By Sara StrongThe city of Luverne has a few options in the upcoming election.For mayor, Alex Frick and Andy Steensma filed.Steensma was unavailable for comment, but Frick said, "I had people asking if I was going to run, and some who said I should run."Frick said he wants relations with the county to be repaired, but he isn’t running for mayor to keep county leaders happy."I want to examine contracts," Frick said. "My No. 1 concern is the No. 1 job of government, and that is public safety, because if government isn’t protecting its citizens, it has no purpose."Frick said he believes law enforcement has improved since the city and county combined.Maynard Lafrenz filed against incumbent councilman David Hauge, who also refiled for the south ward seat.Lafrenz said, "I’m going to go into this with a common-sense attitude."He said he’s followed city politics, and decided to run at the last minute, because he thought Hauge could use the competition.Hauge said, "I just want to continue to serve the city. I think there’s a lot of things to be done and I want to see a successful conclusion to the county contract negotiations."Lafrenz said, "I’ll try to keep tabs on the spending and get this law enforcement thing straightened out. … I’m sure a lot of stuff goes on up there that I won’t understand, until I’ve been there awhile, if I’m elected."Lafrenz said he doesn’t expect his health to be an issue, if elected.He has low oxygen in his blood, and relies on daily help from a portable oxygen tank to get around. He said his respiratory problems are due partly to years of sleep apnea wearing on his heart."I’m getting better," he said. "I’m doing therapy at the hospital, and I’m going to start working out at the pool to build strength."Incumbent councilman Tom Martius is running unopposed in the north ward.County commissioners Jane Wildung, Ron Boyenga and Ken Hoime are running unopposed.In Luverne School Board elections, five candidates are running for three open seats on the board.Incumbents Colleen Deutsch and Donny Bryan have filed for re-election, but Steve Tofteland, who has been on the board since 1990, did not file this year.Challengers include Laura Herman, Vicki Baartman and Tor Boen.
