Garry Ellingson and Dick Chaffee will square off March 20 in the Fifth District race for Mower County commissioner.

Wednesday, February 28, 2001

Garry Ellingson and Dick Chaffee will square off March 20 in the Fifth District race for Mower County commissioner.

Ellingson was the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s special primary election for the county board seat. He received 107 votes and Chaffee received 72.

Ellingson is a retired former long-time Mower County Sheriff’s Department chief deputy. He has been unsuccessful in seeking election to the county board and appointment to the Austin City Council.

Chaffee is the current at-large member on the Austin City Council who campaigned openly on the need for the city’s residents to have a stronger "voice" on the county board. If he is successful in winning the March 20 special election, that will set in motion a race to fill his at-large seat on the council.

The county board vacancy was created when Gary Nemitz, the Fifth District commissioner since 1990, resigned in January because of health reasons. The resignation ended a long public service career for Nemitz, who also was a former Austin City Council member.

The Fifth District includes portions of the city’s First and Second wards.

Donna Olson, a Mower County DFL Party activist and member of the League of Women Voters who was making her debut in politics, received 65 votes in Tuesday’s primary election.

Dick Lees, a retired Austin High School teacher and coach who now works for Mower County Correctional Services, received 54 votes.

David Tschann, a retired long-time Austin Fire Department captain, received 40 votes.

Ellingson said he was humbled by Tuesday’s special election results.

"When I learned I was the top vote-getter, it was very emotional and when I learned I was one of the winners, I was ecstatic," he said.

Ellingson said he would continue to pound away at what he calls the top three issues: flood control, the multipurpose building project and the county’s millions of dollars in undesignated reserves.

"I really believe the taxpayers need an explanation," he said.

Ellingson predicted a tough battle from Chaffee.

"However, I really believe my long-time employment with Mower County and my experience at working with the county commissioners and other units of government give me an edge," he said.

Chaffee was unavailable for comment this morning.