Less than a week from now, the filing period will open for candidates seeking to run for public office.

If you would like the opportunity to make a difference in the community and help lead the city and county into the future, we would encourage you to file.

There are several positions up for vote this November, including wards 1, 3 and 5 on the Albert Lea City Council and districts 1, 3 and 5 on the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners.

Three positions will be up for a vote on the Albert Lea School Board, but the filing for those seats doesn’t open until August.

We need strong leaders who are willing to make tough choices, not only thinking about our residents today but also about our residents in the future.

Though it can’t be easy to be an elected official, it must surely be satisfying to be able to bring positive change to the community and to be someone who people can turn to when they need help.

We hope several strong candidates will consider running for office, and we look forward to seeing who throws their hats into the ring.