Candidates take tour of county, to meet with public Tuesday

The six candidates to become the new Freeborn County administrator participated in the first day of the interview process on Monday.

The first day of the tour was slated to include introductions at the Freeborn Government Center, a tour of Albert Lea and Freeborn County, a lunch at Plaza Morena restaurant, visits with county departments and a dinner at Wedgewood Cove Restaurant.

The candidates for administrator are the following:

Ken Osmonson, whose most recent work experience as of last month was North American operations manager for Valicor. A southern Minnesota native, Osmonson recently moved back to the area.

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Ken Osmonson

Tom Meyer, attorney and coordinator for the city of Manly, Iowa.

Shaun LaDue, former West Des Moines chief of police.

Gail Leverson, who, as of last month was a graduate assistant in e-learning at Bemidji State University, owner and manager at North Central Development Services and city clerk and treasurer for the city of Sebeka.

Tom Burke, former Aitkin County Health and Human Services director.

Laura Elvebak, who, as of last month, was a public sector management consultant and former administrator in Steele and Waseca counties.

A seventh candidate, Scott Kelly — staff attorney at Public Health Law Center in St. Paul — has withdrawn his candidacy.

Candidates spoke highly of Freeborn County during the first day of the interview process.

Leverson said she thinks Freeborn County is a “wonderful county.”

“I like the agribusiness atmosphere,” she said. “I like the amenities of the county.”

Leverson, from Park Rapids, said she has 12 years of experience in county economic development and is looking forward to meeting county commissioners and county employees.

“You have a lot of future with your location,” she said. “It’s exciting to be considered. I am very honored.”

Osmonson discussed his background in the area.

“It’s a great process that they’ve got lined out, showing us all of the assets within the organization and stuff,” he said. “Needless to say, really coming from the area … I know it’s a great area, so that’s why it would be great to be a part of the team here.”

The public will be able to meet the candidates at 3 p.m. at the Freeborn County Government Center.