Editorial - Our choice for Alexandria mayor: Carlson

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Voters in the city of Alexandria are fortunate to have an experienced, well-qualified candidate to take over the reins of leading this growing city: Sara Carlson.

Carlson has served on the city council as a strong voice for Ward 2 for the last nine years and is now seeking the mayoral position. Long-time mayor Dan Ness is stepping down.

As mayor, Carlson would lose her voting power (except in the case of tie votes) but she would lead the council meetings, offer her insights into city issues and work with other council members on key city decisions, such as setting the $10 million budget.

During her time on the council, Carlson has already demonstrated that she has the skills and know-how for the mayoral post. She’s a good listener, accepting feedback from other council members and adding her thoughts to the discussion in a well-reasoned, common-sense manner. This is a trait that would fit well with her mayoral duties.

If she doesn’t fully understand something, Carlson is not afraid to ask questions of other council members, staff or those presenting information. She has a knack for getting to the bottom of things and making sure all angles of a decision are being considered before a vote is taken. These skills, too, will serve her well as mayor.

Carlson has served on several city committees – including the park board, budget committee and building committee – and the insights she has gained working with city staff give her a full understanding of city government.

She’s been a dedicated watchdog of city spending, keeping in mind what is best for city taxpayers. As a member of the police station building committee, for example, Carlson met weekly to scrutinize every dollar that went into the facility and helped bring the $5.1 million project in under budget and on schedule.

We believe Carlson will be a good voice for the city in the improving dialogue that is taking place with Douglas County through joint meetings. She recognizes that by working together, the city and county can plan better for the future and examine ways to rein-in costs.

Carlson, who was born and raised on a farm, has been living in Alexandria for 32 years with her husband, Ron. They own Carlson Music Center in Alexandria.

Sara Carlson is fully ready to lead. Alexandria voters should give her their vote on November 6.

Her opponent is political newcomer, Mark Pederson, a lifelong resident of Alexandria, who has many years of service with the Elks, Eagles and the Knights of Columbus.

Tags: opinion, editorials