November 28, 2005

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities does not endorse political candidates, but its 68 members left no doubt recently who they favor in next year’s state auditor race.

In introducing auditor candidate Rebecca Otto during a meeting last week, New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht, president of the coalition, reminded members they don’t endorse, but they should support “almost anybody ... except the one who has it.” The comment drew loud applause.

First-term Auditor Pat Anderson has been critical of how the coalition spends money it gets from cities, as well as not liking that cities spend so much on coalition lobbying efforts. She also has been critical of local government aid, one of the programs coalition members strongly support.