The following is the complete letter written by Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen to the mayor and members of the Albert Lea City Council notifying them of her resignation as city manager:

Dear Mayor and City Council,

It is with mixed emotions that I submit to you my resignation as city manager of the city of Albert Lea. The past five and a half years have proven to be some of my proudest. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of this wonderful community. I will no doubt miss the beautiful environment, the people who were supportive and the great quality of life that it has to offer.

I have accepted a position with the town of Lyons, Colo., a small community nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain National Forest. It is my hope that I will be able to start the next chapter of my life with those that I love, in a simpler, less demanding lifestyle that will assist me to find more balance between my home life and my career.

My time with the city of Albert Lea has been amazing! As I look back over the years, the list of things accomplished is truly remarkable. The challenges have been many, but the successes far outweigh the negative. It has always been my goal to leave a community better than I found it, and I hope that you agree that we’ve come a long way!

I wish you the best in your search for a new city manager and will cooperate in the training and transition however you see fit. I will leave you with a group of very capable, dependable department heads that will be able to sustain business during the transition. I will do my best to maintain operations, prepare for the coming year and excel at customer service through my last day with the city on Feb. 12, 2010.

My best to all of you personally and professionally as you make decisions for your families, the people you represent and the community overall. I have no doubt for the potential of Albert Lea. I will be watching from the top of a mountain as you work and play in the clear waters of America’s first Blue Zone city.

With Utmost Respect and Warm Regards,

Victoria Simonsen