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To the Albert Lea community,

We are being asked to vote “Yes” for a referendum on April 9.

Let’s put this in perspective. If you own your home and you find it has deteriorated to needing some upkeep to maintain its value, you wouldn’t hesitate to take care of it. Even if it meant you might need a loan to do the maintenance.

This is what the referendum is asking us to do. Our great facilities are deteriorating to the point of needing major maintenance. Yes, bathrooms are needed by the splash pad to provide a facility for the downtown events. Marion Ross theater needs to be handicap accessible. The pool has major needs, too. The arena is a major draw for tournaments, which bring out-of-town participants and money for the community.

So let’s consider this a sporting event. We can step up to the plate and make Albert Lea a winning town, a place where people want to come and enjoy what we have to offer. Or we can continue to complain that Albert Lea has nothing to offer. It is your choice to make us winners.

Let’s do it!

Carol Bertelson
Albert Lea