I picked up literature from all three candidates and noticed something profoundly different about them. The flyers from the “Our Minnetrista” supported incumbents Pam Mortenson and John Tschumperlin have all the political platitudes expected on a flyer but don’t give any insight into how they make decisions about matters that come before the council. Who doesn’t support our police and fire services, road maintenance, and promise to listen to residents?

I was struck by the difference in Elroy Balgaard’s flyer that actually declared his core, fundamental principles and values: His support of private property rights, determination to stop wasteful spending and debt growth that drive up taxes, and putting an end to the conflict of interests of special vendor relationships at city hall.

As a city council member I know how difficult it can be to stand on principle. I’m not very popular with the tax & spend “Our Minnetrista” crowd, staff or mayor. I suspect Mr. Balgaard won’t be either but he’s the only candidate running that isn’t afraid to say what he thinks and he proved that at the candidate forum last Thursday.