This is a crucial time for Albert Lea’s residents to become involved in the success of the city. Community engagement is vital in the hiring process of the city manager to ensure the right person is hired for the future growth of Albert Lea. Growing up in this community was a time where people were willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Neighborhoods were united in supporting those in need. Today, people aren’t willing to go out of their way to get involved in our community social issues unless it only supports things that they personally and directly benefit from. I am not proud to say this, but we have become a selfish society. Over the decades, I have witnessed the community go from being prosperous to decaying from loss of population, loss of employers, loss of health care services and a downward swing in agriculture.

There is strength in numbers, and this community needs you. Change will only happen when private citizens make a commitment to regularly attend city workshops and City Council meetings and provide oversight in the decision-making processes of the city leaders. It is time to utilize our power as residents to take our community back by being engaged in the future success of Albert Lea. One person is not able to make a change; it takes a village of people to attend the City Council meetings held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. Please make a two-to four-hour-a-month commitment to make a difference in our community. Change can happen if we work together, commit and believe.

I am hoping the attitude “It’s my way or the highway” will be eliminated with a new city manager. I would like the city attitude to be we are a united community for positive change and economic growth.

It is my opinion the city manager’s hiring process should include an opportunity for the community members to be able to interact and have a conversation with the finalists — also, to have the opportunity for the residents of Albert Lea to have input on the decision of who will be our next city manager.

Gloria Olson

Albert Lea