It’s too bad we couldn’t have Christopher Shoff and Randy Erdman both on the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners. They have needed qualities, particularly the belief that Albert Lea interests need better representation on the five-person panel. If they were both on the board, in all likelihood they would agree on many decisions.

Shoff is a fine commissioner. We genuinely like him as a person. But Erdman is more driven on being pro-Albert Lea — the central issue in the race — and does more to reach out to constituents. Tribune readers would be served well by either man, but we give our formal endorsement to Erdman. Let’s see what the former Albert Lea mayor can do to convince other commissioners of the need to assist in the growth of the county seat.

We especially agree when Erdman says that when Albert Lea does well, Freeborn County does well. The county has done some things but needs to do more hand-in-hand with the city to spur growth. Let’s get the Stables sewer issue solved. Why not help with the transfer center? What was the deal with the horrible Albert Lea Lake dam decision?

Still, considering Shoff is a minority on the board, we will be pleased by the results either way in the race. However, Albert Lea interests ought to rule that board. It’s just a matter of getting pro-Albert Lea candidates living in the correct locations to run for correct seats.

It’s almost as if we wish Erdman could run against another member of the board. Mike Lee and Jim Nelson have portions of Albert Lea in their constituency, but we have witnessed decisions where they left the city holding the bag. Boost the city, and the county grows. After all, the city taxpayers pay county taxes, too. They deserve to be served by their county commissioners.