The Scott County Historical Society is partnering with Southwest Newspapers to host candidate debates in October as part of its new political exhibit.

By Shannon Fiecke, Correspondent 

With months of budget discussions still ahead, Scott County commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to raise the county tax levy by a maximum 5.8 percent next year.

The primary election ballot on Tuesday, Sept. 9 will include federal, state and some local offices. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The city of Prior Lake recently made several voting location changes.

The three candidates in the Scott County Board of Commissioners District 2 primary – Tony Albright, Chris Olson and Tom Wolf – answered our questions about themselves and the challenges facing Scott County:

Q. Why are you running for county commissioner?

By Lori Carlson, Editor 

The city’s Local Laker Link bus service and the Blue Xpress transportation partnership between Prior Lake, Shakopee and Scott County have had great success in the last year, possibly due to the increase in gas prices and a higher demand for transit services, said Jane Kansier, the city’s building and transportation services director.

Prior Lake City Councilman Chad LeMair has filed for election to the Scott County Board of Commissioners in District 4.

LeMair will face current Commissioner Barbara Marschall in the November election.

Candidates had until 5 p.m. Tuesday to file for office.

Prior Lake City Council member Chad Lemair filed today to run against Barbara Marschall for county commissioner in District 4, which represents Prior Lake and Shakopee precincts 7, 9, 11 and 12. Marschall is the incumbent.

By Shannon Fiecke, Correspondent

A southern Scott County park reserve is likely to expand, but with little expense to county residents.

By Shannon Fiecke, Correspondent

Politicians are often accused of not living up to their campaign promises, but Scott County Commissioner Bob Vogel was determined not to break his pledge, even though the public would never have known.

Yesterday, Prior Lake detective, Chris Olson of Spring Lake Township, filed in the race for a Scott County Board seat that will be left vacant by Commissioner Bob Vogel.

Vogel announced his intention not to run for re-election. He is the chairman of the board. Tom Wolf of Savage filed on July 1 for election in Commissioner District 2, which includes Spring Lake Township. Wolf lost to Vogel in the last election for that seat. To see the story about Vogel, go to www.jordannews.com/news/county-politics/vogel-not-seek-re-election-8079.