Posted: 10/26/04
Jeff Sheehan announces write-in candidacy
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Jeff Sheehan has announced his write-in candidacy for a city council position.
Sheehan, a lifelong resident of Caledonia, said he originally considered running for mayor, but decided that being a councilman would be a better way to ease into city government.
As for his reasons for running, Sheehan said he has not been happy with the council and feels it has been ìanti-business.î
ìNow we are getting a glut of houses, and we need to attract people to town,î he said. ìWhat pushed me (into announcing a write-in candidacy) was a concern for business.î Sheehan said he is also ìtight with moneyî and will be careful with the city finances.
The reason Sheehan didnít run for council before this year is because, he said, ìItís hard to defeat an incumbent.î He said he saw the lack of candidates as a good opportunity to get on the council.
If he is elected, Sheehan said he would like to see shorter council meetings. He also said he would make decisions based on the overall benefit for the community, not just a few.
Sheehan acknowledged that owning a business and being involved on the council can be a ìdouble-edged sword.î
ìThatís a risk I am willing to take,î he said. He said that if he is elected, he will invite citizens to contact him any time and will be accessible to the voters.
Sheehan plans to reopen his business, Caledonia Auto Center, after the election. He is the owner of the former Caledonia Creamery, which has been discussed in numerous council meetings over the past few years.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com