As the mother of Vern Rasmussen Jr., a candidate for mayor in the up-and-coming election, I always knew that Vern would return to Albert Lea after graduating from the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in physical therapy. Albert Lea has always been home and a priority in the way Vern wanted his life for himself and his family to be brought up in.

I have seen my son grow into an honest and trustworthy family man that I am proud of. I have also witnessed this same growth as the 1st Ward City Councilman the last six years and know he is ready to take the next step as our mayor.

Vern is a person who will always listen to all sides of the situation before making a final decision. He has a vision of what our city can be in the future but will need the assistance of the entire community to accomplish this. Right now our city is facing many very trying decisions. As the former secretary to the city manager, I feel that these decisions are going to reflect on our city for a long time in the future, and I know that my son will make decisions for all of us for our future. Not always will we agree what he may think, but I know one thing, the only way that our city can be successful is to start supporting our local elected officials after a decision has been finalized and been made.

Sometimes as a mother I ask myself why my son would want to put himself in a situation where you are putting yourself out there for the community to judge your every decision, but through a mother’s eyes I can see Vern’s passion for Albert Lea and see how much this community means to him.

Vern has received so much from Albert Lea as a community that he wants to give back to Albert Lea as its future mayor.

Kay Rasmussen

Albert Lea