NORTH MANKATO — The ballot for North Mankato City Council is getting longer with five people so far filing for two open seats.
Peter Wachtel, 47, filed on Friday.
Wachtel, who lives in lower North Mankato, has a construction company and has been a general contractor for 26 years.
“I think I can be an asset to our community. I just want to help the city make good decisions,” he said. “Things seem to be running fairly smooth, but there are always issues residents don’t like, and I think I can be an asset to help resolve those issues.”
He hasn’t run in a municipal race before but has served seven terms as commander of the Sons of the American Legion and served on boards. He also founded and coordinates the annual Fall Blast fundraiser for veterans.
He’s lived in North Mankato since 1977, growing up in Mankato prior to that.
Other candidates who’ve so far filed are first-time candidate Tom Rieff, incumbent Billy Steiner, former councilman Kenny DeWitte and former candidate Kim Spears.
Two council seats — Steiner’s and the one held by 20-year Councilman Bill Schindle, who’s not seeking re-election — are on the ballot and each carries a four-year term. Voters will be able to vote for up to two candidates with the top two vote-getters winning the seats.
The office of mayor is on the ballot every two years in North Mankato. Mayor Mark Dehen is seeking a second term, but no other candidates have stepped forward to challenge him.
The filing period is open until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
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