In Willmar’s Ward 3, voters have the choice of incumbent Rick Fagerlie, 61, and challenger Bob Enos, 60.
Fagerlie has served Ward 3 since 1998 and had previously represented Ward 4. A local business owner, he is president of his appraisal company. Currently he is the chair of the city’s Community Development Committee and has served on the finance, public works and labor committees. He also serves as city representative with the Central Community Transit (formerly Kandiyohi County Transit) Joint Powers Board and the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.
He believes the City Council has not been working well as a team, primarily due to poor mayoral leadership. He is hoping better leadership will come in 2015 with a new mayor. He recognizes the importance of a good city infrastructure, especially city streets, and believes a new funding option is needed to address street improvements. He said the city also needs to develop a long-range plan to maintain and repair city facilities.
Enos moved to Willmar in 2008 following a city management career in Providence, R.I., and private business consulting work. He enjoys an agitator’s role and even said at a recent debate if elected he’d would drive them crazy. He demonstrated his lack of collaboration and teamwork during his recent tenure on the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission’s Joint Operations Board. After multiple months of adversarial posturing and random attendance, he resigned before completing his term. Despite advocating for city transparency, Enos willingly served on Mayor Frank Yanish’s anonymous advisory committee.
Enos has not outlined a credible argument for his election. The choice in this Ward 3 seat is clear -- simply Fagerlie is the best candidate for this Ward 3 seat.
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The West Central Tribune endorses Rick Fagerlie for re-election to a Ward 3 seat on the Willmar City Council.
