The Albert Lea City Council this week chose four applicants to move forward for the city manager position, and in less than two weeks, the candidates are slated to come to town for interviews.

Though the exact time for the candidates to meet the public has not yet been announced, interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 17 and 18. This would be a perfect time for community members to ask questions of the candidates and to express the importance of certain issues in the city.

We encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the candidates and to make sure to share your opinions with your City Council member about these individuals after you meet them.

The candidates will also be separately interviewing with city staff and the council.

Whether you think the city is moving in a positive direction or needs some improvement, get involved and play a part in the search.

Look to this newspaper for more information once the meet-and-greet time has been finalized.