My name is Ken Osmonson, and I am running for county commissioner of District 2.

I am disappointed with the direction of some things in our county. I was complaining about it on my porch, and I decided I could either just be a complainer, or do something about it! Therefore, I decided to run for county commissioner of District 2.

Who is Ken? Briefly, I was born in Austin, and from second grade on, raised on a farm near Lanesboro. I graduated from Lanesboro High School. I was fortunate to receive an appointment to, and accepted at, the U.S. Military Academy. I graduated from West Point with a Bachelor of Science in general engineering and a commission as an Army officer. I spent nine years in the Army with a tour in Europe and the Middle East for Desert Shield and Storm. I culminated my service commanding an airborne field artillery battery in Alaska.

Upon leaving the Army, I have worked in industry as a supervisor through general manager. Along the way, I also went back to school and received my Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Family brought me back to the area after the passing of my father several years ago. I now live on the family farm/ acreage in Moscow Township as the third generation Osmonson with my wife. We have two grown kids living and working in Iowa. I work in Albert Lea as the plant manager for a manufacturing company.

As commissioner, I believe you should be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability. A commissioner also provides support, clarity and direction to the administrator and the county staff. A commissioner should be people-focused and results-driven. I will provide all that along with a fresh perspective to the myriad of issues facing our county.

I realize a lot of our constituents do not know me in detail. In an effort to change that, I am getting out to meet as many of our neighbors as possible. I am also sponsoring a meet-n-greet from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. this Sunday at the Moscow Town Hall, 24225 885th Ave, Austin, MN 55912. We will have a formal presentation with open discussion session at 3 p.m.

If you are unable to make it Sunday and want to talk, or show your support with a yard sign, I can be reached at 712-560-0641.

I look forward to meeting and hearing from you, and I humbly ask for your support Nov. 6. Thanks!

Ken Osmonson

Freeborn County