Dear editor (and citizens),

Thirty-five years have passed since I last lived in Albert Lea, but I still call it home. Unfortunate circumstances over the past two years have necessitated frequent trips back to Albert Lea, and, despite the situation, I always look forward to returning to the community of my upbringing. It is there I am uplifted by family and friends during my times of grief and loss.

I write this endorsement out of great love and concern for my hometown. During my visits, I have seen the slow, steady decay in the economic base of Albert Lea, and it saddens me greatly. I have witnessed the plight of the hospital in which I was born, and actually delivered by my father, culminating in a tragic end. With no hospital, physicians will not stay in the community, and access to local health care will become a significant challenge. Ultimately, it will become difficult to attract young families and new businesses to the community, and the downward economic spiral will continue.

Albert Lea needs a representative in the state Legislature who understands the economic and impending healthcare challenges and is willing to do whatever is necessary to put Albert Lea back on solid ground.

I can tell you that Terry Gjersvik is that person.

As a farmer and businessman, he has a unique perspective on the forces adversely affecting Albert Lea’s economy. He also understands the impact the state government can have on the economic rehabilitation of rural communities, and he will support legislation favorable to small town economies.

As a physician in a large medical community, I am quite familiar with the challenges involving health care access. I also know quite well the inherent dangers of affiliating with large conglomerate health care systems. From prior conversations, I can assure you that Terry Gjersvik is focused on the health care issue in Albert Lea. His immediate goal is to ensure that all citizens in the community have timely access to a health care provider when the doors to the hospital are finally closed. Furthermore, he will work at the state level to overturn unfair non-compete restrictions and enable the community or a third party to buy, build or lease an appropriately-scaled hospital to serve Albert Lea and the surrounding area.

I have known Terry Gjersvik for 45 years, and he has always been true to his word. He is a man of great character.

Please consider voting for Terry Gjersvik as your District 27A representative on Nov. 6.

Albert Lea needs him!

John R. Blumer

Albert Lea High School class of 1979

Charlotte, North Carolina