Following the 2008 election, Jerry Reyerson of Alden realized his priorities would change in the next two years, as he was the write-in winner for the position of mayor for Alden.

Though he has served on the Alden City Council the past 10 years, Reyerson knew his mayoral responsibilities would play an important role in his life after he is sworn into position in January.

“At a previous council meeting, I found out that current mayor, Brett Behnke, was not filing for another term, so I decided to run as a write-in. I had a lot of years experience on the Alden council and am aware of the issues and concerns that have been a part of our city business for a long time,” he said.

His goal is to keep the strong community spirit of Alden going.

“I feel it’s important for the community to continue working together to maintain the current support we have seen,” Reyerson said. “The whole community and school district play a huge role in our community. The people have always rallied ’round to do what’s best for everyone — with great support!”

Having lived in Alden since 1969, Reyerson, 44, graduated as a “Blackhawk” from the Alden-Conger High School, and he immediately began working full-time for area business owner, Wally Helland, who owned and operated a successful flooring business. Reyerson learned his trade well and later offered to buy the business from Helland in 1993.

Fellow council member Shawn Riebe added, “Jerry has been a lifelong member of the Alden community, has maintained a business and been active in community events, so he’s always available … which is a great benefit as a council member and now as mayor. He sees all that’s happening and brings a valuable perspective to the meetings.”

Age: 44

Address:

330 S. Broadway, Alden

Livelihood:

co-owner and operator of R&R Flooring in Alden for the past 15 years

Family: wife, Mary, and children, Emily, a freshman at Winona State, and Michael, a sophomore at Alden-Conger High School

Interesting fact: He is a dirt-track go-cart enthusiast who competes, along with his son, on tracks in Waseca, Blue Earth and Menomonie, Wis.

Reyerson said he feels the physical move of the city offices to the soon-to-be completed addition onto the Alden-Conger School will, hopefully, make the city offices more efficient in their daily operations. He states the past City Council personnel have been able to keep the city financially stable.

“They may have had to make unpopular decisions, but down the road these ideas have proven to be a great benefit and advantage for our community and we will continue to do what is in the best interest for Alden,” Reyerson said.

Faron Bremseth, another Alden City Council member seemed to sum up the overall feeling of the community, regarding Reyerson’s position as the new mayor of Alden.

“We’re all looking forward to working with Jerry, as I feel he has the community’s best interest at heart and I know he will do a great job!”

Reyerson and his wife, Mary, own R&R Flooring in Alden. The store offers a complete line of floor coverings, including carpet, vinyl, ceramic tile and hardwood — both sales and installation.