JACKSON -- When they go to the polls Tuesday, voters in Jackson will have a clear choice between the status quo or candiates who want to change the way the city operates.

The most striking choices are between Mayor Paul Sander and Scott Lipke, his opponent for mayor, and between Ward 3 Alderwoman Valerie Tuschoff and candidate Chris Bowen.

Sander is running for his fourth term as mayor of the city while Lipke, an attorney and former assistant county prosecutor, is making his first try for public office.

Sander has presided over a period of rapid growth in Jackson and has taken part in decisions that have been unpopular with some of the city's developers.

He emphasizes that all the board's decisions "have been made in the best interests of the citizens of Jackson.

"... I'd like the people to compare the experience of the candidates, to judge the accomplishments and dedication and long-term commitment to the community of all the candidates -- not just me," he says.

Lipke has said he will offer a new development plan for the city within his first year in office.

He says the entire community will be asked to help draft the blueprint for growth. "Too many times, cities hire a consultant to come to town for a week and type up a cookie-cutter economic development strategy," he says.

"I want to hold a year-long series of town meetings -- starting with our business groups and civic organizations -- to build Jackson's future from the ground up."

Bowen, who is making his first run for public office, has criticized the city's acquisition of a 60-acre industrial tract along Highway 61 North, claiming the purchase price of nearly $1 million was at least double the amount the land was worth. City officials dispute his calculations.

Bowen, vice president of Bowen Engineering, also has questioned the quality of inspection services in the city.

Tuschoff says the city inspectors have done a good job in a time of "tremendous residential and business expansion.

"It takes experience and dedicated leadership to balance this growth with our present values."

Tuschoff emphasizes her eight years on the board, her four years as chairwoman of the Street Committee and her positive attitude.

"I have the experience to keep up with the day-to-day issues that will keep the city in sound financial condition," she says.

The other races pit Alderman David Hitt against Don Harris in Ward 1 and Alderman Kerry Hoffman against Richard Rushin in Ward 2.

Hitt says the city needs to concentrate on fixing its water supply problems. First-time candidate Harris, a businessman and developer, claims the city handles some developers differently from others.

He also emphasizes the city's long-term need to provide adequate water and sanitation systems.

Hoffman, who has been on the board since 1995, thinks the most important issue is "that we continue positive planning for Jackson.

"We've had residential and commercial growth. The potential for industrial growth is just around the corner."

Following the city's new comprehensive plan and its subdivision regulations will insure that the growth occurs in an orderly way, he said.

Rushin, a former lieutenant with the Jackson Police Department and now an insurance investigator, says he wants to help guide the city's growth into the next century.

"I think it's a great community to live in and I want to have a hand in that," he has said. This is Rushin's first run for public office.

Larry Hall, alderman in Ward 4, is running unopposed.