Lawrence City Commission candidate Sven Alstrom confirmed to the Journal-World that he’s still under the orders of a personal bankruptcy filing from 2004.

Alstrom said the filing was a result of a downturn in his architectural business in Aspen, Colo., following the terrorist attacks in 2001.

“I’m part of a cyclical industry,” Alstrom said. “I feel like there is not the stigma attached to it that there used to be because a lot of people have had to go through this.”

According to Alstrom’s bankruptcy filing from July 1, 2004, he had assets of about $34,890 vs. liabilities of about $86,500. Among the debts that he had not paid at the time of the filing were $11,589 in unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Colorado dating back to 2000.

Alstrom said his finances are now in better order as business has started to improve. He said his bankruptcy is scheduled to be discharged May 1.

“I really feel like it is over,” Alstrom said. “I feel like it is behind me.”