As I stated before in an earlier letter to the editor, 1st Ward Councilor Vern Rasmussen Jr. shouldn’t be allowed to “have it both ways.” Voters shouldn’t insist that he remain in his 1st Ward seat because there’d be more than two years remaining in his vacated term in the event Mike Murtaugh received fewer votes Nov. 2 in the general election.

A 1st Ward special election would be required because of Rasmussen’s decision to leave his 1st Ward councilor seat and campaign to be Albert Lea’s mayor, thus more financial expense to our city.

A decision made by our city council, of which Vern Rasmussen is a member, caused our last city manager’s credibility to be damaged. Their treatment with him was beyond cruel. Therefore, I wouldn’t want Vern Rasmussen to become my mayor. No way!

We have a very satisfactory Albert Lea mayor in Mike Murtaugh; he has the personality and leadership skills to meet any challenges and opportunities that would ever face our community. He is good for Albert Lea, and I pray that Mike’s recent resignation is refused to be accepted and that he wins the Nov. 2 general election. We need Mike Murtaugh as mayor of the city of Albert Lea.

Please voters, vote for Mike Murtaugh to continue as mayor.

J.R. Tostenson

Albert Lea