While candidates for the Freeborn County Commissioner District 5 post agree on many questions, they differ in background and experience.

Candidates Linda Tuttle and Mike Lee took part Thursday night in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce forum for county candidates.

Tuttle is a former Freeborn County recorder, an elected position, and now owns and operates a small business.

Lee worked at a local meatpacking plant for 25 years and now works at Elm Homes, a group home for people with disabilities. He has attended county board meetings for more than a year in preparing for running for office.

Current County Commissioner Mark Behrends chose not to run for re-election. District 5 consists of Pickerel Lake Township and several parts of the City of Albert Lea.

Given the county’s tight budget situation — current commissioners need to the 2009 budget by $1.5 million — many questions focused on county costs.

For example, one question asked how the candidates would make more efficient use of the county jail.

Lee said the county needs to open the jail to other counties and the metro area for contracting housing of inmates.

Tuttle agreed, adding that it was difficult to estimate the future inmate population when the new jail was built.

On the question of cutting the commissioner salary of $23,000 a year, both Tuttle and Lee said they would accept a pay cut to balance the county budget.

“If it meant balancing the budget, certainly,” Tuttle said. “I’m not running for this position for the money.”

Lee said he’s experienced pay cuts as a Wilson’s and Farmland worker. “If it means getting a balanced budget … then so be it,” he said.

One question asked, “Albert Lea police have GPS mapping and computers installed in their squad vehicles as do most other policing agencies. Do you feel that county residents would benefit from these useful police tools, and if so would you approve the funds to so equip county vehicles?

Tuttle said the county should equip the vehicles and cut the budget elsewhere if needed. “Law enforcement is here to keep us safe … You have to equip them with the best possible tools,” she said.

Lee agreed, saying the technology could save lives. “I’m all for it,” he said.

Another question asked about providing more than one copy of the county budget to the public library.

Lee said people have a right to see the budget, and it would be no problem to provide more copies to the library.

Tuttle noted that the budget is also available online, and agreed that providing additional books is not an issue.

Much of District 5 lies within the Shell Rock River Watershed, and some questions concerned county-watershed relations.

Question: What would you do to improve cooperation with the watershed?

Tuttle said she wasn’t sure there was a current lack of cooperation. There will always be differences of opinion between board members and the board, she added, but she would emphasize communication to prevent problems.

Lee said he’s attended watershed board meetings for the last month and if elected, would continue to do so.

Question: Earlier this week, the county board derailed the Shell Rock River Watershed District board’s plan for a joint County Road 19 bridge-Albert Lea Lake dam with over $200,000 already invested and $250,000 in DNR funding that is now in jeopardy. Please explain how you would vote on the issue.

Lee said he grew up on the Shell Rock River, knows landowner Greg Jensen, and knows several people who live on the river. He disagrees with the county board vote to reject the bridge-dam plan. Lee advocates cleaner lakes and rivers. He’s also concerned about the loss of the money already invested in planning and pledged to the project.

“We’re going to throw away half a million dollars and have nothing to show for it,” he said.

Tuttle said she met with Jensen at the current dam location. Anyone involved in the decision-making should visit the area, she said.

Both sides need to clarify the issue more and she noted the current negotiations between the county and the landowner.

Question: Are you in favor of requiring new county employees to live in Freeborn County?

Lee said it would be nice to employ people who live in the county, but he wouldn’t mandate that new hires be local residents.

Tuttle agreed, adding that such a requirement could open the county to liability over discrimination issues.

Other questions concerned county regulations and policies.

Question: Would you be for or against county assessors entering private homes or dwellings without announcement or prior approval? And would you agree or disagree that this is an invasion of privacy or considered invasion of privacy?

Both candidates adamantly opposed any entering without announcement or approval.

Question: Due to the high concentration of hog confinement buildings in Freeborn County, would you favor a countywide ordinance to one-half mile setback over the current one-fourth mile?

Tuttle said the current one-fourth mile is fine, adding she had recently visited a hog operation. “I believe one commission said the half-mile would not make the difference that people want,” she said.

Lee agreed, saying the one-fourth mile is as good as it will get. He advocated using fans, windbreaks and other methods to reduce odors.

And some questions concerned the character of the candidates.

Question: Please name something you have been involved with that shows you’re a team player instead of a solo shooter?

Lee said his work in a group home for people with disabilities shows his ability to be a team player. He said he believes citizens should have a voice in county government.

Tuttle said she’s been a team player all her life, including work in the county recorder’s office and her experience as a business owner.

Closing statements

Lee said, “I have a vision for the future of Freeborn County. I can see our small towns full of life and activity. I see our farmers working in their fields … I see Albert Lea as a vibrant community with jobs, opportunity and culture. I envision our senior citizens teaching our young people the lessons they’ve learned over the years to make our area a better place to live. I can see our young people staying here and others returning from college to good jobs and raising their families, enjoying the good life here.”

Tuttle said she knows Freeborn County is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. Commissioners need to think and act in a positive, responsible manner, promoting the assets here, she said

“We need commissioners that will focus on the positive issues for the future and betterment of all citizens of Freeborn County,” she said.

“I am eager to take on this opportunity as commissioner. I feel I have the experience, strength and the wisdom to get the job done,” Tuttle said.

District 5 voters will go to the polls to chose a new county commissioner Nov. 4.

For information about the elections, go to www.co.freeborn.mn.us/auditor/elections.

To see a detailed map of the commissioner districts, go to www.co.freeborn.mn.us/commissioners/maps.