SPIRIT LAKE - Zachary Neu wants to bring a fresh perspective to the Spirit Lake City Council.

The brake and alignment technician with Les Schwab Tire Center is among six candidates seeking two open council seats on Nov. 5.

"I believe I am the best candidate because I am a fresh face to the game," the 29-year-old said. "I don't have any political ties or obligations to current council members or the future mayor. The only interests that I am concerned with are those of the people I would be representing."

The graduate of Timberlake High, who has lived in Spirit Lake for seven years, was formerly a heavy-equipment operator in the timber industry.

Neu, who is on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, wants to preserve Spirit Lake's "small-town charm" for future generations.

"I hope to guide the city into a new age of responsible growth without overpowering the smaller attributes that make this city what it is," he said. "I think the biggest asset that I bring to the table for the City of Spirit Lake is that I have an open, objective mind and I am willing to do what it takes to go to bat for the citizens."

Neu said he would like to see citizens be more involved in and aware of city affairs. He'd also advocate for improved transparency of the city's finances.

"I would like to see movement toward a stronger City Council that takes a more pro-active stance in its decision making..., " he said.

Neu said he believes the city has made progress, including moving City Hall, remodeling the police station, acquiring the Fireside Lodge property for a park and expanding recreation programs, "but overall I would like to see that same progress applied to planning for the future. I am an honest, open-minded, forward-thinking individual who is firmly grounded in my values and beliefs."

Neu said he would have liked to see the recent Fireside purchase be put to a public vote rather than decided by a city board. The intent is to make the property into a city park.

"Although the council and mayor are elected to represent and make decisions on behalf of the citizens, I still think it is important to give the people a voice on big-ticket agenda items that will affect us all," he said.

He believes the city should explore hiring a city manager.

"Spirit Lake is a small town, but one that is growing and expanding," he said. "I believe that we have reached the point that, in order for the city to continue on a positive path toward effective growth, we need to enlist the service of a professional with an extensive educational background in city management."