Two candidates for Albert Lea Ward 5 city councilor discussed their vision for the community Tuesday in a public primary forum at City Hall.

Robert Rasmussen and Paul Shea attended the event that was attended by approximately two-dozen people  — Marcelino Talamantes was invited, but did not attend.

Raquel Hellman of KIMT was the panel moderator.

The primary election will be Aug. 9.

Rasmussen, 39, said there is room for improvement in Albert Lea, noting he would like to see a private and public partnership to develop Blazing Star Landing.

He said he was pleased with downtown Albert Lea renovations, noting he wants to see Fountain Lake dredged.

Shea, who moved to Albert Lea in 2013, said he came to town to find a job, and is running to leave a legacy in the community.

“What can I do to help leave a positive legacy for Albert Lea?” he said.

Shea and Rasmussen each noted their belief that transportation and infrastructure are top priorities for Ward 5 residents, with Shea tying in state transportation funding as a main part of the issue.

The Legislature failed to pass a bonding/transportation bill in this year’s session, but the bill could be addressed if a special legislative session is called.

 

How to make Albert Lea more appealing for young adults

Shea suggested the city hold Tough Mudder events and other youth-friendly activities to bring youth into the community, noting he has heard people mention Albert Lea as a retirement community.

“We need to address this head on,” he said.

Rasmussen suggested the city make the community more appealing for young people by focusing on fun runs, a proposed splash pad, activities at Wind Down Wednesdays and through other avenues.

Rasmussen said having more restaurants, extending the Blazing Star Trail to Hayward and dredging could attract young people to the community, while Shea suggested the city give young people a voice in the community.

 

Dredging/Blazing Star Landing development

Shea — who lives near Albert Lea Lake — said he would like to see Albert Lea Lake dredged and a public and private partnership develop with Blazing Star Landing, with an emphasis on private development at first to broaden the tax base with existing or new businesses.

Rasmussen suggested a combination of private and public resources be used to develop Blazing Star Landing, noting he would like to discuss ideas of what could go into that area with the council.

 

Workforce housing/economic development

Rasmussen said training through technical college and business incentives are needed for economic development, while Shea suggested the city be more inclusive with immigrant populations to make them feel welcome and to spur economic development.

Shea said the city should work with local builders to develop workforce housing, while Rasmussen suggested job growth would result in private entities assisting with housing.

 

Raising taxes for future development

Rasmussen described raising taxes as a necessary evil, noting he does not want to waste tax dollars, while Shea stressed getting constituent opinions before deciding whether to raise taxes for community projects.

Shea said it is important to look into the future when deciding whether to conduct projects.

The candidates were given an opening statement and a closing statement. The balance of the forum was written questions given by audience members.

Following the forum, Shea said he was pleased with how it went.

“I think it went very well,” he said, noting that he thought the community was listening and got the questions they were asking answered.

Rasmussen described the event as a good eye-opener that was put on well by Hellman, noting that he is looking forward to being asked questions in the future and meeting people in his ward.