Jeff Hagen - Residents are upset and angry over how...the city's finances have been managed since consolidation and many are looking to secede from the city. Numerous bad spending decisions have been made; the residents want to see efficient use of their tax dollars.

Brian Herberg - The uniqueness of our city and the type of demographics that we have often makes it difficult to enforce ordinances and plan for the future. We want to keep the rural characteristics, yet allow our city to grow.

Richard Nieters - Did not respond to Times' questionnaire.

Jeff Hagen - Look to implement efficiencies into providing the needed services to the residents, which may include personnel reductions, reduced hours, shared services with neighboring entities, etc. Also needed is prioritizing the needs versus the wants.

Brian Herberg - More community involvment, with roundtable discussions and town hall meetings. Expanding on ideas that were set forth in the consolidation agreement.

Richard Nieters - Did not respond to Times' questionnaire.

Jeff Hagen - I understand and agree, in principle, with what the Legislature is trying to do in pushing down spending responsibility to the local level, and my only issue is if there is something inherently unfair in how aid is calculated.

Brian Herberg - The Legislature needs to re-evaluate the local government aid formula so that every city gets their fair share. I will continue working with the local representatives on this issue as I have in the past 3 1/2 years.

Richard Nieters - Did not respond to Times' questionnaire.

Jeff Hagen - I see my role as...setting direction and policy for the city, overseeing productive council meetings and decisions, trying to ensure that all issues are thoroughly researched and discussed objectively, and encouraging council-initiated decisions.

Brian Herberg - I like to listen to the people and their ideas and concerns to try to take their concerns and find a resolution that will work with the constituents and the city.

Richard Nieters - Did not respond to Times' questionnaire.