FAIRMONT — Two candidates are vying for a four-year term as Fairmont’s mayor in the Nov. 6 election. In 2016, Debbie Foster was elected to complete the final two years of Randy Quiring’s term following his death. She is being challenged by Jeff Weber, who previously served on the Fairmont City Council.

The mayor’s position is a non-voting seat on the council. The mayor votes only to break a tie on the five-member council, which occurs if the vote splits in the absence or abstention of one the council members.

“I would like to continue working with community members, business owners and industry leaders to make Fairmont the best place it can possibly be to live, work and play,” Foster said. “When we work together, only good outcomes will prevail. I think this is exciting, and I would enjoy being a part of leading the way.”

Weber says his decision to run was based on a number of issues, with one in particular.

“The one that really set it into motion was when open discussion was taken out of the council meeting,” he said. “It was replaced with forms and protocol that I feel was set up to deter people from wanting to come and speak.”

Weber also feels that the current thought process of “good enough is good enough” causes stagnation and prevents the community from flourishing.

“That’s not the Fairmont I want us to be. We have to put Fairmont first,” he said.

The proposed community center was listed by both Foster and Weber as a top issue facing Fairmont residents.

“I think the debate and discussion of a community center is exactly where it needs to be — front and center,” Foster said. “The stance I take on the community center is right in the middle. I don’t know enough facts, and the community hasn’t had a chance yet to voice their opinions. The message I have shared with many people that have already contacted me is to please keep an open mind and to listen for more information that will be shared.”

“We all have some ideas for Fairmont growth, whether it’s a community center or other recreational amenities,” Weber said. “Neither is wrong, and both are right. The truth is that we have many factors that make Fairmont a great place to live.”

The planned community meeting about the proposed center will provide an opportunity for respectful dialogue, he said. While he supports a community center, Weber said he needed more information about the current proposal before deciding if the design is the right fit for Fairmont.

“Let’s take a look at it. Let’s discuss it, and then let’s make a decision,” he said.

Foster also cites cleaning up blighted properties and recruiting and retaining skilled workers as other top issues facing the community.

This year, the city has spent almost $100,000 to tear down blighted homes and buildings, and the council has approved seven more structures to be razed in 2019. Foster strongly supports the city’s policy of spending tax dollars, approved in each annual budget, for cleaning up these properties.

She also backs issuing administrative citations, rather than criminal complaints, to simplify the process when owners need to clean up their properties.

“This will lead to more timely visible results,” Foster said. “There is a rather easy solution to this issue, and it should be an expectation of every one of us. If every property owner would be considerate of their neighbors, the issue would take care of itself.”

Recruitment and retention of skilled workers is paramount to Fairmont’s growth, Foster said, singling out the Fairmont Area School District for recognition for providing educational opportunities for students as well as adults.

“I know this is a priority to city staff, business owners, industry leaders and community members,” she said. “There are many professionals in our city that have a great deal of experience and expertise to make this happen.”

Weber lists the child care shortage crisis and business retention and growth as other top issues he feels are challenging Fairmont.

Solving the shortage of child care is not a Fairmont-only problem but one that impacts the entire state, he said, calling on the Minnesota legislature to take serious steps to remedy the issue.

“It’s going to be next to impossible to bring young families into our community if there’s no child care options for them here,” Weber said.

Business retention and growth have always been at the forefront for Weber since he served on the Fairmont City Council and saw the impact on families after three local companies closed their doors during one year of his tenure.

“I remember the sleepless nights and wanting so badly to fix it for them but facing the reality that it was not going to happen with the economic climate at the time,” he said. “We must support local businesses and make sure our policies remain fair and not burdensome.”

Both candidates possess solid backgrounds of leadership skills, serving on numerous boards and committees as well as in governmental bodies, and they tout their capacity to lead as a strong asset they would bring to the mayor’s position.

“Because of the generosity of my employers, John and Connie Anthony, I have a flexible work schedule which allows me to attend numerous meetings and celebrations during the work day,” Foster said. “This allows me to meet with community members at their convenience. It would truly be an honor and a privilege to serve as Fairmont’s mayor for four more years.”

“I love this community and have the highest respect for all who work hard every single day, taking care of it and protecting it,” Weber said. “I will always have your backs. I will lead with humility and honor. I am 100 percent ready to serve you all.”