OUR VIEW: There is a choice for mayor

For the first time in many years, voters actually have a choice when it comes to choosing Fremont’s mayor. Both incumbent "Skip" Edwards and challenger Scott Schaller have experience in city government, have had success in directing civic improvements and care deeply about the city.

Edwards has been mayor for the past 20 years, during which the city has seen much change. Decisions to install infrastructure to be ready for expansion, the creation of Christensen Business Park and the development of Johnson Park, including the opening of Splash Station, all have happened during Edwards’ time in office.

Schaller was instrumental in the development of Fremont’s lone skate park. He raised private funds to help pay for the equipment that has installed in Miller Park, which is located in the ward Schaller currently represents.

We are happy that voters - at least those who have registered as Republicans - have a choice for this important position. We firmly believe that all races should be contested and that Fremont is a big enough city to produce quality candidates for every elected position.

Here’s a look at the candidates:

‘Skip’ Edwards

There is no doubt Edwards has an edge in experience, after all he’s been involved in city government for 31 years. He knows how to work behind the scenes with city council members, department heads and the public.

Edwards has strong communication skills, and that’s not just the ability to speak at city functions. He is a good listener.

He’s also been able to develop relationships, both with civic leaders and state departments. Those relationships take time to develop but we are seeing dividends such as the nearly completed U.S. Highway 275 expansion.

Edwards also has been a big supporter of the city’s economic development efforts. His efforts have kept businesses in town, allowed others to expand to brought in additional manufacturing jobs. Still, he knows there is room for growth. He would like to see additions to the medical community and a push for higher paying jobs. To do that, though, it will take everyone working together, he said.

Road issues also are a concern. Edwards believes now is the time to pursue a southeast beltway and possibly begin to secure rights-of-way. But he also said Broad Street needs to be widened to about 10th Street.

Edwards also would seek some sort of collaboration between Fremont Public Schools, Midland Lutheran College and Keene Memorial Library as the city looks into ways to meet the technological and facility needs of the future. That’s a good idea.

A generation of Fremonters have grown up knowing only one mayor. There are those who believe, based primarily on Edwards’ years of service, that it is time for a change. That may be worth considering, but there is much value in the experience Edwards has gained during the past 20 years.

Scott Schaller

One word that kept popping up during Schaller’s intewview with the Tribune’s editorial board was "proactive." That seems to be the approach Schaller would take if elected.

Proactive thinking, he said, might have kept Memorial Pool open a few years longer. Taking that approach, he wants a more open government - one where anyone with an Internet connection can get the same information as council members. We think that’s a good idea, and it’s something Dodge County officials already do.

Schaller also believes now is the time to start planning for a new power plant. While he thinks the current plant has at least 20 years of life, now is the time to begin the planning process. That would be a proactive step.

Schaller sees the widening of Broad Street has a critical issue. The road will need to be widened at some point, he said. If it remains part of the highway system, Fremont residents would save tax dollars.

Like his opponent, Schaller said everyone needs to work together for Fremont to grow. He sees the mayor’s role in economic development as one of making sure everyone has the all of the available tools. He would work for higher-paying jobs that have a technology base. That’s a good goal, but one that will require more emphasis on educational attainment.

While he has been critical of the heating and cooling system at Keene Memorial Library, Schaller points out he is not against any possible expansion. He correctly points out that the city needs to take care of what already exists by including that system in the annual budget.

Schaller, who wants to take a step up in city government, will need to balance his full-time job and family responsibilities - and he knows that will be difficult. He also will need to polish some of his ideas and be able to effectively communicate those.