WINNEBAGO - Holly Stauffer has been selected to fill a vacant Winnebago City Council seat.

The City Council interviewed two candidates for the job Tuesday before choosing Stauffer, with Stacy Huntington Scofield up first.

Scofield is from Blue Earth and graduated from high school there in 1991. She lived in the South until two and half years ago.

"I believe I can offer new ideas and perspective," Scofield told the council. "I think it will not only be enriching for me, but I think I can bring a little injection of new blood to the council."

She has run a small business, held managerial positions in retail and is doing graduate work at Minnesota State-Mankato to earn her master's degree in literature. Scofield also has done a lot of volunteering and been involved in social activism.

"I work really well as a team player," Scofield said. "With my background in women's studies, I'm able to see perspectives that maybe others don't always consider."

She sees several strengths in Winnebago.

"I think there's a great community pride here," she said. "The (possible) charter school coming in is progress. It's a beautiful area. You keep trying to maintain a Main Street. I wouldn't have come back to the area and decided to live in Winnebago if I wasn't able to find positive things about it."

Scofield said the two most important issues facing the city now are state budget cuts, and retaining and adding new citizens to town. A way to attract and retain those citizens, she said, is to offer well-paying jobs.

Stauffer has lived in town for 20 years, been on the council before and chose to get back into politics to see what can be done. While on the council, she worked on the pool committee when it added a new shelter, and worked with the street and police departments.

"It was a whole, new eye-widening experience," Stauffer said. "I'm not afraid to voice my opinion or be open to other opinions."

Stauffer felt the biggest issue facing the city is the economy. She believes the charter school would be a big plus for the city, and mentioned the adolescent treatment center expansion as a strength.

The candidates were asked what Winnebago's weakness is, if it has one.

Stauffer thought the city had no real faults.

"Off the top of my head I can't think of anything," she said. "I think it's going to come back to the economy, but is that the city's fault? No."

"I notice there are some residences that are in need of care," Scofield said.

The candidates also were asked if they felt citizens have confidence in city leadership.

"At this point, I don't think so," Scofield said. "I've come across negative press. So-and-so isn't doing this and this isn't working. My background is to bring people together and work as a team."

Stauffer differed in opinion and said the public does have confidence in city leadership.