Pat Evens - The major issue in Richmond is no different than any other small city in Central Minnesota. It is the loss of the hometown or family-owned businesses along with high property taxes affecting fixed-income households.

Larry Hokanson - Affordable housing and a shortage of light and/or heavy industry.

Jeff Mackedanz - Try to promote new businesses to Richmond and also open up more lines of communications with the city residents by televising workshops.

Tim Paczkowski - Developing the Sunrise Business Park and housing development east of Richmond. Continue to work on infrastructure that has been neglected for many years.

Pat Evens - Richmond is in desperate need of a common-sense plan to promote and recruit small businesses to the area and to have a dedicated administration to support these main street businesses. This may be done, not only by tax increment financing, but by other avenues that are available and effective.

Larry Hokanson - Continue to work with land developers to help fully solve both problems.

Jeff Mackedanz - Set up a revolving account to help new businesses get started. l would start by televising workshops so people actually know what they are passing at council meetings.

Tim Paczkowski - Creating TIF district, having our city staff and the Richmond EDA to find funding at the federal, state levels. The last three years the city has received over 10 million in outside funding. The council and it counterparts need to be fiscally responsible.

Pat Evens - I believe that the legislature should look long and hard at the formula it uses to distribute Local Government Aid. The formula should take into consideration the necessary services needed for the smaller communities.

Larry Hokanson - Fair and consistent funding.

Jeff Mackedanz - Local government aid should be set up to help communities and try not to hinder them by taking or cutting back.

Tim Paczkowski - Be fair with its funding. When they mandate items, the State needs to look at how it affects the local levels.

Pat Evens - I have a participative or(democratic) leadership style. This style of leadership involves many people in the decission-making process (determining what to do and how to do it). However, as a leader, it is very imperative that I maintain the final decision-making authority.

Larry Hokanson - Direct, professional and unbiased.

Jeff Mackedanz - I feel that we should be able to sit down and listen calmly to all pros and cons and come up the best possible solution for all.

Tim Paczkowski - Make the tough, common-sense decisions. Getting things done instead of talking about them. I believe conflict management requires 3 important elements: communication, common ground, negotiation. Striving for a win/win situation.