By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

"I think we have some very good candidates running this year," said Brenda Ward.

St. Anthony will choose between five different mayoral candidates when they hit the polls Tuesday, but Mayor Garth Rose isn't one of them.

Rose was elected to finish out Bill Beck's term last December, after he abruptly resigned.

"We've had several things happen that caused grief this year," said Mayor Rose.

From the beginning the job wasn't easy for Rose. Road issues and this summer's sand bar drowning have taken their toll, but the mayor says budget cuts and recent city layoffs were the most difficult things he's had to do.

"That was a very tough situation for me. The people who work for us are not only workers they're friends," Rose said.

After 12 years of city service, Rose believes it's time for new blood. "When I took the job, I told my wife I would finish out the term and probably not run again. My health hasn't been good and it's time for someone else to take the reins," he said.

Five candidates are in the running for mayor; Woody Anderson, Neils Thuison, Cathy Koon, Scott Kamachi and Don Oram. All but one have experience in local politics.

People in the community are hoping for the best. "I'm just excited to see someone come in and take over," said St. Anthony resident, Anndee Quayle.

"I'm excited because we have candidates that know what they're doing," said Valerie Lurus.

"We really need someone in St. Anthony to help us get out of our funk," said Dustin Gifford.