Let’s hope a few qualified citizens of Albert Lea will step up to indicated an interest in the open mayor’s position.

The next 18 months or so will spell the difference between moving the city forward or allowing it to fall stagnant.

City Attorney Steve Schwab’s advice to the council to go slowly in making this decision is sound advice and it appears the council is heeding that advice, opting to wait until public input is gathered and the entire council can make the decision.

Though not typically a position of great power, the mayor is an important person in city government. A mayor is a spokesperson for the community, touting the positive and promoting new visions for the community.

This person assists in economic development efforts, is the official spokesperson at state functions and leads the charge at the state legislature.

This person must be capable of working well with city staff and the public in general and do it cheerfully all day and into the evening in some cases.

It’s a thankless job and no amount of effort will please all the residents all the time.

But if the city progresses, the new mayor should take pride in helping make it a better place.

We hope a few qualified candidates will step up with an interest in serving as mayor; this community needs to rally its support to move forward.