Mitchell’s Ward 1 City Council race just got a lot more interesting.
Former Corn Palace Director Dan Sabers has entered the field, becoming the third candidate in the race for one open seat to represent southwestern Mitchell.
Sabers, now a sales and events manager for the Ramada Inn in Mitchell, brings a unique perspective to the slate of candidates, with knowledge of the inner workings of city government that he thinks would prove beneficial if elected.
But Sabers’ unique perspective goes beyond simply being a former city department head.
According to a letter from Sabers dated Sept. 15, 2015, Mitchell Mayor Jerry Toomey gave Sabers 10 minutes to decide whether to resign or be fired just a few days prior to the letter. Sabers chose the former, although he attempted to withdraw the resignation in the Sept. 15 letter.
The reason for Toomey’s ultimatum and Sabers’ resignation never became public, but an open meetings battle ensued afterward when the City Council declined to allow the public to express their opinions of Sabers in open session.
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But Sabers holds no ill-will for the council, and acknowledged that Toomey’s term will expire before Sabers would join the council, if elected. Toomey is not seeking re-election.
“It’s a non-issue, the council didn’t do it,” Sabers said.
As for his candidacy, Sabers said he took out petitions when there was still only one candidate for Ward 1, and he wanted to provide voters with a choice. He also said he has no immediate plans for the city of Mitchell, and instead is “open for everything.”
Sabers will match up with fellow Ward 1 candidates Clay Loneman and Tim Goldammer in the June 5 election. Other potential candidates have until 5 p.m. on March 27 to file nominating petitions.
