The filing period for the 2002 elections began this morning locally at the Mower County Auditor's office and some immediately made it official their intentions to run for public office. The filing period ends 5 p.m. July 16.

So far, the list of candidates includes:

– David Hillier -- County Commissioner District #3

– Garry Ellingson -- County Commissioner District #5

– Sherwood "Woody" Vereide -- County Auditor

– David Groh -- County Treasurer

– Susan Davis -- County Recorder

– Terese Amazi -- County Sheriff

– Patrick Oman -- County Attorney

Though he had not filed as of this morning, Lynn Koch also has announced he will file for the position of Mower County Treasurer.

After many years of service, Ruth Harris, the incumbent, has decided to retire at the end of her current four-year term in December.

Harris was appointed to the position after the retirement of another former long-time county treasurer, Eileen Tapager-Dietrich.

"I was a little surprised when I was approached by several people to consider running for county treasurer," said Koch. "At first, I was reluctant since I have a growing mortgage business to run."

"After some research and consultation with my staff, I felt that the county treasurers' job could be my primary focus," Koch said. "I am very fortunate to have an excellent staff that is quite capable of handling things, during the day. With the help of my staff, I am convinced that Austin Mortgage will continue to provide the level of service our customers have come to expect."

He is currently serving on the Austin Port Authority, DCA Credit Committee and Apex Austin Committee. He has previously served on the Riverland Foundation Board, Austin Chamber Board of Directors, YMCA board of directors, past-president of the Austin Noon Lions Club, president of both Our Savior's Lutheran Church and First Congregational Church and is a Blandin Alumni.

Koch has a degree in Finance from Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas. He also was the manager of Norwest Bank, Austin Branch and Farmers and Merchants State Bank.

The candidate and his wife, Jane, who teaches music in the Austin Catholic Schools, have lived in Austin for 16 years with their 2 children Kyle, at Augsburg College and Jenna, a senior at Pacelli High School.

&uot;We both try to give back to the community as much as we receive.&uot; When he was asked to consider running for the position Koch said, "I hope I can be a service to the citizens of Mower County."

Among other county offices, voters will elect an auditor, attorney, recorder

and sheriff as well as three commissioners, representing Districts 3, 4, and 5, plus Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioners.

State office-seekers, including judges, must file with the Minnesota Secretary of State.