There aren't a whole lot of contested races for East Grand Forks city government this election season but, at least in one of the races that affect all residents, there is a face-off.
Former city attorney Karl Lindquist is battling former Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Pokrzywinski for the at-large City Council seat, which represents all of the city's political wards.
The incumbent, Steve Gander, another former Chamber chairman, is stepping down.
Lindquist has been on the council before, back in the early 1980s, but he resigned mid-term to take over the city attorney post. His experience at City Hall, however, is offset by the lead Pokrzywinski has in campaigning, having started hitting the sidewalks long before his rival.
There's a contrast both in style and substance between the rivals.
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Pokrzywinski touts his tireless advocacy for the community and his role in rebuilding the community after the flood, such as raising money for the Campbell Library. Lindquist called attention to his expertise in finance - he's a former factory manager - and city law, both useful fields for public service. He also boasted an aggressive get-it-done attitude.
The other contested race is the council race in Ward 1, in which challenger Marc DeMers fights for the seat now held by Clarence Vetter. There, the rivals also show a contrast in style and substance. Vetter, a strong fiscal conservative, has shown a willingness to make a protest vote to make a point. DeMers said he wants to balance fiscal responsibility with investing in the community. He also stressed his desire to cooperate to find a solution that benefits all.
For more, see our profile of the candidates, including the unopposed incumbents, on 5A.
