Bentz sees administrative experience as asset

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--Jerome R. Bentz is hoping that his 18 years experience in county government here will propel him into the mayor's office next week.

Bentz, 66, began his career in county government by applying for the position of county treasurer which was being vacated in middle of a term.

"I was selected for that position, stood for re-election twice, serving as county treasurer for eight years. That was followed by 10 years, serving as county administrator. A referendum was held prior to my becoming the county administrator to combine the offices of auditor and treasurer," Bentz related.

"The former auditor also served as the administrator and personnel director. When those two offices were combined, I was appointed the administrator, and another individual was appointed as personnel director for Brown County."

Bentz had attended Dr. Martin Luther High School in New Ulm before entering military service and obtaining an associate degree from Mankato Commercial College in senior accounting. He worked for Biebl, Ranweiler accounting firm in New Ulm for two years before seeking the county treasurer's job.

He's also no stranger to mayoral politics. After retiring from county government service in 1997, he tried to return to community service when Mayor Bert Schapekahm died in office.

"I had indicated my desire to the City Council, and they chose Arnold Koelpin. That was fine. When Arnold decided not to file for re-election, I thought this is the opportunity. Hence, my candidacy for office of mayor of New Ulm."

Bentz said he sees himself being most effective in the roll of representing and being the ambassador for the city of New Ulm, with the city's "weak mayor" system.

"As an example, do a fair amount of traveling, meet with organizations when organizations have annual meetings on a statewide basis or even national. It can be international, as well as sell New Ulm as the place of choice to live, work and retire."

Bentz is encouraged by the progress New Ulm has experienced, but he has additional hopes for it.

"Maybe five years ago, I would have said they could do more. I think they've made a lot of strides and improvement in their efforts in the recruitment of business and industry. They are allocating some real estate for business and industry," Bentz explained.

"One of my goals is I'd like to see the population of New Ulm at 20,000 by 2010. Now that's about a thousand people a year that we'd have to add. That would take a tremendous effort of recruitment and public relations to go out there and do that, but I also feel that New Ulm should try to position itself as a hub for southwestern Minnesota in business and industry and the delivery of goods and services."

Bentz believes he would be a good recruiter for filling vacancies on the city's boards and commissions.

"When I was working for the county and we had various positions open, I would talk to people who were available in a certain area and encourage them to apply if I felt they could lend something beneficial to the county," Bentz said.

"In the military, I spent several years recruiting for the military when I was serving in New Ulm, and I was fairly successful with that. I'm pretty much of a straight shooter; I tell it the way it is. Yes, I can recruit."

Bentz said he would be willing to use the mayor's veto power on expenditures, but he would be cautious about it.

"If there is a 3-2 vote and there is concern about it, in that case, I might consider the veto. If there is a 4-1 vote, obviously it would take 4-1 to override, and they would have that vote if they maintain their status."

He also feels it's important to continue pushing for action on the U.S. Highway 14 four-lane expansion project.

"We've got to have access; that's the big issue. You look at your communities that are situated along good rail lines and good public transportation highways. They do well, they expand well because that's what business and industry look for," Bentz related.

"I see the airport discussion as continuing here. I know the county is looking at relocating County State Aid Highway 27 so they can expand that runway. That's gong to be a long process because we've got a lot of private land you have to deal with and negotiate with the people. It's a long process, but if you want to be a regional base and be able to provide facilities and infrastructure and services, you have to step forward with those things."