Various changes have occurred at the Albert Lea HRA since my last letter to the Albert Lea Tribune dated Oct. 26, 2017, detailing bullying and favoritism happening within.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve attended regular board of director meetings, except when there were closed sessions or I was out of the city. I reside here, and it’s a learning curve for me to be aware of how it works.

First change: Previous executive director supposedly retires from HRA on June 30, 2018. There is question about why he retired.

At the same time (June 30, 2018), our residential board member left the HRA board. He was one of the characters noted in my letter to the editor, although not by name. It’s common knowledge by most residents at Shady Oaks that both are best friends and associate about HRA business matters. Huge coincidence!

Second change: A new executive director is needed. We have now had two interim directors. The first was Jerry Gabrielatos from the city manager’s office. Upon arrival, he soon realized there was little documentation for him to proceed and understand where to begin to operate efficiently. He did his best and more. Complete chaos for him.

Next came Mark Sievert, a retired city manager from Fergus Falls. Mr. Sievert is very knowledgeable and moving forward using his abilities.

Third change: Office updates, too! New finance personnel from the city replace the prior employee. She was let go. Fresh face at the front desk as well. So nice. Lastly, the original housing specialist remains. She has been here roughly about 10 years, I believe, or there about.

Fourth change: HRA allows a resident within to become a board member. Four did apply, I, myself, included, deadline being Dec. 10, 2018. All submissions went directly to the mayor’s office for selection by Dec. 20, 2018. Mike Bartz was determined as the new board member. Let it be known that he was one of the people described in my letter, but again not named — well known fact by many.

I wanted to also mention that there were no calls, interviews or written notification to the remaining residents who applied for the position as to why or why they were not picked. Is this practice discontinued? Wow! I am very curious as to what qualifications were needed to be considered.

In all my 40-plus years working with the public, whether it be marketing, advertising or sales, I have never used discrimination or gender as a factor. Serious red flags and question marks abound here. Perhaps the 2017 letter affected this also.

As I openly stated personally to the board of directors in the Jan. 23 meeting, I don’t have all the answers to various situations. Truly, let’s be objective and communicate to find common ground. If not, conflict will continue to exist.

Susan Avery

Albert Lea