By MIKE ROSE and
JASON SCHOONOVER

Tuesday is primary day across Minnesota, and in Mower County that means that three races will be whittled down to two candidates by the end of the night.

Below is a list of the races that will be a part of the local primary process, as well as a brief look at the candidates:

Mayor

Four people are jockeying for the city’s top elected office. Incumbent Tom Stiehm, a retired Austin police detective, is seeking his third term. Marian Clennon, who is currently in her first term as a councilwoman from Ward 3, is looking to move up to mayor. Joining them in the race are two political novices — Gordon Anderson and Zeke Dahl. Anderson is a retired printer, while Dahl is currently unemployed.

City Council, Ward 3

Representing the eastern side of Austin, this ward currently has three challengers. Incumbent John Martin has his name in the hat, as do Jeff Bednar and Judy Enright. Bednar works in construction and is currently on the city’s planning commission. Enright works as the physical plant director at Riverland Community College.

Commissioner District 3

A long-time county commissioner is facing steep compeition from three other candidate in his quest for a fifth term. Incumbent David Hillier, who farms and owns Hillier Composting, is seeking reelection in Commissioner District 3. Hillier is being challenged by Loren Bellrichard, Art Nelson and Jerry Reinartz. Bellrichard farms a four acre organic garden and recycles scap metal. Nelson owns Art’s Parts. Reinatz owns Reinartz Real Estate and works mostly with appraisals.

Polling locations, City of Austin
Ward 1 Precinct 1 Austin Public Library 323 4th Ave NE 7:00 AM
Ward 1 Precinct 2 Austin High School Hastings Gym – South entrance 301 3rd St NW 7:00 AM
Ward 2 Precinct 1 Southgate School 1601 19th Ave SW 7:00 AM
Ward 2 Precinct 2 Banfield School 301 17th St SW – Austin 7:00 AM
Ward 3 Precinct 1 Woodson School (Gym) 1601 4th St SE – Austin 7:00 AM
Ward 3 Precinct 2 Ellis Middle School 1700 4th Ave SE -Austin 7:00 AM