Editor’s note: The Tribune will be running profiles on all individuals who submitted a letter of interest for the mayor’s seat throughout the next week. As of the 5 p.m. Wednesday, the deadline set by the city council, City Manager Victoria Simonsen received four letters of interest. City council members interested in the position were not required to submit letters of interest.

By Jennifer Rogers, Tribune staff writer

After spending eight years in the Minnesota Legislature Paul Overgaard is now ready to enter the political ring once again.

He submitted a letter interest for the mayor’s seat earlier this week.

&uot;I’ve always been interested in public service,&uot; Overgaard said, &uot;so I thought about running for mayor but not seriously.&uot;

Overgaard said the issues facing Albert Lea prompted him to submit his letter.

&uot;There are some important issues facing Albert Lea and I believe the mayor’s job is communicating the visions and the directions of the city council,&uot; he said. &uot;I believe I have the communications skills that would be useful in that function.&uot;

Q: What inspired you to seek this position?

Overgaard: I have a strong and continuing interest in public service and believe I have the skills and experience to help move our city forward.

Q: What qualifications will you bring to the mayor’s office?

Overgaard: A good understanding of the political process. I have held public office as a state legislator. The office requires frequent public appearances and the ability to communicate city council actions. I believe I have the necessary experience to do that well. The mayor is a member of the city’s leadership team but the position is unique in that the mayor has the best forum for communicating the plans and direction the council is moving for the future of our city. As the presiding officer at council meetings I believe my experience would enable me to be effective in that role.

Q: What do you perceive as the greatest challenge to Albert Lea’s progress?

Overgaard: Putting into action many of the ideas developed through the Albert Lea Listens Project and efforts led by the Minnesota Design Team. Former Mayor Jean Eaton and the council put many of those ideas in motion and the challenge now is to see that the momentum is not lost.

I believe the image of our city is being changed from that of a meat packing and manufacturing

town to one with broader interests. Our past is a proud one but the future can be brighter if we move forward with greater emphasis on our lakes and the recreational opportunities they afford.

I believe as our downtown is re-vitalized and our lake improvement efforts gain momentum our city will become more attractive to the high quality employment opportunities we so desperately need. Strangers coming here for the first time tell us what a fantastic city we have. A part of our challenge is to recognize that fact and act on it. In short, I think our challenges are really opportunities in disguise.

Q: How have you been involved with the community?

Overgaard: I spent eight years in the Minnesota Legislature. While there my most satisfying accomplishment was getting The Albert Lea Vocational School (now Riverland Community College) in our city. I operated a business for more than 30 years in Albert Lea. I am a member of Salem Lutheran Church.

I have been involved with Ride Services, on the board of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, the board of the Museum Foundation, chairman of the Freeborn County Communities Foundation, and a member of the Shell Rock River Watershed Board of Managers.

(Contact Jennifer Rogers at jennifer.rogers@albertleatribune.com or at 379-3439.)