A Freeborn County commissioner seeking a fourth term on the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners believes comradery has improved during his time on the board.

Jim Nelson, 67, the chairman of the board, said board meetings have been running smoothly, and he believes respect among board members has increased.

“We as a board have moved to make the changes needed to keep them moving smoothly,” he said. “Compared to 12 years ago when I started as a commissioner, there is now an attitude of respect for each other.”

He said the board is willing to listen to everyone, and he encouraged community members to help the board address issues during the public forum.

Nelson, of 16270 785th Ave., is running for District 3 commissioner against David Shoff.

Funding road projects

Nelson said he would not alter the county’s five-year plan, which designates roads that need repair “unless something would happen that a different road from the ones designated would need major repairs.”

Freeborn County uses a half-percent sales tax and wheelage tax to fund road repairs.

Growing the local economy

Nelson said to grow the local economy, Freeborn County needs to assist local economic agencies, such as the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and Albert Lea Port Authority.

“We also need to support infrastructure improvements as much as the community desires, and that they would support the tax structure for infrastructure improvements, such as roads, bridges and such,” he said.

Freeborn County needs to support a positive business climate to prevent existing and potential businesses from leaving Freeborn County or relocating to Iowa, Nelson said.

He supports working with state representatives and senators to help abate taxes for businesses wanting to locate in Albert Lea.

County goals

Nelson said the county needs to continue to assist business development and infrastructure improvements.

“And we need to continue to support law enforcement efforts that keep our county safe,” he said.

Nelson said his plan, if re-elected, is to “help guide the county on a fair and reputable course that reflects the people who are willing to vote for good representation.”

Watershed sales tax

Nelson said he wants to assist the Watershed District in completing dredging projects.

“We need to support extending the half-percent sales tax to help complete the cleaning of our water and lakes,” he said. “Unfortunately, a lot of that money is spent getting the needed state and federal permits necessary to complete the dredging project.”

Other issues

Nelson said he is astonished at the number of state-mandated programs Freeborn County must adhere to.

“Our county is not spending more — the issue continues to be that the state has stopped funding projects that they previously did, and is putting the cost on the counties,” he said.