Penny the best choice for governor

Whoever is elected governor will be given the burden of a $3 billion debt, rising health care costs and a slow economy.

This is not the time for partisan politics and games. It's a time to find solutions.

Both Tim Pawlenty and Roger Moe have been deeply involved in the budget crisis while serving in the state legislature.

Tim Penny has gone so far to say that the legislators helped create the deficit problem. Penny said the state needs a different style of leadership.

Penny's style of leadership is well-known is this part of the state. He served as U.S. Representative for the 1st District for 12 years and represented the area well.

Although he left the DFL party in his return to politics, Penny had rarely made his decisions based solely on the party. He tried to do what was best for the region.

Now, Penny is seeking to do what is best for the state. To fix the budget problem, he said every option has to be looked at. The crisis can be used as a way to transform government and restructure programs and services so that they are run as efficiently as possible, he said.

Penny is also quick not to promise taxes will never be raised, which Pawlenty has promised in his campaign. Although residents would not like increased taxes, it is perhaps unrealistic to rule them out completely in the state's financial situation.

Road improvements are another priority for Penny. He supports a gas tax to fund much need road and bridge repair.

"I can't promise road improvements unless we have the money to do it," Penny said.

As far as school funding, Penny said the formula needs to be re-examined so that all schools are getting their fair share. Once that is done, the state needs to make sure state aid is reliable. Penny also thinks that any program that is mandated by the federal or state government should be paid for by the state. This will put less strain on local budgets, he said.

Penny also supports higher education and will make sure state financial aid to college students is not cut.

Penny will look out for this part of the state as well. He lives in Waseca and knows what issues people here are concerned with.

"Folks down here know I pay attention," he said.

With Penny's experience and involvement in our area, he is the best choice for governor in this race.

U.S. Senate

In one of the most hardest-fought campaigns statewide, the battle between Republican challenger Norm Coleman and incumbent Sen. Paul Wellstone was sure to go down to the wire. However, we all know that race will never come to fruition, because of the Wellstone's tragic death from a plane crash that occurred last week.

Now, Coleman's challenger is Walter Mondale, a former senator himself who ran unsuccessfully in 1984 for the presidency against Ronald Reagan.

However, we're truly unsure if the 74-year-old Mondale is up to the challenge to once again fight hard for Minnesotans in the Senate chamber. Because of that, we're endorsing Coleman in this contest.

Coleman has tirelessly campaigned for the past year to try and regain a seat that Wellstone has had for the past two terms. It's apparent that Coleman's dedication and desire to represent Minnesota is there.

Coleman has indicated his desire to keep taxes lowered. He has also supported President Bush on taking action against Iraq. Some have said the United States needs to wait for United Nations approval and to go into Iraq with a coalition of nations.

However, we think time is of the essence and that if the United States doesn't take the lead on this issue, there will never be any resolution. Coleman supports this country taking the lead, and it's that leadership we're looking for to help represent this state.

U.S. House

In the past eight years, Congressman Gil Gutknecht has shown some improvement in getting results for people in this area. While on the agriculture committee, he worked on the farm bill. Although the final result was not perfect, it was a step in understanding the needs of the region's farmers.

Health care is also an important issue to Gutknecht and he favors allowing FDA-approved drugs to be imported into the country so that people have a lower-cost option. This in turn would lower the cost of drugs produced in the United States, he said. However, the proposal did not make it through the Senate.

Gutknecht has helped to ensure funding for children with special needs and hopes to implement reform in the Individuals with Disabilities Act. While this is a step in the right direction, Gutknecht needs to look at other educational needs in this region that the federal government can help with.

When DM&E purchased the I & M Rail Link in Austin, Gutknecht in many ways supported the sale because he said trains are the most efficient way to transport materials. While this may be true, the area has concerns about property values and safety if rail traffic increases. Gutknecht needs to give this region a stronger voice in Washington about possible increased train traffic in the area.

While Gutknecht has made some progress in helping this region, much more could be done. His opponent, Steve Andreasen, has not lived in the area long enough to get a good grasp on what this area needs. If Gutknecht were facing a more formidable opponent, we may be endorsing another candidate.

But as it stands, Gutknecht makes the better representative in this race. If elected, we challenge him to work harder for the needs in this area and to vigorously pursue his goals for the next term.

State Senate District 27

As a freshman senator, Grace Schwab has learned to balance her schedule to deal with a bevy of issues: education, roads and bridges and flood relief.

Although she's still learning the ropes in St. Paul, we back Schwab's bid for re-election to her post as state District 27 senator.

The first term can be one of the hardest for any politician. Contacts must be established and friendships (and other allies) must be forged. Plus, just knowing how things work and operate in an arena where anything is possible isn't easy.

However, with that, we encourage Schwab to not get caught up in party politics and to be mindful to represent what's best for the residents in Mower and Freeborn counties.

We feel her opponent, Dan Sparks, just doesn't have the experience that's needed for this position.

We understand that Schwab is from Albert Lea and Sparks is from Austin. And we feel that Schwab must continue to fight hard for this area and bring services and jobs to our communities. But even though Sparks is a native son, we think his lack of political experience would be a step back for representation here.

We encourage Sparks to serve on a local level first, whether that be a school board or city council position, before deciding to run for state senator. If Sparks is successful in one of those roles, he could quite possibly be a great asset for this area in St. Paul.

However, until then, Schwab is the better candidate and must continue to remember who she represents in this area.

State House District 27B

Based on his views toward education and the values and attitudes of those in House District 27B, we believe Jeff Anderson is the better choice in this race.

And-erson, an Austin High School social studies teacher, knows and understands firsthand the problems school districts must continually face with state and federal funding that seems to be shrinking each year.

Anderson said he's also frustrated and has said he'll fight to keep more education dollars going toward rural Minnesota schools. For the past few years, more and more dollars have instead gone to those in and around the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region.

Anderson said it's not his desire to raise taxes.

Frankly, we know it's going to be near impossible for the state to crawl out of a budget hole that's projected to be as high as $4 billion, without raising taxes or fees. Anderson is realistic as well, saying he would only vote to raise taxes as a last resort.

Mounting a last-minute campaign two years ago, voters nearly elected Anderson to the post that was held by Rob Leighton, who is retiring from the seat.

Anderson's opponent, Jeanne Poppe, has been a valuable public servant. However, we believe that Anderson will best represent the people of House District 27B.

State House District 27A

Because of redistricting, Dan Dorman and Allan Halvorsen are vying to represent part of Mower County for District 27A State Represen-tative.

Dorman has represented the old District 27A and should be the person to continue to do the same in the southern part of the county.

To help fix the state budget, Dorman proposes significant budget cuts. Part of the reason the government's balance plunged was that money was given to programs and agencies on the assumption that they would grow. Dorman said growth should never be assumed.

He suggests cutbacks in welfare by limiting it to five years.

If re-elected, Dorman would like to propose reform in the way schools in greater Minnesota are funded. Rural schools continue to receive less funding than urban ones, he said. Dorman supports the Profiles of Learning because he said it prepares students for college.

Dorman, if elected, will need to consider the new challenges and needs in this part of the district. Dorman has done a good job in looking out for Albert Lea schools, being involved with the Farmland situation and helping causes in the rest of Freeborn County.

Dorman, if elected, needs to continue that type of work in the newest part of his district.

Mower county

3rd District

David Hillier has served remarkably well in his past term as Mower County commissioner. Even if he wasn't running unopposed, he still would likely be an easy choice for us to endorse.

In a time where county commissioners are constantly being questioned on issues like county fund reserve balances and how much the county could contribute to the Packer Arena project, Hillier has kept an open ear and has been willing to listen to all sides before making an informed decision.

He has also shown willingness to answer questions from the public and the media and clarify issues that may be of interest. And he's shown that if he doesn't know the answer, he can find someone who will.

It's that common-sense approach and willingness to listen that makes Hillier a good commissioner. He's open to discuss changes and understands this county needs to move forward, especially on capital projects.

Further, Hillier is in a challenging district that has many city residents, but numerous ones in the county as well. That balancing act to find a medium between the two isn't always easy, but Hillier has found a way to get it done.

We encourage Hillier to continue being a voice of reason on the commission, while at the same time helping this county move forward.

4th District

Time and again, Dick Lang has provided proven representation to his constituents.

We believe he would serve equally as well as the Mower County District 4 commissioner.

Lang, currently an Austin City Council member and an Austin businessman, isn't afraid to provide leadership, along with asking tough questions.

Many times in council committee meetings, Lang will be the one to ask a question, instead of letting an issue become rubber-stamped.

Also, we'd like to see someone else provide leadership on a level that this community has questioned, mainly when it comes to the county's fund reserve balance. There are arguments on what that amount exactly is. However, there's no argument that the fund is the second-highest (percentage-wise) in the state and it shouldn't be there.

Lang would also provide a bridge between the commissioners and the city council. His expertise and contacts from his time as a council member could prove invaluable, especially if there's a big project that could require both council and commissioner backing.

Lang has pledged he will stay no longer than two terms, which is a good indication he wants to get as much done as possible in a limited amount of time. The council's loss would be the commissioners' gain and we believe Lang would serve the people well in Mower County District 4.

5th District

Movement is being made on what to do with the overcrowded Mower County Jail. Having Garry Ellingson's extensive experience working in law enforcement will only help Mower County commissioners make an informed choice on what project to pursue.

With that, we endorse Ellingson to be elected to another term in Mower County District 5.

It's no secret the county jail is so full of prisoners that many are having to be housed in the Mitchell County Jail in Osage, Iowa. Ellingson's experience on jail issues could prove to be valuable information to help the county make the most effective and informed decision on this issue.

Also, we believe Ellingson has the ability to move the county's fund balance reserve issue forward. It appears that some progress is starting to be made, but it's clearly not enough. Ellingson lobbied hard for the new buildings at the Mower County Fairgrounds and personally oversaw the contractors to make sure each item was being done correctly. Ellingson said he will continue to push for capital projects that are needed here, while slowly spending down the county's reserves.

It's that vision and fiscal responsibility that we're looking for in our commissioners and the mold that Ellingson seems to fit.

Sheriff

For the past 14 years, Terese Amazi has worked for the Mower County Sheriff's Department, most recently as chief deputy sheriff. She has worked in the jail and worked as a training officer and detective during her time here. Amazi also has gotten experience with the administrative duties a sheriff performs. She has also established a good relationship with the county board of commissioners and sheriff's departments in surrounding counties.

An overcrowded jail is one of the biggest issues Amazi would need to deal with if elected. The county has begun to take some action on the issue by approving contracts with other counties and hiring a consultant to assess the jail. She will continue to work with the county board and its jail consultant to determine the best solution to this problem.

Currently, the sheriff's department is adding more advanced communication equipment in its squad cars. These additions will make communication easier and more efficient. Amazi has been involved with this project since its start and, if elected, will make sure the improvements continue.

Drug use, especially methamphetamine use, has increased in the county. Amazi has been involved in educating parents about what to look for if they suspect their child is using this drug.

Amazi also will continue the D.A.R.E. program in schools. She admitted it's hard to judge the success of the program, but will not replace it until the department finds a program that produces better results.

Amazi's experience in this county, as well as her goals if elected, make her the best candidate for Mower County sheriff.

Attorney

The Mower County Attorney's race is one of the tightest in recent memory. However, we believe incumbent Patrick Oman will serve better in this position in the next four years than challenger Patrick Flanagan.

But that's not to say things need to stay the same in this office. There needs to be more communication between Oman's office and the sheriff's department and the police force. We also understand communication is a two-way street, however, this ultimately needs to be accomplished in some way.

Oman needs to stay motivated and viciously pursue all cases, regardless of their importance. If we don't see these changes, we won't wait for an election to ask Oman to step down.

Although Flanagan appears to us as a bright and intelligent attorney, he plainly doesn't have the extensive courtroom experience that's needed for this position.

If Flanagan is still here in four years, he will be a much more formidable opponent.

But we must dwell on the present and this new term isn't a four-year opportunity for Oman. These results will need to come much sooner that that. We're confident Oman can do this and that he can serve this community well.

However, we just can't afford to have someone as our county attorney who doesn't have extensive courtroom experience. That's why Oman gets our endorsement in this race.

City of Austin

Mayor

In the past six years, Mayor Bonnie Rietz has been a part of positive changes in Austin.

In the downtown area, Rietz was involved in the remodeling of the Wold building and Town Center. She has supported building improvements at the Austin Public Library and renovation to the Paramount Theater.

All of these improvements show Rietz is concerned about what she terms, "the heart and soul of this community."

She is committed to making Austin a welcoming place. Rietz is involved with APEX and supports the Welcome Center. She supports more affordable housing for Austin residents by being involved in the Murphy's Creek project.

With the current budget crisis, state funding to cities has been threatened. Rietz has already established a good relationship with community leaders in the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. By working with other cities, Rietz will be able to give Austin a voice as state funding to cities is examined this year.

Another challenge the city faces is working with the county. Rietz has been involved in the monthly meetings with county and hopes to make even more progress in projects with the county board.

Law enforcement in another important issue and Rietz, as long as there is funding, supports hiring another police officer.

Rietz has supported more commercial and industrial development in the community. Bringing more businesses to town is one of the issues citizens are most concerned with. If Rietz is reelected she will need to continue her work on finding ways to bring more development to this community.

Rietz has proved she is more than qualified for position as mayor. The positive changes in Austin are a result of the direction she and the council have taken in the last six years.

At Large

Dick Chaffee has represented the Austin City Council well in the At Large post and we believe his continued presence there will be a benefit for all.

A six-year council member who's been in the At Large seat for the past four years, Chaffee has personally been involved with needed expansion for the Austin Municipal Airport, along with public housing in the city. He also has been involved in upgrades to Austin's wastewater treatment facility, the construction of the Spam Museum and improvements at Austin Packaging and the Community Response Center.

Some of Chaffee's strengths are the ability to work with people and helping make decisions when necessary. Chaffee has said he wants to continue seeing the expansion at the Austin airport, along with building a central garage and more improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

If challenger Wayne Goodnature beats Chaffee, then someone will be appointed to Goodnature's seat. We'd don't want to see that happen.

We think that both Chaffee and Goodnature are assets to the council and having them both serving Austin's citizens is a benefit for this community. However, Chaffee deserves the vote of Austin's residents.

1st Ward

In her four years on the Austin City Council, Mickey Jorgenson has worked hard to improve the community.

She chairs the community relations committee, which became even more important after stabbing incidents this past summer. She is a part of the meth task force, where parents can express their concerns about meth use and get information about the harmful effects of the drug.

Jorgenson is for tougher enforcement on those who failed compliance checks, which would make it harder for minors to obtain alcohol and tobacco.

Jorgenson understands that immigration is not a hindrance to the community, but an asset. She wants Austin to continue to be a welcoming community.

Jorgenson also has shown her concern for the development of the city with her work on the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and Development Corporation of Austin committees. Her involvement with these groups show that bringing more people to Austin is one of her priorities.

Her commitment to Austin is shown in her involvement with the APEX Austin committee.

"We're doing whatever we can to be community-minded," Jorgenson said of the APEX group.

Jorgenson will continue to bring more people to this community, work to make it a safer place and look at each issue brought to the council with an open mind.

The Austin Daily Herald's choice in for the 1st Ward is Mickey Jorgenson.

2nd Ward

Community involvement is the what first inclined Jeff Kritzer to run for office. His concern for the city of Austin is shown in the issues he talks about and his solutions to the challenges Austin is facing.

Kritzer sees the need for more industry in town. He believes industrial development will best serve Austin by keeping the company's profits local. Industrial jobs will also provide more job opportunities in the community, he said.

More industry would also create a broader tax base, making Austin less dependent on state aid.

To attract more businesses Kritzer has proposed hiring a consultant who could help market Austin to companies.

Public safety is another issue Kritzer is concerned with. He supports hiring another full-time police officer to help combat crime in Austin. He thinks an additional police officer will not only catch criminals, but help prevent crime as well.

Because the city may be facing a budget crunch, Kritzer said city funding and expenditures need to be looked at more closely. Funding for projects such as beautification efforts in downtown may need to be scaled back over cutting positions or funding to more critical programs.

"I would cut flowers before I cut staff," Kritzer said.

Kritzer is not opposed to raising taxes, which is realistic. But he also said taxes should be raised no higher than they need to be.

Kritzer also sees great value in organizations like the Welcome Center, which helps new residents adjust to the community.

The issues Kritzer stands for show that he is liberal from a social perspective and conservative from a fiscal perspective, he said. That balanced philosophy makes Kritzer the best candidate for the 2nd Ward.

3rd Ward

It's easy to endorse a candidate who's running unopposed.

However, it's important to note that Gloria Nordin has provided an ear and a voice to her constituents and has served well on the Austin City Council.

Nordin continues to be a strong voice and a fierce advocate when it comes for representation on issues regarding Austin's parks and recreation departments.

Having a place for local residents to take their families and pets to play is important. Also, providing activities year-round for people of all ages is essential for a community's well-being. Nordin's support of these projects is continual and important for city residents.

In short, Nordin has proven she works for the people. As an elected official, it's easy for someone to lose sight. However, we don't see any evidence of that and believe Nordin will continue to provide good representation on the council.