Last weekend I attended my first Minnesota Mayor’s Association Annual Conference, in Duluth. About 75 mayors from across the state were in attendance. Many were new mayors like me. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other mayors, evaluate potential vendors for the city, attend exceptional educational workshops, share ideas and network.

Since there is no specific job description or training manual on how to become a good mayor, it is so helpful to talk with others on how they accomplished their &uot;on-the-job training&uot;!

Each mayor brings their own personality, idiosyncrasies, and management style to the table in hopes of making a difference in the community that they call home.

Two of the seminars that I attended were timed perfectly for me: &uot;Resiliency &045; Leadership Skills for Navigating Through Change&uot; and &uot;The Risks of Making Tough Decisions.&uot; Both seminars gave me tips, insight and tools to help me in these times of never-ending change and constant decision making. All communities are facing similar challenges and opportunities, some of which include: preserving essential services in the time of budget cuts, working with special interest groups, and meeting the needs of increasingly diverse populations. While many councils and mayors may have differences in philosophies, politics, style and personality, we must try to find a way to act and move forward in the best interest of the community to survive these difficult times.

Let me tell you, by the end of the conference, I walked away thinking how proud I am of being from Albert Lea! Our city is in great shape in so many ways compared to other communities. While we are facing cuts just like everyone else, due to the past foresight of our previous mayors, city council members and staff, who have provided excellent services while keeping costs under control, these service cuts won’t be as deep as those faced by other communities. I hope that you too are proud of the city of Albert Lea and the many services that we offer you through our park, library, street, water, planning, engineering, business, fire and police departments. Please take time some time to thank our city employees for the work that they do for all of us!

(Jean Eaton is the mayor of Albert Lea.)