‘Tis the season once more for political enthusiasts. With election time around the corner, those aspiring for public office next year must begin the campaign climb soon, and were offered a glut of advise Thursday from people who know it best.

“You’re a brave bunch of people,” former mayor and council member Bonnie Rietz told the group of 12 gathered at the Austin City Hall Thursday. “If you choose to do it, you’ll be off on a grand adventure, and if you run you’ll be making a difference in this world of ours.”

Hosted by the government affairs committee of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, the “Candidate 101” forum allowed potential representatives-to-be an opportunity to learn from the experts, including media, elected officials, administrative staff and marketing gurus.

There’s plenty to remember, according to city and county staff, who say candidates must school themselves in fundraising and spending regulations, sign ordinances and filing requirements.

Whether running for local, county, state or national office, candidate filing runs from July 1-15 — mayor and city council hopefuls can file at City Hall, county and state candidates at the Mower County auditor’s office at the courthouse and state and federal work through the Minnesota Secretary of State.

“You can file in absentia,” said city clerk Lucy Johnson, referring to local candidates. “Contact our office, and we can handle that.”

There is a $25 filing fee at the local level, and $50 fee at the county level. Candidates have an opportunity to withdraw from the ballot until July 17.

There are multiple nuances to know regarding spending caps and signs, both of which are regulated by state and local authorities, depending.

Candidates can raise and/or spend up to $750, and must file paperwork with respective offices if either exceeds that value. Johnson said this aspect of campaigning is vital because a winning candidate will not be permitted to take office unless proper procedure is followed.

“You need from the start to keep track of what you spend and what you pull in,” Johnson said. “The state is very particular on this. If you don’t file this with me, you don’t take office.”

Enforcement is based on the honor system, she said, and watched most heavily by political competitors and advocates. Complaints must be filed with the office of administrative hearings at the state level.

Sign ordinances are also important, particularly for county commissioner candidates, who may find different laws depending on which small town they campaign.

Dawn Mueller, of the Mower County auditor/treasurers office, said people should contact local governments for more information, adding that, typically, signs cannot revolve or flash, interfere with public right-of-ways or hang from trees or polls.

Sign season, she said, is usually from Aug. 1 to Nov. 14.

Johnson and Mueller had several more tips for hopefuls: file early, don’t neglect primaries and know the time commitment. The salaries aren’t necessarily just compensation.

Bob Mithuen, marketing manager for KAUS AM/FM Radio, also suggested an early approach to radio advertisements, though added that all candidates are entitled to lowest unit charge, reasonable access and equal opportunity.

“That goes for every candidate, every position, every election,” he said.

Mithuen said appropriate paperwork can be found and submitted at the office, and promised a lot of hand holding through the process. Messages must include the candidate’s voice and can be subject to edits or denied, though that’s a rarity, Mithuen said.

“It’s very, very easy, it can take a little time, but it’s a very, very easy way to market your campaign,” he stated.

As for the alternative side to media — news — Dan Conrad, reporter for KAAL-TV, said the first mistake a candidate makes is letting the fear and intimidation overcome a savvy mind.

“While media may not necessarily be there to make your lives better, we are not here to make your lives worse,” he said.

He strongly recommended a close eye and studious approach to the issues of the community, something he’s found to be an asset, particularly during conversations with the press.

“Where an interview becomes problematic is when the person being interviewed doesn’t know the subject matter,” Conrad said. “The thing that will help a candidate more than anything is a working understanding of the subject matter.”

He added, however, that an honest, “I don’t know,” is not a mistake.

“‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’d rather not comment’ — those are perfectly acceptable answers,” he said.

Rietz agreed, saying that it’s best to try to appreciate members of the media, enjoy them even, instead of cursing them.

“Enjoy them,” she said. “I always enjoyed the media people. It’s fun.”

She had several piece of advise for candidates, the first being to seek counsel from those already familiar with the election experience.

“The one thing I would highly suggest is to talk to someone who’s run for office,” she said. “Another thing is ask people for help.”

Both she and county commissioner Dave Tollefson said being an elected official does interrupt one’s daily life, both because of phone calls to one’s home and because of the emotional toll it can sometimes take.

“Sometimes you would get kind of angry,” Rietz said. “You sort of have all kinds of emotions — sometimes you’re pleased, sad, sometimes you get angry.”

Rietz also recommended once the campaign season launches — usually at the open of the Mower County Fair — that people canvas neighborhoods and connect with people, instead of solely relying on ads and signs.

“It’s good for people to get to know you, and it helps you,” she said. “It helps you get to know the city better.”

Terms expiring this year include, on the city council: Pete Christopherson, at-large; Brian McAlister, 1st Ward; Scott Pacholl, 2nd Ward; and Norm Hecimovich, 3rd Ward, as is Mayor Tom Stiehm. Hecimovich is the only who’s said he won’t seek office again next term. McAlister has indicated he will; according to father and council member Dick Pacholl, his son, Scott, will run again; and Christopherson and Stiehm have both said they are “thinking about it.”

On the county level, the District 1 seat, held by Richard Cummings, and the District 2 seat, held by Ray Tucker, are up this year. State Rep. Jeanne Poppe, DFL-Austin, and Congressman Tim Walz, District 1, must also seek re-election. Poppe said she will run for another term.