NEW ULM — Fourth Ward City Councilman Larry Mack is seeking a third term on the City Council to support businesses and complete a comprehensive plan.
Born and raised in New Ulm, Mac is a 6th generation native of New Ulm and a graduate of MSU/South Central Technical College Mankato. He has worked at his 3M as a tool and die maker for over 23 years. In 2014 he was elected to the 4th Ward City Council.
Mack serves on the City’s Planning Commission, Blight Oversight Commission, and Sister City Commission.
He is a former Vice-Chairman of the RENU Oversight Board and a former Trustee of the Heritage Preservation Commission. He is the president of his Pioneer Jr. and is currently a member of the Park Projects Committee.
Mac is a board member of the Brown County Historical Society and a member of the construction committee for the Grand Center for the Arts and Culture. He volunteers at local events such as Bockfest, Hermannfest, Oktoberfest and Bavarian His Blast.
If re-elected, Mack’s top priorities will be to support businesses of all kinds, expand employee housing, and revitalize downtown New Ulm.
“I think it’s important to keep your current business before you go out and look for new business.” He said. “We must continue to reinvest in what we have and look for what else the community needs.”
Mack believed it was important to rebuild the city center and helped private developers renovate downtown, including work on the Inspire, the former Hellberger building, and the Kaiserhof.
Mack cited the need for housing as a major concern. This is an issue he sees throughout his work at 3M. He said many of the young talent working at New Ulm can’t find a place to live.
“If we can make those people residents and keep that tax money in our community, it will be an asset.” He said.
Mac believes we need more housing options for all ages to meet the demand of the workforce.
Planning for the future of cities is a key factor in supporting businesses and expanding housing. That’s why Mac is eyeing the city’s new master plan. Work on the new Comp Plan has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
“That’s one of the reasons I’m running.” He said. “I have been on the zoning board for 10 years and would like to finish that job.”
This comprehensive plan provides a framework for how New Ulm will grow over the next ten years. This plan will help determine where housing will expand in the city over the next few decades. One of Mack’s priorities is getting community input on comp plans.
“I think we need to include the younger generation in that comp plan.” He said. “They are in high school now, they are in college, and it is important to hear them if they want to come back to our community.”
Another question Mack is hearing from voters is the need to invest in the Hermann Monument. He said many people are passionate about Hermann and the city should explore options to fund the restoration.
Mack thought the city’s overall budget would be a bigger problem this year due to the effects of inflation. He said the city has a lot to do to maintain and keep it sustainable.
When asked why he is the frontrunner for the 4th Ward City Council, Mack cites his experience.
“Regarding zoning, we already have eight years of experience and ten years of experience.” He said. “I like to market myself as a friendly, reliable and go-to resource for all New Ulm residents.” He said. “I am ready to continue planning the best possible future for this city.”
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