In an effort to make themselves more accessible, Albert Lea city councilors and Mayor Jean Eaton had a ‘Meet the mayor and council&uot; party Friday night at the Elks Lodge.

&uot;I think this gives people the opportunity to meet their mayor and city councilors,&uot; Sixth Ward Councilor Al &uot;Minnow&uot; Brooks said. &uot;We’re not going to be a council and mayor that are going to make decisions without the public’s input. You put us in office.&uot;

The idea was proposed by Jean Eaton, who says she is trying to build a stronger relationship between the council and the community.

The Elks Lodge provided the space, the food and the punch. A group of private citizens paid for the disk jockey. Eaton said the group that paid for the disk jockey wasn’t a special interest group, but were just &uot;citizens who felt it was a good idea.&uot;

The event lasted from 7 p.m. until midnight.

&uot;I guess from my perspective is that we need to be more visible to the community and accessible to the community,&uot; Eaton said. &uot;It also gave us a chance to appreciate the city employees who make this a great place for all of us.&uot;

Eaton said she hopes to continue on with public social events.

&uot;It was a success, a first step,&uot; she said. &uot;I’d like to have another community event, maybe on the north side in six months.&uot;

Eaton said she hopes that the public will benefit from these events.

&uot;I hope this council be visible and accessible to the public during our terms,&uot; she said.