A lifelong resident has filed for election in Albert Lea’s 3rd Ward.

Roger Swanson, 59, of 524 Meadow Lane, said the city needs to place a high priority on growing household income and population by investing the city’s time, money and staff on making the city attractive to outside businesses and setting up existing businesses for success.

“I feel that all of this can be completed by understanding who we are as a community,” said Swanson, who filed for office on Thursday. “We have many assets that I think, along with the right financial positioning, could attract some growth within our community, leading to an increase in household income and taxable assets.”

He said he thinks it is critically important to keep property taxes competitive with neighboring cities, noting he is concerned that Albert Lea has a shrinking population and increasing taxes that he said are stifling business, commercial, industrial and residential growth.

Swanson said he is concerned a possible new fire station, city hall and library — as well as an ice arena and community center in association with development of Blazing Star Landing — will increase the city’s maintenance with the possible remodeling and addition to City Garage. He is concerned that other area cities build facilities cheaper per square foot.

“Iowa, as well as our neighboring cities, are already tough competition for Albert Lea,” he said. “We need to make sure we are doing everything that we can to gain some positive momentum.”

He said the city’s population and household income need to grow and existing infrastructure stays in good shape so the city can position itself to attract new businesses and help existing business grow.

“We need to create an alluring and financially stable community that lives within its means,” Swanson said.

Swanson is the truck shop manager at Trail’s Travel Center. He and his wife, Brenda, have a grown son and daughter and three grandchildren who all reside in Albert Lea.