First candidate throws hat in the ring for City Council

[caption id="attachment_11444" align="alignleft" width="208"] RICH OEHLERT[/caption]

Rich Oehlert will run for Ward 1 seat

Rich Oehlert, a Clear Lake businessman, has announced that he will be a candidate for Clear Lake City Council Ward One representative.

Oehlert, 67, is a lifelong resident of Clear Lake who grew up on his family farm south of town.  He owns and operates the farm, in addition to several rental properties in Clear Lake.  He and his wife, Cherie, live at 106 Fairway Drive.

Oehlert said that his background enables him to understand Clear Lake and “just about everyone who lives here.”

“I’ve farmed, worked as a bartender, and worked at the Bakery,” Oehlert told the Mirror-Reporter.  “I’ve helped run a local charity and worked at the golf course.  My wife, Cherie, worked at Opportunity Village for many years.  We know just about everybody, people from all walks of life.  Clear Lake is doing well, and by serving on the City Council, I can help make sure that we continue making progress.”

Oehlert said his priorities as a Council member will be to “help guide Clear Lake from a citizen’s perspective, to deal effectively with the changes that can improve our city.  Change can be very good, if properly handled. I call ‘em like I see ‘em— always have.  That’s just how I’ll be on the Council, too, if I’m elected.”

Oehlert said that since January he has “made the rounds,” and he has “lined up support” for the race.  “My dad, Howard Oehlert, was in politics for years.  He taught me if you line up commitments from voters in advance of the election, then everything else just falls into place.  That’s what I have been doing.”

The late Howard Oehlert served two terms on the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, from 1971-79.  “Dad was a Democrat, and I’m not.  I’m an Independent.  But Republicans, Democrats and Independents are supporting me.  I’ll be an extremely accessible member of the City Council,” said Oehlert.  He invites those interested in supporting him to contact him at 641-529-0350.

Three seats will be decided  Nov. 3

Three seats on the Clear Lake City Council will be decided in the Nov. 3 General Election.

The At-Large seat held by Mike Callanan since 2008, will be on the ballot, as well as the Ward One and Ward Three Council positions.  Ward One Council Representative Dana Brant said Monday he intends to run again for City Council, however he is undecided about staying in his ward or seeking the at-large seat.  Ward Three representative Jim Boehnke said Tuesday he will seek a second term.