An Albert Lea man who is a candidate for state representative filed for election Friday.

Gary Schindler, 59, DFL, is challenging District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea.

Schindler — the dean of student services at Riverland Community College and a long-time resident of Freeborn County — said he is running for state representative to bring a “can-do attitude” to the Capitol.

He said education, the economy and tax relief are his top priorities, noting he believes education is a critical component to the area’s long-term economic growth.

“Good schools, affordable college tuition and a quality education pave the way to good jobs and economic success,” Schindler said. “We can’t let Minnesota slip back in the pack when it comes to our best-in-class education system.”

Schindler said south-central Minnesota communities are great places to live, work and raise a family, but added he thinks issues important to the community are not being addressed at the Capitol.

“I want to help end the gridlock and work together with local leaders across 27A and my fellow legislators to solve problem on issues important to our communities, like better schools, workforce development, safer roads and a stronger economy,” he said.

He said he wants to help end the state’s gridlock and work together with local leaders across the district and other legislators to solve problems on different issues.

Schindler said he looks forward to talking with south-central Minnesota residents during the coming months.

“I plan on working hard to earn their trust and support,” Schindler said. “I want to visit them soon about the challenges facing our state and how we can work together to get things done to help south-central Minnesota prosper,” he said.

Prior to moving to Albert Lea in 1989, Schindler was a high school social studies teacher, coach and school counselor. He has served on the city planning commission, has been active in Albert Lea Community Theatre, is a member and officer of Albert Lea Lions Club, serves on the board of the Freeborn County Historical Society and is an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

e and his wife, Jeanne — a nurse at Thornecrest Senior Living Community — have two children: Kelly Schindler-Nelson, a nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester, and Daniel Schindler, a doctoral candidate at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

 

Sparks files for re-election

District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, filed for re-election last week.

Sparks said he filed to represent his constituents.

“Over the past 14 years I have had the honor and the privilege to represent the people of District 27,” he said. “While we have been able to make great progress over these years, there is much important work left to be done. I look forward to continuing to build on the successes we’ve had and work to address the pressing issues that face our area and state.”

First elected in 2002, Sparks has been re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2012. He serves as chairman of the Jobs, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

 

Freeborn County Board of Commissioners

Lynn Berven filed for election for 5th District commissioner last week to run against Mike Lee.

 

Albert Lea City Council

Roger Swanson filed for election for 3rd Ward councilor. The seat will be vacated by George Marin. No other candidates had announced their candidacy for 3rd Ward councilor as of Friday afternoon.