Three new Albert Lea city councilors will be introduced in January.

Former District 27A Rep. Rich Murray defeated retired businessman Craig Havener in the 1st Ward. In Ward 3, former KAAL anchorman Jason Howland defeated local businessman Roger Swanson, and in Ward 5, Albert Lea native Robert Rasmussen defeated KATE program and news director Paul Shea.

Ward 1

Murray won with 1,267 votes — or 68.4 percent — to Havener’s 580 votes, or 31.3 percent.

Murray — president and managing director of ISC Financial Advisors — hopes to bring transparency to the city and wants to talk with businesses in town to see how jobs can be added and fill openings already available.

He said collaboration is needed between schools and city and county government.

Murray said he enjoyed campaigning and .

“I really enjoyed going out door knocking,” he said.

Havener wished Murray luck in his term.

He said the city needs to form a cost-benefit analysis on its decisions.

Ward 3

Howland won with 998 votes — 67 percent — to Swanson’s 490 votes, or 32.9 percent.

Howland — who works in public affairs for Mayo Clinic in Rochester — said he is grateful for the support of family and friends, and he thanked incumbent 3rd Ward Councilor George Marin for his years of service.

“I just look forward to the next four years and bringing positive changes to the community,” he said.

Howland said he wants to ensure that the city’s residents are not overtaxed, and he wants to be a positive voice and make a difference in the community.

“I’m really humbled by this whole experience,” he said.

Swanson said he liked all of the candidates for City Council, and he hopes the council can grow jobs, strengthen the workforce and better the community’s business climate.

Ward 5

Rasmussen won with 484 votes — 53.6 percent — to Shea’s 411 votes, or 45.5 percent.

Shea said he and Rasmussen get along well, adding that he is pleased that Rasmussen will serve the ward for the next four years.

Rasmussen was unable to be reached.