Guest Column by Al “Minnow” Brooks

Well, it’s that time of year — election commercials, yard signs, door fliers, debates and, of course, daily comments in the newspaper. I hope you’re not so tired of it all that it doesn’t matter anymore because I would very much like to make some comments on my council race.

For 16 years I have had the opportunity of sitting on the council to be a part of and to see our city try to make Albert Lea a place we’re proud of. As a community we are trying to fix our infrastructure, such as the Broadway project. We have made improvements in our parks like the new Edgewater Bay Pavilion. Wards 1 and 3 have seen needed street improvements. These are just a few examples among many that we’ve seen in the last few years. As a council we need to continue these things to improve the quality of this community so we can continue to feel proud of Albert Lea.

The council soon will make decisions on reorganization and major infrastructure projects in the 6th Ward and also our city budget. As for me, the reorganization of our city departments and structure — there are still too many questions unanswered for me to move forward. I have yet to be shown any real benefit to this except in reporting purposes.

Second, one of these infrastructure projects is a sewer line job in the Virginia Street area. This is very important to me and the residents in the fact that if the replacement of this line works to control our sewer backup problem it will allow us to move forward on the reconstruction of Fifth Street and Virginia that is much overdue. This council and I are committed to make this happen!

Another project is the South Broadway improvements of the infrastructure including replacement storm sewer and culvert repairs, sidewalk and driveway approaches and resurfacing of a bituminous mill and overlay from Main Street south to the intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and Interstate 35. Wouldn’t it be nice to see that coming into Albert Lea from the south that this community cares about how it looks?

Touching on the budget and its proposed tax increase, I also may have a different opinion than some. I have said it in the past and still feel a 3 percent increase may sound small to some people but to many people — not only in Ward 6 but in other areas of town — it can cause a burden on how they survive. I have been and always will be sensitive to tax levy increases and don’t believe the city should continue to spend money, sometimes without need, and expect the taxpayer to feel that’s OK.

I would like to finish saying something about myself. It’s been suggested 16 years on the council may be a little long. I feel just the opposite. Having these years has given me the experience and understanding in making some tough decisions. Twice during my tenure I have had to step in for a period of time and assume the mayor’s duties during some difficult times. I dealt with some one-on-one situations that you don’t as a council member and, believe me, it gives you a better understanding of things and situations that come before the council.

I have shown in my past that I am not afraid to say no to City Hall to things that the majority of constituents in my ward feel are not in their best interest. I also feel that having the amount of time I have had on the council I have been able to establish a trust within the organization and also Ward 6 residents that I care about everyone’s situations because everyone’s needs and concerns are different and I will listen. I’m not about making hasty decisions and will continue to make decisions on your behalf with compassion, sincerity and responsibility. It has been my honor and privilege to represent the 6th Ward and ask for your support and vote Nov. 4.

 

Albert Lea resident Al “Minnow” Brooks is the owner of Brooks Safety Equipment and is the city councilor representing Ward 6.