Shea, Rasmussen win Ward 5 primary

Published 11:00 pm Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Paul Shea and Robert Rasmussen will move forward to the general election in the Ward 5 Albert Lea City Council race.

The results are as follows:

  • Shea received 33 votes, or 45.8 percent of votes.

  • Email newsletter signup

    Marcelino Talamantes III received 12 votes, or 16.7 percent of votes.

  • Rasmussen received 27 votes, or 37.5 percent of votes.

Shea, who moved to Albert Lea in 2013, said he was pleased with the primary’s result, noting though he was disappointed in the low voter turnout.

He said is pleased that Rasmussen advanced to the general election, and Shea plans to distribute fliers in multiple languages to reach out to minority communities. He said he wants to get the pulse of business owners prior to the Nov. 8 election.

Rasmussen — who grew up in Albert Lea — said he is also looking forward to running a good campaign, noting he will focus on finding answers to issues he could not address at last month’s primary debate.

Rasmussen also plans to continue door knocking and making yard signs.

Shea and Rasmussen participated in the debate July 26 at Albert Lea City Hall.

At the debate, Rasmussen said there is room for improvement in Albert Lea, noting he would like to see a private and public partnership to develop Blazing Star Landing.

Shea and Rasmussen each noted their belief that transportation and infrastructure are top priorities for Ward 5 residents, with Shea tying in state transportation funding as a main part of the issue.

Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday as part of the statewide primary election day.

 

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

email author More by Sam