Sept. 21 and Sept 22 will be a 48-hour period that many residents in the 5th Ward will remember for some time. Over 4.5 inches of rain fell during that 48-hour span, pushing the city of Albert Lea’s lift stations to the max. The resulting rainfall resulted in neighbors’ basements flooding, water coming up floor drains in basements, and washing out portions of driveways and sides of hills.

This event should make everyone aware of what the Albert Lea City Council going forward should be focusing on, the infrastructure of our city. Whenever there is a medium to large scale rain event, community members know to avoid certain roads and areas of town due to the flooding problems. An example would be Main Street by Hanson Tire Service.

If elected in November, I will make a case for improvements to our local infrastructure to help alleviate or eliminate the flooding issues we have when we have these types of events. It’s going to be expensive, but by focusing on this first as the No. 1 issue, it will assist the city further down the road for other projects like the proposed Blazing Star Landing. Let’s take care of our neighbors first. By improving the quality of life for those who already live here, through infrastructure improvements, would be a good foundation of recruiting businesses and future residents to the city of Albert Lea.

This November, I encourage you to consider voting for a candidate who is serious about listening to you and working for you. I hope to receive your vote this November for the 5th Ward City Council seat.

Paul Shea

Albert Lea