Albrecht, Bentz vie

for New Ulm mayor

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

New Ulm Councilor Joel Albrecht and former Brown County Administrator and Treasurer Jerome Bentz squared off Monday night at a candidate forum.

Albrecht said he has enjoyed every minute of serving on the New Ulm City Council. He often found himself negotiating what can work for the city and for the common good, he said.

"It's been a wonderful experience for me and I truly look forward to it," Albrecht said.

Bentz said he has been active in the Blandin Leadership Program, served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and has held numerous government positions.

The candidates addressed New Ulm's "weak" mayor system.

Bentz said the mayor is more of an ambassador who attends many meetings.

Albrecht said New Ulm's unique form of government works well for everyone.

"I was involved in bringing political people and other things to town long before it was fashionable," Albrecht said. "Many people, 15,000 to 18,000 people have come here because of my efforts. I enjoy mixing with people. I have a huge number of friends in Germany that regularly visit us."

He was a member of the first Tourism Committee and past president of New Ulm Chamber of Commerce.

"I've spent my whole life promoting New Ulm and feel every comfortable doing it," Albrecht said.

Bentz would like to expand tourism in New Ulm. He sees George's Ballroom as a major item in that effort. He thought the mayor should be a salesman for the city as a place to live, work and retire.

He would like to see a city-wide promotional effort for George's Ballroom.

Albrecht said the city is in the process of creating a perspective of remodeling George's.

"If anybody has an idea of what to do with the property, anybody in the city would like to hear it," Albrecht said. "The ballroom business isn't what it used to be. Lots of people have great old memories of it. Remodeling won't be easy. Our new facilities at the fairgrounds will have an overabundance of space. We'll have to sell our facilities to fill them up with events."

Albrecht said he has gone door-to-door and said nobody has an idea of what to do with the ballroom.

Many school and park and recreation activities are not being fully used, Albrecht said.

"Some people think there is nothing to do here, others can't find enough time to do what they want to."

Bentz said it all begins at home and that parents should ask their children the hard questions. He said the Martin Luther College sports facility could provide lots of opportunity for the city.

Albrecht said the MLC facility will add softball fields, for the most part.

"It's going to help us, but how is still a wide open question," Albrecht said.

Bentz would like to see cultural diversity carrying an ever-increasing role in New Ulm.

"All our forefathers were immigrants," Bentz said. "Youth are the future. We need to hear their views and do what we can to aid them in progressing in the best way possible."

Albrecht said society is held back by the use of many languages in this country.

"People need to learn English or they're at a big detriment from day one. We should encourage people to speak English," Albrecht said.

Bentz said the education system plays a major part in immigrants learning English, particularly in Sleepy Eye.

Albrecht said he's enjoyed living in New Ulm. He feels he could bring certain qualities to the office if elected.

"New Ulm is solidly financially situated to deal with budget issues with outstanding people on all our commissions and boards," Albrecht said.

Born in Hennepin County, growing up in Gibbon and attending school at Martin Luther High School and Martin Luther College, Bentz would like to see the city expand the city limits and its airport to ease a housing shortage and grow.

"There is a quality work force in New Ulm and we need to make every effort to retain it," Bentz said.

Editor's Note; The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. It took place at the Public Library Monday evening.