Editorial: Thumbs

To Wind Down Wednesday.

Many Albert Leans got out Wednesday to see the new summer market and music festival, hosted by the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau. Luckily there was perfect weather, too. We hope the festival continues in coming years, and so far that’s the plan. It’s nice to see Albert Leans walking around downtown, listening to music and shopping from local craft vendors selling everything from photography to jewelry to pottery. If you missed the event this year make sure to stop out next year!

 

To Rocking the Block.

We are so glad the community has people who care to not only work their tails off all week but to also have the smarts to collaborate with other groups to have a bigger impact. Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity, Shinefest’s Hearts and Home Ministry, the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and the United Way of Freeborn County all got together to work out a plan to revitalize five homes in the community. Many volunteers helped out at each home and worked more hours than they originally planned just to make sure projects were completed. What a great example of the community working together for a common good.

 

To low turnout in the primary election.

Though Freeborn County’s voter turnout was much better than the statewide average, it was still dismal. Only 16 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots Tuesday. The primary election is an important one — especially because it decides who will be on the ballot in November. Just two years ago the turnout in Freeborn County was 31 percent. We hope there’s a much better turnout for the November election, especially with so many important issues on the ballot.