Albert Lea’s mayoral incumbent wins by less than 200 votes

 

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. captured his fourth term as mayor by less than 200 votes Tuesday night.

Rasmussen bested George Marin 51.3 percent to 48.59 percent  — 3,804 votes to 3,622. There were 28 write-in votes.

Marin won in all wards except for Ward 1, where Rasmussen won by 470 votes. Marin captured 118 votes more than Rasmussen in both wards 5 and 6.

“I’m excited about the whole process,” Rasmussen said. “It’s been a great opportunity for our community to speak about the things that are important to us. It speaks volumes to me that the city supports what we’re doing.”

He said he plans to focus on the positive that has happened in the community in the last few years as he moves forward.

Rasmussen was first elected to the Albert Lea City Council in 2004 as the 1st Ward councilor. He served in that capacity until 2010, when he was elected to his first two-year term as mayor. He was re-elected in 2012 to a two-year term and 2014 to a four-year term.

Rasmussen stated during the campaign season that the top issue facing Albert Lea is growth. He said the city needs to evaluate how it can create chances for industries and businesses to build in Albert Lea and spoke highly of the city’s 10-year financial management plan.

Some of his other goals include reducing flooding, increasing the tax base and continuing a positive business climate to encourage business growth and entrepreneurship.

Marin, pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea, said his campaign was run well.

He congratulated Rasmussen and thanked voters, adding he plans to continue to serve the community.

Marin campaigned on improving the city’s business environment and speaking out against Mayo Clinic Health System’s decision to transition most inpatient services to Austin.

 

Albert Lea mayoral results by ward

Ward 1, precinct 1

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 1,158 votes, 62.29 percent

George Marin: 695 votes, 37.39 percent

Write-in: 6 votes, .32 percent

Ward 1, precinct 2

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 32 votes, 56.14 percent

George Marin: 25 votes, 43.86 percent

Ward 2

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 493 votes, 48.67 percent

George Marin: 514 votes, 50.74 percent

Write-in: 6 votes, .59 percent

Ward 3

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 705 votes, 49.79 percent

George Marin: 707 votes, 49.93 percent

Write-in: 4 votes, .28 percent

Ward 4

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 661 votes, 48.75 percent

George Marin: 690 votes, 50.88 percent

Write-in: 5 votes, .37 percent

Ward 5

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 347 votes, 42.42 percent

George Marin: 465 votes, 56.85 percent

Write-in: 6 votes, .73 percent

Ward 6

Vern Rasmussen Jr.: 408 votes, 43.64 percent

George Marin: 526 votes, 56.26 percent

Write-in: 1 vote, .11 percent