In the race for the District 3 seat on the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, we have no endorsement.

On one hand, incumbent Jim Nelson is an affable guy who says he was surprised he got elected four years ago. He jokes a lot and one joke half-heartedly admits he has problems balancing his own checkbook, let alone perusing through the county budget. This year the county has some serious budget issues to face. It’s serious, and the county deserves a leader with knowledge. Nelson also said four years ago he would hold town hall meetings and he has not.

On the other hand, challenger David Shoff has an accounting background and actually knows the county budget fairly well. However, though his mind is in the campaign, his heart doesn’t seem to be. Shoff took a vacation to Europe in the middle of campaign season and he admitted he decided at the last moment to run because he didn’t like what other candidates were saying. If he really wanted the spot, he would have filed right away. Furthermore, we have concerns about having two members of the same family on the same board. Shoff’s brother, Christopher, already serves District 4.

The fact is, we wish the voters of District 3 had better choices on Nov. 4. We have heard from residents in that district who said they wished they had better choices back in the September primary election, too.

Perhaps this situation will prompt better candidates from District 3 to enter the political ring in four years.