A community is nothing more than all the people within it coming together to live their lives. My family has called Albert Lea home for almost a decade, and I can say that I’m very proud to call it home. While I hear the frequent complaint that past leaders have prevented growth, it is clear that is not a problem today. Since moving here, we’ve watched downtown transform into a vibrant and close-knit business community with one of the most beautiful historic districts around, the entrepreneur community has been coming together to support each other, the dredging is well underway to beautify and clean our waters, and so much more!

I respect people that take responsibility for their own lives and the well-being of their community and get involved. We can’t all get involved in every cause that we want to support, so it is wonderful seeing the many passionate people stepping up to the plate for the many important things and people in our community that might otherwise fall to the wayside. When you see a community event, support for a family in distress, forward momentum on important community initiatives, businesses that prosper and bring jobs and resources to the community, and the other important acts that bring us together as a community and create opportunity for the future, there are many people behind the scenes dedicating their time and resources. Most of these projects are not government initiatives, but our neighbors dedicating themselves.

If you know me, you know that I sometimes have harsh words for people who complain and offer no solutions, but also love having conversations with people to offer correct information on initiatives I’m involved in, such as watershed projects, and love guiding people to how they can connect and get involved. If you have questions or hear things around the rumor mill, please reach out to somebody that knows the facts before spreading rumors. Incorrect information that goes around regarding dredging, the fallacy that the city turned away Cabela’s, the recent commotion that was stirred against Wind Down Wednesday and others is a huge disservice to our community and the people who work hard to make our community better, and only serves to dissuade others from getting involved.

Everywhere I look around this community, I see hope for tomorrow. I see people coming together to share their passion and make things better. I see a community that my kids and grandkids won’t want to leave because opportunity and quality of life doesn’t need to be chased elsewhere. I see unique businesses bringing opportunity. If you want to see change or improvement, take steps to be part of the solution. I can’t speak for generations past but getting involved in our community doesn’t require having family connections, being part of a secret network or having money. If you are someone who actively makes our community better rather than finding excuses not to get involved, thank you!”

Brad Kramer

Albert Lea