An Albert Lea man filed his bid for the 1st Ward Albert Lea City Council seat on Wednesday.

George Gillespie, 61, of 327 Lloyd Place, moved to Albert Lea in 1987. Gillespie and his wife, Patricia, have 10 children and 15 grandchildren.

Gillespie, owner of Web Room Technologies, an Albert Lea-based computer service center, said he is running for office to “help make Albert Lea great again,” by working with other councilors, Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., members of the public and organizations to help the community.

Gillespie previously ran for 1st Ward councilor in 2011 and for mayor in 2006 and 2008.

He said if elected, he will be available throughout the day or in evenings to listen to concerns, noting people are welcome to come into his business on Marshall Street to discuss any issues they have.

He hopes to help develop Blazing Star Landing, noting he thinks the site has sat empty for too long.

Gillespie is a member at large of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 15024, is an experienced volunteer and has been involved with the Albert Lea Hockey Association for 20 years.

A Dayton, Missouri, native, Gillespie graduated high school in Archie, Missouri, and served in the United States Army before being honorably discharged.

He studied computer science and programming at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Gillespie said he moved to Albert Lea to pursue a career advancement and promotion, noting he takes pride that his children and grandchildren have served the nation.

 

Soil and Water
Conservation Board

Donald Kropp, 5th District Soil and Water Conservation Board member, also filed for re-election Wednesday.