Two more challengers and another incumbent will seek seats on the Brainerd City Council.
Filing Monday were Steven J. Wolff, who is seeking one of the two at-large council seats up for election; and Howard J. Brewer, who is seeking the Ward 3 council seat in the Nov. 4 election.
Neither Wolff or Brewer could be reached for comment Monday.
Also filing Monday was incumbent Bob Olson, who will be seeking a third term as an at-large council member.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to represent the citizens of Brainerd since 2001," said Olson, 82. "My voting record shows I've always put the citizens of Brainerd first."
Bob Olson
That voting record includes voting against six of the last seven city budgets because of what Olson saw as excessive expenditures; leading the effort to bring the residential drug and alcohol program Minnesota Teen Challenge to Brainerd; making the motion to deny a $5 million bailout for the Brainerd Oaks housing development; and the city council's approval of his plan to reduce the Brainerd Area Civic Center ice arenas yearly operating costs by $75,000 while increasing revenues by $20,000.
Olson said he's concerned about the amount of debt, $17 million, the city has accumulated the past several years through extending infrastructure to annexed properties, extending Wright Street to nowhere and acquiring land for two industrial parks. Olson said tax levy increases will be necessary in order to satisfy the debt.
"The philosophy in city government must change to allow more debate on issues concerning our citizens, be less argumentative and more focused on the issues rather than personalities," Olson said. "Wasteful and unnecessary spending must stop."
Olson also questioned the council's current consideration of purchasing the Brainerd Lakes Chamber building for possible use for the parks department while many older streets and infrastructure need replacing. The council has approved having the chamber property appraised but has made no decision whether to buy it or what possible uses it would have.
"Many members of the city management team and elected officials would rather see I wasn't elected," Olson said. "Citizens have a choice in who should represent them in city government. I respectfully ask for your vote Nov. 4. My promise and commitment is to continue always putting citizens first."
Olson said residents could reach him at 829-3842 or at aldermanolson@yahoo.com.
Filing previously were Mark O'Day and David Colvin for the two at-large seats; Lucy Nesheim and Ed Shaw for the Ward 1 seat; and Kevin Goedker and Barb Egan for the Ward 3 seat.
The filing period in Brainerd closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The filing fee is $5.
No one filed Monday for three seats up for election on the Baxter City Council. Filing previously were Darrel Olson for mayor; and Todd Holman, Gary Muehlhausen and Mark Cross for two at-large council seats. The filing period in Baxter closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The filing fee is $2.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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