for 19 years.

I am a member of professional, fraternal and service organizations.

I have enjoyed serving on the boards of organizations such as the Child Care Center, City & County Credit Union, and Red Cross and as president of the Art Center, Family Y, Senior Resources and my church.

My professional service includes serving as president of the 800-member County Attorney Association.

Personal interests include my church, the natural world and bicycling.

Race: Freeborn County recorder

Kelly Callahan

Age: 56

Address: 311 Lloyd Place, Albert Lea

Occupation: Freeborn County recorder

Family: wife, Sue; children Patrick and Erin

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

A lifelong resident of Freeborn County, I have been honored the past 10 years to serve as county recorder. My involvement in the community continues with several service, nonprofit and charitable organizations. I also pursue my love of history through antiques and collectables. I brought a wealth of knowledge, education and experience in real estate to the office, and I have also learned a great deal while serving as recorder. I remain committed to being recognized as a statewide authority and resource for my fellow recorders and providing quality and friendly service to the customers of my office.

Race: Freeborn County auditor/treasurer

Dennis A. Distad

Age: statutorily legal

Address: 2003 Brookside Drive, Albert Lea

Occupation: Freeborn County auditor-treasurer and deputy registrar of motor vehicles

Family: wife, Dianne; son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Jodie, grandsons Devin and Cole

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

First is family and friends, and from that spreads new interests and new directions, knowing that old school is not all bad. Working with family and friends is reward in itself. And after a 20-month-old grandson, there isn’t much of any time left.

Second is work. I have redetermined the benefits on all Freeborn County public drainage systems and am now starting to record all of the public drainage system right-of-ways. As a byproduct of redetermining benefits, a one rod grass conservation buffer strip easement has been established forever. Every dollar under my office’s control is always accounted for. Elections are run openly and transparently as with the 2008 recount for U.S. Senate.

Race: Freeborn County Commissioner District 2

Dan Belshan

Age: 55

Address: 85486 157th St., Glenville, MN 56036

Occupation: farmer, Freeborn County District 2 commissioner

Family: wife, Bonnie, children/grandchildren John Van Beek (wife, Jody, Tate & Sawyer) Matthew Belshan (fiancée, Angelina)

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I’ve been a voice for the people of District 2 and the county and never missed a regular County Board meeting. By attending township and city meetings, I stay in touch with grass-roots concerns. My newsletters on danbelshan.com give information, facts and opinions on county issues, including cost-saving ideas. I don’t charge the county for mileage, meals, phone or junkets. We relax at our family cabin, observing wildlife, clearing buckthorn, planting trees and wildflowers. As a farmer I believe in land stewardship. I believe government is a servant of the people, and I’m honored to serve them.

Editor’s note: The Tribune did not receive a response via e-mail from Freeborn County District 4 Commissioner Christopher Shoff because he was out of town, but he did let the Tribune know one is coming. It will be printed at that time.

Albert Lea City Council Ward 6

Reid Olson

Age: 36

Address: 1110 E. Richway Drive

Occupation: siding installer

Family: wife, Sarah; sons Alex, 6, and Michael, 5, and daughter Maggie, 2

How you have been involved in the community and what are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

Community involvement is very important, especially being a member of the City Council. I have enjoyed being able to help out at the transfer station, with the downtown and lake cleanups, roofing at the new boathouse and also the Freeborn County Historical Museum. I enjoy coaching my sons in T-ball, helping out at numerous activities at their schools and spending quality time with my children at our local parks, at the Home Depot for kids’ workshop day and at the library for story time.

Editor’s note: The Tribune did not receive a response via e-mail from Albert Lea mayoral candidate Vern Rasmussen due to computer problems, but he did let the Tribune know one is coming. It will be printed at that time.

Editor’s note: The Tribune did not receive a response via e-mail from Albert Lea Ward 6 Councilor Al Brooks or Ward 2 Councilor Larry Baker, which could have been for various and good reasons, but if a response does come, it will be printed at that time.