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Longtime Freeborn County resident Lynn Berven threw his hat in the ring Wednesday for the 5th District commissioner seat against incumbent Mike Lee.

Berven, 68, ran against Lee in 2016 and lost by 436 votes. He said he knows more of what he is doing on the campaign this time around and has more help, as well. 

“I think the people in the offices now have been there long enough and we need some new ideas,” he said. “If you don’t have new blood coming in there it kind of gets stagnant.” 

Retired as a mail carrier out of Glenville 14 years ago, Berven has worked in various jobs in the years since — most recently at Bonnerup Funeral Service, which he said he really enjoys. 

He is also a member of the Eagles Club and the American Legion, as well as the Albert Lea Shrine Club, Disabled American Veterans and Masonic Lodge. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1973. 

Berven said he thinks the biggest issue Freeborn County will face in the coming years is the lack of funding because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I’m afraid to say it, but I think taxes are going to have to go up and services are going to have to go down,” he said. “I’m thinking the county’s going to be there, the city’s going to be there and the state’s going to be there. There’s going to be some tough, tough decisions made in the next couple years until things hopefully turn around and come back.” 

Though being a commissioner is a lot to learn, he said he thinks he would do a good job and is up to the challenge. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what I can get done, and I like being around people,” he said. 

A cancer survivor, Berven started acting in Albert Lea Community Theatre after overcoming cancer and has been in five different plays since. He serves on the board of Albert Lea Community Theatre. 

He and his wife, Jan, of 47 years have two children, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who all live in the area.