He said if change is the prevailing issue, the city has already made changes during the time he was in office: baseball improvements, underground wiring, garbage system, electrical upgrades, support for ethanol plant odor control and continued maintenance of the city.
"The city is like a big business. Now, out of the three of us, who is more qualified to be on the board of directors?"
The newcomers
David Cook is new to politics and said he values the role of the council and would like to see more weight carried there. "A few too many non-elected officials have too much power," he said.
"I think the voice of the people needs to be heard instead of employees deciding and the City Council going along with it," Cook said.
"If I'm elected, I think we'll all get educated," Cook said. He admits he's not an expert on government, but he looks forward to learning in depth about the city as a councilman.
Cook said if he is eliminated in the primaries, he might run again in the future.
That sentiment is echoed by the other potential alderman, David Hauge.
Hauge has been vocal on his idea of change. "I think we need representatives who pay attention to people's views instead of having the elitist attitude that they know best."
He said that if elected, he'd like to use the assets of the city to bring in new businesses and industries. Although he was a major opponent of the city's use of tax increment financing in the Jubilee Foods relocation, he said the city wasn't wrong in the legal sense.
"I'd just like to see a philosophical change in the way decisions like that are made."
He said that while the city isn't set up as a true democracy, that people's opinions should be valued. "The council should have some faith in the wisdom of the people - believe in the common sense of the people."
When Hauge has said that it's time for a change throughout his campaign, he said he means, "that over the years, there's been a general feeling that you can't fight City Hall, that people don't matter."
Trying to make people feel like they have power is what Hauge said he'll try to do as a council member.
The primary data
Ballots will be tabulated by late Tuesday to see who has the most votes overall. The voting tally will give an indication of what the general election could bring.
The South Ward council seat is the only local three-way race, but Tuesday's primary election is open to all voters.
Primary voters must vote in just one party, but voters are not required to make their party choice public. The city ballot is non-partisan.
Eligible voters may register at the polling place. To be eligible, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days.
Voters must provide proof of residence by a valid Minnesota driver's license, learner's permit or state ID. A receipt of these will also be acceptable. Voters can also use a bill for electric, natural gas, water, solid waste, telephone or cable television service with a due date within 30 days of election day that contains the voter's name and current address. This must accompany a photo identification card.
Proof of residence can also be proven by the oath of a registered voter in the same precinct who can vouch for the person. College students can use a student identification card, registration card or fee statement that contains the student's current address, a student photo ID or a current fee statement and photo ID.
Absentee voting
Times for absentee voting changed this year. The auditor/treasurer's office in the courthouse will be available for voters Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Minnesota voters who will be absent from the precinct or unable to go to the polling place due to illness, physical disability, religious observance or service as an election judge in another precinct may vote by absentee ballot. Those who plan to be out of town on election day or are unable to go to their polling place should apply for an absentee ballot.
Eligible voters may cast their ballots either by mail or in person at the county auditor's office.