Burbank takes Third Ward seat on Owatonna

OWATONNA — Soon former Police Officer Dave Burbank will be back on the Third Ward beat, this time as its representative on the city council.

Burbank eked out a narrow victory over challengers Jillian Schiell and Tamara Brase. With 352 votes cast, Burbank garnered 142 votes or 40 percent. Schiell received 130 votes or 37 percent, and Brase took 77 votes or 22 percent. There were three write-in votes.

“Great. Mission accomplished,” Burbank said when contacted for comment.

Though both the defeated candidates said they were disappointed with voter turnout, both Brase and Schiell congratulated Burbank on his win.

“It was hard campaign, and it took a lot of time and effort for all the candidates,” Schiell said at the Steele County Administration Building where the votes were tallied.

Burbank will succeed current Third Ward Council Member Rick Ellingson, who opted out of the race in August to pursue other interests.

Like Ellingson, who is a part-time police officer in Blooming Prairie, Burbank has a background in law enforcement. Burbank worked for the Owatonna Police Department for decades until he retired in 2006.

Since then, he has served on the city’s Planning Commission for 18 months, which he said prepared him for the office.

On the campaign trail, Burbank touted his long-fuse and “calm, rational thinking,” which, he said, would offer a refreshing change of pace in a city that is struggling with chronic flooding and steep cuts.

The city faces a punishing year ahead, when the state will likely pull back on funding to cities and counties. Gov. Tim Pawlenty already cut Owatonna’s state aid allotment twice — the city lost $534,000 in state aid in late 2008 and $450,000 in June 2009.

Burbank also said economic growth and downtown development were important issues.

Once he takes his seat at West Hills Chambers, Burbank said he will “keep his ears open.”

“I’m going to try to learn as much as I can from the guys who have been there along time,” Burbank said. “I’ll learn by watching and listening.”

His first action as council-elect will take place this Wednesday. Burbank said he will be attending a council budget session.

Clare Kennedy can be reached at 444-2376.

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Member Opinions: By: Brian_Sanburn on 11/4/09 Good effort, Jillian. Thanks for the work you did to run for this position. Maybe next time....
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