The candidates for Freeborn County commissioner seats discussed economic growth, taxes and other topics Thursday in a forum.

The debate included the 1st District race between Ronald Jacobsen and Glen Mathiason, 3rd District race between Jim Nelson and David Shoff, and 5th district race between Mike Lee and Lynn Berven.

A majority of the candidates said they supported the Shell Rock River Watershed District’s half-percent sales tax, which is used for water cleanup.

Candidates said they would rather see the half-percent sales tax than property tax increases. Lee said property tax increases would hurt homeowners, businesses and renters.

“It is a fair tax,” Mathiason said

Shoff said he appreciates the tax because of the revenue it brings the county. Jacobsen said though the tax is the fairest, he does not want the tax to become out of control and last forever.

Jacobsen, however, said he is not a big fan of the watershed board.

“I was kind of opposed to it when it started up,” he said, adding he thinks the board has too much power for an un-elected board.

The rest of the candidates said they support the board.

“We all need clean water, and we need it for our grandkids,” Nelson said.

Shoff said he has heard about improved fishing on Albert Lea Lake, adding that improved waters are a vehicle for growth. He said, however, that oversight of the watershed board needs to be more stringent.

Lee said the board does a wonderful job of cleaning lakes and has made a substantial difference in improving area waters.

Economic development

To grow the local economy, Shoff suggested having someone reach out to businesses to see how they can help expand and grow, and he supports placing a greater emphasis on economic development.

Lee, Berven, Mathiason and Nelson suggested working with ALEDA to grow the economy.

Jacobsen said the county needs to create a better business atmosphere, and he suggested seeing how Owatonna and Mankato have grown their communities. 

Mathiason said economic growth is a concern in all rural counties, adding that Freeborn County’s position close to the Iowa border further complicates the issue.

“It is hard to grow,” he said. “They have got a much better atmosphere for growth than what we have here.”

Berven said though the region needs jobs, there are good jobs in Albert Lea, adding that the county has not been able to replace residents who have died.

Lee suggested the Legislature adopt a plan, and the county continue to increase its quality of life by continuing to clean up its lakes, bike trails and bike lanes.

Nelson said Albert Lea was a booming town in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s before businesses left, adding that infrastructure was not in place to support new businesses.

Shoff suggested establishing a task force to help Freeborn County grow.

Taxes

Shoff said he supports Freeborn County’s preliminary 2.5 percent tax levy increase because of the road funding deficit. He supports small increases in the levy.

Lee wants the levy to decrease to a 1.5 to 2 percent increase.

“I worry about seniors,” he said.

Berven said county services need to be paid for.

“Nothing is free,” he said.

Mathiason said the levy increase will not necessarily mean taxes will rise 2.5 percent, adding that county departments are frugal in spending money.

Jacobsen said though he does not like to see that large of an increase, “if it’s gotta be it’s gotta be.”

Nelson said he supports the increase to fund essential services.

“The state cuts stuff, and we’ve still gotta pay for it,” he said.

Communication

Candidates had different answers on how the county board can improve communication.

Nelson and Lee said media outlets need to attend board meetings more.

Shoff and Jacobsen suggested a newsletter be sent to residents on a quarterly basis and that the board seek input on decisions.

“I don’t think that the communication is that strong,” Shoff said.

“Anything like that can bring in some interest to the people,” Jacobsen said.

Berven suggested the board meet at night every other month to allow the public to come, while Mathiason said past night meetings have not made much of a difference.

Most important issues

Berven said crime is an issue in the county, and he suggested giving law enforcement tools to effectively fight crime.

“If you lose law and order, our society is shot,” he said.

Berven added that ensuring roads are safe is another important issue.

“If you don’t have a good infrastructure, you won’t create jobs,” he said.

Jacobsen said the budget is a major issue.

“You can’t tax the homeowners much more than what they are already at,” he said, adding that it is becoming harder to pay for roads and infrastructure, and he would like to see more heavy-duty roads.

Nelson expressed concern about state mandates that the county has no control over.

“That bothers me,” he said.

Shoff said drug use, the county’s declining population and growing the local economy are pressing issues.

Lee said Freeborn County’s annual transportation funding deficit needs to be addressed.

“We need to make it known to St. Paul … they need to come up with a transportation plan that makes up for the funding deficit,” he said.