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NEW ULM — Ward 4 City Councilman Larry Mack is seeking a third term on the council to support businesses and complete the comprehensive plan.
Born and raised in New Ulm, Mack is a sixth-generation native of New Ulm and a graduate of MSU/South Central Technical College, Mankato. He worked at 3M for over 23 years as a tool and die maker. In 2014, he was elected as a member of the Ward 4 City Council.
Mack serves on the city’s Planning Commission, Blight Control Committee and Sister Cities Commission.
He is a former Vice-Chairman of the RENU Oversight Committee and a former Board Member of the Heritage Conservation Commission. He was president of the Junior Pioneers and is now a member of the park project committee.
Mack is a board member of the Brown County Historical Society and a member of the building committee for the Greater Arts and Culture Center. He volunteers for local events such as Bockfest, Hermannfest, Oktoberfest and Bavarian Blast.
If re-elected, Mack said his top priorities would be to support all types of businesses, expand workforce housing and revitalize downtown New Ulm.
“I think it’s important to keep our current business before we look for new business.” he said. We must continue to reinvest in what we have and find what is needed in society.
Mack believed in the need to rebuild the inner city and supported private developers who were renovating downtown, including work on the Inspire, the former Herberger Building, and the Kaiserhof.
Mack cited the need for housing as a major concern. It’s an issue he sees in his work at 3M. A lot of young talent working in New Ulm can’t find a place to live, he said. After a few years, these workers tire of the commute and are hired elsewhere.
“If we can get those people to become residents and keep those tax dollars in our community, it’s worth it.” he said.
Mack believes there is a need for a greater number of housing options for all ages to meet the needs of the workforce.
Planning for the city’s future is an integral part of supporting business and expanding housing. That’s why Mack focused on the city’s new comprehensive plan. Work on the new comp plan has begun and will be completed by the end of 2023.
“That’s one of the reasons I run.” he said. “I’ve already been on the zoning commission for 10 years, and I want to finish that job.”
The overall plan serves as a framework for how New Ulm will grow over the next 10 years. The plan will help determine where housing will expand in the city over the next few decades. One of Mac’s priorities is getting community input on the com plan.
“I think we should include the younger generation in this com plan.” he said. “Now they’re in high school, they’re going to college, and it’s important to get their input if they want to get back into our community.”
Another issue that Mack has been hearing from voters is the need to invest in the Herman statue. He said many people are passionate about Herman’s and the city needs to look for financial rehabilitation options.
Mack believes the city’s overall budget will be a big issue this year because of the impact of inflation. He said that the city has a lot of expectations and will be sustainable.
When asked why he is the preferred candidate for Ward 4 City Council, Mack cited his experience.
“I have eight years of experience before, 10 years of experience in zoning.” he said. “I like to sell myself as an approachable and reliable go-to resource for all New Ulm residents.” he said. “I’m ready to continue planning for the city’s best future.”
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