Mark W. Campbell - Finances. Specifically, from a revenue perspective, the amount of Local Government Aid and the future tax capacity of the city compared to the expenditures of the city. The city is facing a period of minimal increase in revenue and growing expenditures.

Marilyn Patterson - As a maturing community slated for more growth, Sauk Rapids has to determine how to effectively maintain and enhance what we value as a community while at the same time taking on growth in a way that does not cause long-term negative impacts.

Mark W. Campbell - Solutions: Carefully manage the expenditures of the city. Expand the tax capacity of the city by growing our commercial tax base. Lobby the state government to continue to fund LGA at a fair, consistent, and equitable level.

Marilyn Patterson - My solution is to take a big-picture approach to community building versus merely focusing on growth. We need to go beyond managing growth -- which, while important and necessary, is only part of the issue -- and tackle the larger scope of sustainability.

Mark W. Campbell - The state must provide a fair, consistent, and equitable method of funding LGA for all cities.

Marilyn Patterson - The Legislature should stabilize local government aid by creating a sensible and fair formula that provides for steady, predictable funding. Ideally the Legislature should continue restoration of funding cut from the program in 2003.

Mark W. Campbell - As mayor, I have the responsibility as the presiding officer of the council meetings. I believe that all members are entitled to voice their opinion regardless of their differences. In the end, any conflict is settled by the majority vote of the council.

Marilyn Patterson - My leadership style with regard to conflict management emphasizes civility: actively listening, respecting the opinions of others, taking responsibility for one's own actions, and as council chair, applying rules of order in a fair and inclusive manner.