The City of Clearwater is having probably its most competitive election in years Tuesday.

 

Two residents, including incumbent Pete Edmonson, are running for mayor.

 

Six residents, including  incumbents Chris Ritzer and Mike Ranum, are running for two city council seats.

 

Here is some information each candidate provided about themselves.

 

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Some responeses edited for brevity.)

 

Hello, I’ve served as Mayor for two terms, and am now running for a third term. Over the past four years, I’ve been busy setting and achieving goals necessary to keep our city moving in the right direction. 

 

Through my leadership and direction, we’ve made big strides in a lot of areas; we’ve put together a great staff that work well together, we’ve reassessed city committees - adding and removing them to serve our needs, and we’ve focused time and energy evaluating the city budget and future planning needs, making sure we are fiscally sound both now and in the future.

 

As Mayor, here a few areas that I have worked hard on: 

 

1.) Tax Levy - under my leadership, Clearwater’s tax levy over the past 4 years has trended down. 

 

2.) Water and Sewer Rates - our utility rates have remained steady, and I have a plan to keep them level, and in some areas, decrease them. 

 

3.) Street Projects - in 2015-2016 we successfully navigated a $2 million dollar street project, with zero challenges to property assessments. 

 

4.) Half-Cent Sales Tax - in 2013, we created a Park Board, and over the past four years, we’ve invested over $600,000 in park upgrades throughout the city, with more upgrades to come. 

Thanks for letting me serve you.

 

My name is Vern Scott and I’m a candidate for mayor.  I have lived and volunteered in Clearwater for 48 years.  I am now retired from 45-plus years as an operating engineer.  

 

My past and present city and community involvements are:

 

Clearwater Jaycees President and member; Clearwater Volunteer Fire Dept. for 9 years; 2005 Ad-Hoc committee for NE area street construction; Clearwater City Council 1983-1987; Head of Streets

Clearwater City Council 2007-March 2011; Joint Planning Board; River Crossing and streets committee; Past member of Sewer Authority; Past member of Clearwater Historical Group; Current member of City Parks Board.

 

You should vote for me because:

 

I’m retired and available 24/7;

 

I feel that communication between the council and residents should be more open and friendly;

 

I will continue to meet residents on common ground to discuss issues with an open mind;

 

I would welcome more residents to voice their concerns and work with the council as a team to resolve issues;

 

I believe a positive working relationship between council and staff is essential for an efficient government;

 

Hello citizens of Clearwater,  my name is Chris Ritzer, and I am running for re-election for City Council of Clearwater.  

 

I have been a citizen of Clearwater for 21 years. Like many that live in this city, I commute daily to the metro area where I work. I install and service fire protection systems for a large mechanical contractor. 

 

For the last 15 years I have had the pleasure of serving with the wonderful people of Clearwater Fire and Rescue. I have also been a member of the Clearwater Lions Club for almost 10 years. Since I moved here I have met some of the greatest people I have known, and formed many good friendships. 

 

In my four years as a member of City Council, I have taken part in many decisions and been part of a lot of discussion involving city matters. 

 

I have seen the results of a lot of my decisions unfold and learn more every time one comes to fruition. 

 

There is not a magic bullet for this problem, but along with the guidance of city staff, I believe a reasonable solution can be found. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead for this great little city, and I hope the voters will allow me the honor to continue the work that has been started.

 

I bought the Clearwater Laundromat in 2004 and purchased my home in Clearwater in 2007. 

 

I have worked at Centerpoint Energy for 30 years. I have been on the Clearwater City Council since 2012 .

 

My wife Beth and I have  two daughters, Jami and Kelsi, and a dog Ernie. We enjoy being in Clearwater.

 

We have had a couple of additions over the years. Jami married Greg and they have a six-month old, Henry.

 

Kelsi married Ray and they have a 22-month old, Mikelyn. I’m hoping there is no need for Grandpa to coach sports again.

 

I have a couple of reasons why I am running for council. I am a resident and a business owner in Clearwater.

 

I am on the council to keep things simple and right.

 

My name is Jess Clothier.  I’ve lived here for over a year with my wife Erin my two daughters Karson and Kennedi.

 

Since that time I have joined the Clearwater EDA because I care about where I live. 

 

I’m running for city council to help make our beautiful community safer and more efficient in the working of our great town to bring us as neighbors and  friends to work together in achieving this. 

 

My goals will be to get the voice of the community,  your voice, to hear your personal concerns and work together as a community. 

 

With the new archery park going up I be will getting 3D targets and bows to help the youth through charitable outfitters and will be starting many activities to bring families and the community together, like co-ed softball, ice fishing tournaments, etc. Thank you for your vote and God bless.

 

Born and Raised in Clearwater, I have been a part of this community from youth to adult. I left Clearwater for my education and baseball at Southern Missouri and returned after Law School. I built a house in Clearwater in 2004 and soon after began our dream of building a Family.

 

For years Clearwater has been known as a “bedroom” community. People move here for convenience and leave to build a family. I want to make Clearwater a City to stay. 

 

We need to understand the Municipal procedures, the options, and the impact our decisions have on our Community. Taxpayers need to know their money is accounted for properly in a BUDGET, spent wisely on PROJECTS, and taken care of properly with appropriate STAFFING and CONSULTANTS. We need to be PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE!

 

I have chaired the Planning and Zoning Committee in the past and am presently the Chair of the Parks Board collectively approving a NEW CEDAR SOUTH PLAYGROUND, new Basketball hoops, and a new surface for the Tennis Court. I believe our Half-Cent Sales tax should be used immediately to better this community. In addition, I am a Proud Board Member of the Kayleen Larson Legacy Foundation and Co-Chair with my wife in the Clearview Golf Classic raising money for our PTA.

 

Together with my family, we have lived in Clearwater since summer, 2010 and before that we lived in St. Cloud for over a decade. 

 

I have a strong background in and continue to be active with community involvement projects such as:

 

Current Clearwater Parks - Commission Secretary.

 

President, St. Cloud Neighborhood University Community Council, January 2014-Present, Vice President January 2012-January 2014.

 

President, St. Cloud Mothers of Multiples Organization August 2008-May 2011

 

Chair, City of St. Cloud Diversity Coalition, November, 2012-April, 2013

 

Member, St. Cloud Community Garden since 2004; Presented at the American Community Garden Annual Conference, Columbus, OH, 2009

 

Trained Volunteer Advocate, Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, January 2002-June 2007.

 

Training in Mediation, November 1996-May 1998, Saint Cloud State University.

 

My name is Jacob Vickroy and I am running for City Council of Clearwater.  

 

I moved to Clearwater three years ago after seeking a better education for my children, enrolling them at Clearview Elementary. 

 

I instantly fell in love with the town and its community. I have enjoyed multiple activities our community has to offer, such as Heritage Days, Clearwater Rodeo, and Mathison Motors Customer Appreciation Days. 

 

I know the struggles of the recent recession and the effects of it. I am currently a supervisor for USIC (United States Infrastructure Corporation), the nation’s largest utility locating company. 

 

For the past six years I have worked with multiple cities in the area, helping improve and protect their infrastructure.  I see how my knowledge can benefit this community.  

 

I have a personal goal of using my time as a Councilman to unite those on council as well as staff to better serve this city. I would like to be the voice of the Clearwater residents in leading this town into a better future for us all.  

 

I humbly ask for your vote on November 8th.

 

Vote Vickroy!