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I was born and raised in Freeborn County and blessed with parents who taught me many important lessons. They were small business owners in Conger, and as I grew up, I watched how they conducted business with honesty, hard work and integrity. They also demonstrated this at home and raised my sister and I with these same qualities, and more.

As business owners and leaders to their employees, I also watched and learned that effective leaders are transparent, honest, empathetic, caring and generous. The did this while still expecting employees to work hard and care about the work being done and the customers they served. The employees gave their best and held deep respect for my parents, as do I.

I write this because we are in another difficult and stressful election season and we all feel the strain this year, just as we did in previous 2020 and 2016. We have decisions to make that effect our children and future generations and we need leaders who, as my parents were, are honest, compassionate, intelligent, empathetic and are willing to put in the hard work. Hard work also means the ability to learn about issues through research and an open mind and the strength to work for the people they represent and not for power or greed.

My parents are Christians and have belonged to the same church in Conger since before I was born. They have a profound understanding of the teachings of Christ and have never used religion to shame others, but only to accept and love. I have a transgender son, and when it was time to tell the family, my parents did not hesitate to accept with open arms. They also took the time to learn more about what this all meant because factual information leads to knowledge and greater understanding. In my mind, that was true Christianity in action!

My parents, through how they live their lives, show the importance of learning and finding truth. I have taken these lessons and through my own education learned the importance of research and unbiased sources of information. While we may all have differences, we all have much more in common and all want the best for our community and our nation. We also need leaders at all levels who share the qualities of my parents — honesty, integrity, hard work and open minds and hearts. In this time before the election, set aside partisanship and truly look at the candidates. Do the research yourself with unbiased sources and look for honestly and the ability to truly work for the benefit of others.

Peggy Olson
Albert Lea