In Corcoran, the two-year mayoral term belonging to Ken Guenthner is up for election. Guenthner is running unopposed.

The four-year city council positions belonging to Paul Jacobs and Chuck Grabowski are also up for election. Filing for council is Rosalyn Milbrandt, James Tilbury, Pat Hank and George Gmach.

The candidates were asked to include their thoughts in statements. Each was asked to include in a response:

1. Candidate biography: Please include a short biography of yourself, your background, your personal and professional experiences and any other information you wish to share.

2. Candidate statement: Please comment on the top issues you feel are important in this election. Explain any changes you would like to see made and address the city's most urgent problems. Please include your vision for Corcoran's future and what the council should do to govern and guide future growth.

The responses received include:

George Gmach

Age as of January 2009: 60.

Hometown of birth, Corcoran.

Education: BA University of Minnesota; 54 semester credits of graduate study.

Occupation: human resource consultant

Family: Married to Jean since 1969; four children and four grandchildren.

Veteran: 1st Infantry Vietnam 1969-70.

Honors: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Medic.

Recreational interests: fishing, hunting, photography, family bike rides, gardening.

Board service: Trustee, Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Rogers since 2003; Board, Catholic Aid Association (fraternal financial and insurance) since 2006; Corcoran City Council 16 years between 1983 and 2004; past officer in professional organizations.

Other current and past service: Corcoran Planning Commission, Corcoran Charter Commission (Current Chair), Corcoran Home Occupation Commission.

Potential conflicts of interest: none.

Corcoran is a great place to live and I believe we have a bright future. We are blessed to have rolling hills, green croplands and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. As we move toward providing sewer and water to those limited areas that are already identified for growth, we need to make sure that developers are ready to cover the infrastructure costs either directly or through delivering taxable improvements. As stewards of your tax dollars we need to make sure that we do not overextend the city's ability to manage cash flow. Development needs to be self-supporting and should minimize impact on current residents.

Years ago Corcoran had to borrow money just like California is doing now just to make payroll. That is why our auditors recommend a certain level of reserve so that we do not have to pay interest on top of other expenses. Over a period of years a reserve was gradually built. We need to restore and keep that reserve at a responsibly conservative level, by paying close attention to our budget.

The cost of road construction has increased proportional to the cost of petroleum. We need to seek current information on efficiency of maintenance at various traffic levels, talk to affected residents, and make plans for improvements when they are cost effective and have public support.

Four years ago I retired from the Corcoran City Council to pursue other volunteer activities and enjoy more time with family. Recent events and many requests from citizens compel me to offer my service and experience to the community. If elected I pledge to:

Listen to your concerns respectfully

Remember that you usually have a better use for your money than government

Remember that transportation and public safety are the first priority of local government

Respect your property investment

Respect city employees and ensure they have the tools they need to serve you efficiently

Plan and budget responsibly

Discuss all city business and make all decisions in public unless they must by rule be discussed in private

Publicly state the reasons for my vote whenever there is a split vote

Seek prudent ways to build our industrial tax base in planned areas

I respectfully request your support Nov. 4.

Ken Guenthner

I am the current Mayor of Corcoran and my wife Kathy and I have lived on a hobby farm in Corcoran for 21 years. We have two sons, ages 16 and 14. Our family is active in 4-H, youth sports, and outdoor recreation. I am a business lawyer in private practice.

I was first elected to the Corcoran City Council in 1996 and have served four terms as Mayor. I am a member of the Corcoran Charter Commission.

The current economic situation and real estate downturn will continue to have significant impacts on our city government. It is very important that we elect council members who have the practical experience and wisdom to deal with these challenging times.

The role of Mayor is slightly different than that of a council member because it is the Mayor's responsibility to see that the Council conducts its business in a fair, open, and productive fashion. While council members can and should be advocates for ideas, the Mayor must be more of a moderator and organizer. I have worked hard at being an impartial chairman and pledge to continue conducting fair and productive meetings.

The city needs to complete its Comprehensive Plan update, as required by state law. A number of the Comp Plan land use and infrastructure elements, particularly related to sewer scope and phasing, need to be refined. Many of the zoning and subdivision ordinances growing out of the Comp Plan also need to be reviewed.

We have a very good opportunity to create commercial/light industrial tax base in the Southwest corner of Corcoran and need to make this a high priority. This contribution to our tax base will provide more opportunities to improve our roads.

I am concerned that our public works facility and one of our bridges are in serious need of repair. We've also identified a handful of specific, high-volume gravel roads that represent a constant drain on our road maintenance budget. I intend to push the Council collectively to find economical, long-term solutions to these infrastructure issues.

I remain committed to making this the best possible community for raising our kids, doing business, and enjoying the outdoors and our special lifestyles. We all have a role in the process of being a healthy community. Council members need to do their homework, be creative, and open-minded. The voters need to elect council members who best demonstrate these qualities.

Pat Hank

My name is Pat Hank and I'm running for Corcoran City Council.

I've been a resident of Corcoran for 16 years. I've been married to my wife, Janice, for 20 years and we have three children, Jonathon, Michael and Marissa. Our kids attend Hanover/Buffalo schools and we are active members of St. Thomas the Apostle church in Corcoran.

I am a Superintendent for Jaeger Construction, a commercial Construction Company, and have worked both residential and commercial construction for 25 years. I have served on the Corcoran Planning Commission for 3 1/2 years and on the Parks and Trails Commission for 1 1/2 years.

My goals as a council member are to lower our tax rate by encouraging development in the Southwest district and by making fiscally responsible spending decisions. Limiting spending will help bring our city's debt under control, which will lead to a more stable and stronger community. Not only will this help lower individual homeowners taxes, but it also helps create a more positive business environment.

I would like to see our commercial districts expand to help increase our tax base and lower the burden on the individual homeowners. I believe by working with the city council, staff, commissions and the Met Council, we will be able to control how and when the city of Corcoran wants development and yet be able to keep the rural character that we all enjoy.

As a councilman, I would like the opportunity to listen to the residents concerns as I did as a planning commissioner. I am reliable and will work hard as a city councilman to help our city of Corcoran obtain its greatest potential.

I would appreciate your support on Nov. 4.

Roz Milbrandt

I have lived in Corcoran for the past 12 years. I was raised on a family farm, and I chose Corcoran for my home because of the country qualities and potential. I am a mother of two, a grandmother of four, and a widow.

I started my career as a teacher and then became a Corporate Trainer, Customer Service Manager, Project Manager, and Director of Quality.

Elected in 2006 as the Chair of the Corcoran Planning Commission, I've dedicated my time and work to preserving the best of our community. I joined the Corcoran Parks and Trails commission four years ago. I contribute work on a variety of City Committees and recently co-authored the 1000 Friends Grant that was awarded to Corcoran in September.

Corcoran is a beautiful country community. We have many opportunities and challenges. City Government should work with the community to achieve positive results and goals. Based on my past years of city service, I believe the following opportunities are priorities for Corcoran City government.

Senior Housing is an important issue for Corcoran. We need to work and plan to provide appropriate housing options for retiring citizens. All residents should have the opportunity to stay in the Corcoran community close to family and friends.

Infrastructure is an ongoing challenge for Corcoran. The maintenance and development of our roads and bridges requires sustained attention to ensure the safety of school buses and emergency vehicles, as well as the day-to-day travel of commuting.

Public Safety is a community responsibility that Corcoran cannot take for granted. Corcoran is fortunate to have a quality police organization, and it should remain a priority. Fire protection should also be a priority reviewed regularly.

Financial Management is a major responsibility of local government. The Corcoran tax base needs to be balanced with additional light industry and commercial development in zoned areas. Tax dollars need responsible management and collective, sound judgment. City government is a service to the community, and it should be managed to achieve the goals of the community.

Parks and Trails are important to the identity of Corcoran as a rural community. Corcoran needs to preserve and develop our recreational spaces for organized sports, community activities, and natural space for all our children.

Jim Tilbury

My name is Jim Tilbury and I am running for Corcoran City Council.

I built my house in SW Corcoran 30 years ago, in that time I have raised four children. In our 30 years out here we have raised chickens, horses, and have grown a vineyard. I have worked in the manufacturing industry for 36 years. I am a small business owner in New Hope. I graduated from Dunwoody, now Dunwoody College of Technology, am currently on the Dunwoody Board of Managers. I enjoy camping, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing. I am an avid supporter of my children's soccer, la crosse, and of course, hockey.

Most of the Corcoran residents, like myself, moved out here to escape the suburban rat race and 20 feet between houses, to enjoy the privacy, and the peacefulness. For those reasons alone, I believe we need to keep Corcoran Corcoran. Just like what it was when we chose to move here.

We have to strive to support our local businesses and promote new ones. It should be able to be done without major turmoil. Get more involvement in the residents instead of only when there is a major problem and by then it's too late. Try to raise awareness and have more residents involved all around issues of our city.

When there is a major issue, make sure that the majority of Corcoran is involved instead of only key people. When this happens, there has to be an agreeable solution, at a controlled pace. That way we all win.

Keep taxes in check and use price breaks where possible, with contract services, getting more resourceful on what we already have. Times are tough and we all feel the effect, no matter what you do or where you live. We all need better communication involving neighborhood concerns and issues.