The Star Herald asked candidates facing a primary election on Aug. 9 five questions to inform readers about themselves.
The five questions are:
1.) Community involvement
2.) Employment, education and family
3.) What made you decide to seek election to the Luverne City Council?
4.) How do you view the role of a councilor in your community?
5.) What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Larry L. Lanphere is seeking election to the open Luverne City Council North Ward Alderman position.
1.) Serve on the Luverne Convention & Visitors Bureau; involved in the development of the Rock River Water Trail; worked on the development of the GrandStay Hotel & Suites in Luverne and Take 16 Brewing Company; event volunteer for the Luverne Area Chamber; tour and promotion guide with Luverne Trolley, LLC; served on planning, executive committee and treasurer for Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota.
2.) I graduated from Sanborn, Iowa, High School before entering the Army during the Vietnam conflict. I served for three years in the Army ending my military career as a sergeant. Following the service I attended the Minnesota School of Business and worked in several sales jobs before beginning my permanent career in radio sales. Working in radio from 1975 until my retirement in 2014, I worked in sales, as sales manager and general manager at radio stations in Minnesota and South Dakota before retiring from WNAX. I married Jane Wildung in 2008 and moved to Luverne from Yankton, South Dakota. I have two daughters and three grandchildren.
3.) In the past eight years of living in Luverne I have seen a great resurgence in the energy of the community. When I moved here, shops were closing and people were concerned with the direction of the city. Since then, through leadership of the city of Luverne and committed citizens, there have been amazing things happening. The city has become alive and vital. I believe that is the result of the master plan that was developed in 2010-2011 with the vision of citizens and city leadership guided through the process by LHB and the Southwest Initiative Foundation. Today our public and private leadership group called LIFT is guiding this plan. We see the results through financial investments by private individuals, government and businesses. Through these investments and the willingness to work together, great things have and will be happening. I want to be part of this exciting time in our city’s history and pledge to keep moving our city forward.
4.) When a person is elected, they have the duty and responsibility to serve their constituents. This service requires that they work hard to gather ideas, information and opinions from professionals, city employees and the people they represent. Through this process a councilperson needs to evaluate both the short term and long term benefits to the city and its citizens. Then, the decision must be made. Some will be easy and some will be much more difficult. As a councilperson I will work with the city, businesses and private individuals for long-term, sustainable economic growth. I believe that we need to find creative solutions to ensure adequate and affordable housing for all our citizens. I think it is imperative that city government continues to work with businesses and citizens for Luverne to be a cultural, social and recreational destination.
5.) I believe I am the best candidate for Luverne City Council North Ward because I believe in this city, where I “Love the Life,” and am passionate for its continued development. Luverne is a community with a very bright future because city government, businesses and citizens are working together to make positive things happen. We can all see the results over the past eight years because of this partnership. I am committed to progressive leadership and pledge to serve you by making Luverne’s star shine even brighter.