First, I want to apologize for not being with you tonight. I had hoped to attend in person, but my work schedule made it impossible for me to get there in time. I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to submit a statement so I could still introduce myself and share why I decided to run.

I chose Albert Lea as my home because I saw a community with a lot to offer. We have our lakes, our parks, our history, and most importantly, people who care about this community and want to see it do well.

I’m running because I think Albert Lea has an opportunity to build on those strengths while also looking ahead. I want to bring a new perspective to local government, but I also want to listen to the people who live here and understand what they want for their community.

If elected, I would focus on three main priorities: fiscal responsibility, economic development and quality of life.

First, we need to be careful with the money entrusted to us by residents. Albert Lea has important infrastructure and other financial challenges ahead. I want to make sure we are prioritizing what is necessary, looking for grants and other outside funding, and making decisions that are sustainable over the long term.

Second, I want to help create an environment where businesses can grow and new businesses want to come here. I regularly hear people say they would like more restaurants, shopping, entertainment and other opportunities. Our location along I-35 and our lakes give us assets we should be using to attract visitors, investment and new businesses.

Third, I want to protect and improve the things that affect everyday life here, public safety, healthcare, housing, recreation and the overall health of our community. I would also like to see us continue the conversation about bringing full-service hospital care back to Albert Lea.

Most importantly, I want residents to know that their voices matter. The mayor doesn't have to have every answer. The job is to listen, ask good questions, work with the council and help bring people together around solutions.

I’m running because I see opportunity in Albert Lea. I want us to preserve what we love about this community while being willing to explore new ideas and prepare for what comes next.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this way. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there tonight, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this important conversation about our city's future."

Tiffany Fearing
Candidate for Mayor of Albert Lea