Topic: A Life Dedicated to Serving Albert Lea
started by: Slashin
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 15 2004,8:39 am
After Mondays council meeting I became inspired to write an unauthorized biography for the Mayor. I have come up with the following chapters for a book.I. The Vocational Teacher
a) Classes in How to Blow Smoke, (ladies watch your assh)
II. Life on the Pelican Breeze (a sale down river)
III. The Director of Conventions & Visitations (enjoy historical Albert Lea)
IV. Dress for Success (the personal shopper for a humble community)
V. The Dean Years (a leader of youth)
VI. Americana (a brief life in high finance)
VII. The UW Director (our expense only appear high because we haven't made goal)
VIII. Running for Office (you need a cheerleader)
IX. Growing a Community (by talking about cleaning the lakes)
X. The Retreat (let us focus)
XI. We Need A Consultant Or Two (they can tell us we NEED to do what we really want to do but can't afford)
XII. Two Managers Are Better Than One
XIII. She Was The Best Person For The Job (or wasn't my old secretary an orphan)
XIV. Just A Simple Mistake (a problem with Marshall Field in Edina, St. Cloud, Rochester, Chicago, Detriot.....)
XV. I Can Continue To Be Your Advocate (I am innocent, come lets focus on the issues)
XVI. Community Service (a red hat, the appropriate apparel for roadside clean-up)
Well I got this far and have had writers block ever since. After much thought I have decided to request public imput. I will agree to give anyone submitting credit both in print and on any future film. Please submit your material to this thread, and if we are lucky we will have a memorial showing our community pride.
Posted by Nose for News on Dec. 15 2004,10:02 am
No real world experience?All charity or tax dollar jobs?
Posted by Replicant on Dec. 15 2004,10:08 am
She did work for a time at Americana Bank in sales/business development. It was something less than a year - forgot about it until seeing it in the chapter outline.
Posted by Madd Max on Dec. 15 2004,10:20 am
Dress for success for free
Posted by ICU812 on Dec. 15 2004,10:54 am
XVI. 100 Hrs. Community Service(Life on the Chain Gang)
Posted by countrygal on Dec. 15 2004,11:14 am
don't forget her membership with the Red Hatters club too - 
Posted by LardStacker on Dec. 15 2004,11:58 am
Thanks for that Slashin:We should all thank Mayor Eaton personaly for taking on the role of personal shopper for a humble community.
Stop by for coffee. 515 Park Avenue.
377-4330 (work)
mayor@city.albertlea.org
Second Ward people should have the courage to thank Erdman too! 373-9845
Mike
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 15 2004,12:38 pm
Plenty of chapters, just alittle thin on substance. Bet it will out sell "Packinghouse Daughter". Will it have pictures?
Posted by robin on Dec. 15 2004,2:41 pm
I'll be on break tomorrow. Could help with a little ghost writting over the holidays.
Posted by Scurvy Dog on Dec. 15 2004,3:31 pm
I had a friend who years ago was enrolled in the Travel Planner program at what was then called Albert Lea Technical College. For her "professional image" class, she said Jean Eaton actually told the women in that class HOW TO SMOKE PROFESSIONALLY. She told them to ROLL the ashes off the end of their cigarette in the ashtray instead of flicking them.I couldn't make this up. This really happened, and I'm pretty sure she said it was Jean Eaton.
There's another chapter for your book. "Roll, Don't Flick: How Women Should Smoke Cigarettes".
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 15 2004,3:44 pm
You guys are great! I can feel it coming together. Isn't it wonderful when we pull together and focus on issues facing the city!
Posted by Nose for News on Dec. 15 2004,6:09 pm
Top Six Book Titles6) Jeans Returned (and other articles of clothing)
5) Eaton for Free (how to live on $1.OO a day and have change )
4) How to Make Friends and Influence Judges
3) Marshalling Support (when things aren't going your way)
2) Palace on Park Avenue
1) Marshall Fields of Dreams
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 16 2004,6:58 am
I was given another possible chapter last night.Blazing Trail (from the heart of the city to a a ??)
Posted by robin on Dec. 16 2004,7:47 am
Isn't it called the "Blazing Star Bike Trail"?
Posted by Madd Max on Dec. 16 2004,10:56 am
Stealing No! Creative financing yes!!!
Posted by robin on Dec. 17 2004,7:57 am
Hey Slash maybe this could be used for the jacket cover.
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 18 2004,8:39 am
Article For Chapter 14 on Marshall FieldsLast update: December 3, 2004 at 11:49 PM
Albert Lea mayor arrested on suspicion of theft from store
Jill Burcum, Star Tribune
December 4, 2004 MAYOR1204
At $15.99, the pearl-colored Ralph Lauren designer blouse would have been considered a steal by most shoppers.
But in August, someone really tried to get it for free by removing the blouse's price tag, attaching it to an old yellow plaid blouse and returning the retagged top to the Marshall Field's Southdale store in Edina for a full refund.
Store security officials have seen the ruse often enough that they've got a name for it: "ticket-switching." But in this case, it was no ordinary shopper whom officials nabbed after tracing the exchange through video and credit card records. According to Edina police, it was Albert Lea's popular mayor, Jean B. Eaton.
Eaton, 53, who has not been charged in the incident, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony-level theft after Edina police seized several designer clothing items from her home in Albert Lea. A former community-college fashion merchandising instructor, she was booked at the Freeborn County jail and released pending charges.
Edina police said charges against her could be filed next week.
On Friday, Eaton's Minneapolis attorney denied any wrongdoing.
"She's devastated by these allegations," said Faison Sessoms, who said Eaton is out of town. "She's a decent and honest public servant. We believe she's innocent of any criminal charges."
In Albert Lea, a city of 18,000 about 90 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Eaton's friends, colleagues and constituents were stunned by the news.
"We're horribly shocked at this," said Assistant Freeborn County Attorney David Walker. "Mayor Eaton and her husband are just upstanding citizens here."
Eaton's husband, Tom, is treasurer of the Albert Lea school board. Eaton herself has been one of those folks whose lives revolved around the community.
First elected two years ago to the $12,000-a-year position, she overwhelmingly won a second term this fall. She also has served as executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County. On Friday the organization granted her request for a leave of absence. The organization said the police investigation is not related in any way to donations made to it.
Eaton taught at Riverland Community College in Albert Lea and served as a dean there from 1998 to 2001. She also once was the director of the Albert Lea Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Marjory Hamersly, director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, became friends with Eaton when the mayor worked at the Visitors Bureau.
Hamersly said Eaton is a "consummate shopper" who likes designer labels and has made frequent trips to Twin Cities malls.
The allegations are "not consistent with the Jean Eaton I know," Hamersly said. "I think there is a great deal of support here for Jean because she has done so much for the community."
Marshall Field's spokeswoman Jennifer McNamara declined to provide specifics about the investigation. In a prepared statement, store officials said that "return fraud is a serious issue for retailers," and that the store will continue to work with local authorities.
On the trail
According to an affidavit with the search warrant for Eaton's home, the investigation began on Sept. 6 after a Marshall Field's loss-prevention agent noticed an improper tag on a returned plaid yellow sleeveless top.
Using the store's computerized inventory tracking system, the agent found that the tag belonged on a pearl-colored Lauren blouse bought for $15.99 with Jean Eaton's Marshall Field's charge card on July 24, the affidavit said.
On Aug. 22, the yellow plaid top now carrying the pearl-colored blouse's tag was returned to the store. The refund was credited to Eaton's account, the search warrant said, and store video apparently showed that the same woman made the transactions. Eaton's driver's license photo and physical description are consistent with the woman in the video, according to the affidavit.
The agent looked further into Eaton's transactions and discovered similar returns causing a loss to the store in excess of $500, the search warrant said.
Edina police were given a list of 11 designer garments to look for in Eaton's home. Among them: the Lauren blouse that triggered the investigation, a green plaid size 8 Lauren skirt and a blue Eileen Fisher silk jacket, size petite medium.
According to the affidavit, tags from these items have been returned to the store on other clothing.
Edina Police Chief Mike Siitari said that ticket-switching is not a common problem but that his officers deal with such situations a couple of times per year. With computerized return and inventory systems, he said, retailers are better able to track problems such as this. Several returns by one individual "set off a flag," he said.
Albert Lea's former mayor, Bob Haukoos, said he is surprised by the allegations. Eaton, he said, has done a good job as mayor, especially in economic development.
"It's sad, because she has worked so hard and everything was so upbeat for her," he said.
Jill Burcum is at
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 18 2004,8:54 am
Items for chapter 13< http://www.albertlea.com/forum/severance.pdf >
< http://www.albertlea.com/forum/schwab.pdf >
< http://www.albertlea.com/forum/deb.pdf >
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 21 2004,4:01 pm
Chapter XV.< http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2004/12/14/news/news2.txt >
Posted by hairhertz on Dec. 21 2004,5:46 pm
Slashin,Regarding XIII: that was some powerful reading material you gave us. Major novel stuff, small time city corruption, sex, abuse of authority. You are one good detective. Thanks for sharing, it reinforces my disbelief in the government of this city & county. Tell us more 'cuz the rage is beginning to boil.
Posted by Big Hit on Dec. 21 2004,6:22 pm
You all need to go out and get a life because look at what you have. Nothing more to do than sit around your computer on an Albert Lea chat talking about the mayor. Why not go out and get a job? That's a noble idea, but then the government checks don't come in do they.
Posted by albert74q on Dec. 21 2004,6:38 pm
Hey Big Miss,What kind of a job do you have? Work for the City?
Why aren't you out working right now instead of being here running your mouth? Hala
HAla
Hala
Posted by GEOKARJO on Dec. 21 2004,6:41 pm
I bet that 98.9 per cent of the posters are employed if not they are in an educational institution. Equally all pay taxes and vote. Now if you want to defend your mayor thats is fine you have the right to do so. However I take offense to being labeled a welfare receipiant I make monthly payment to that division of goverment cause the state has to ensure non custodial parents pay their child support. My x-wife ask for them not to be involved so she could get her money quicker cause the state takes sometime up to 2 weeks to send her the money from the time I mail it.
Posted by Mamma on Dec. 21 2004,6:59 pm
Darn, somebody finally found me out. Yup...just sit here all day long and complain about the mayor....well that and wait for my checks to come in from the gov. I guess I deserve a check or two by now. My guess is: I have paid more taxes than you ever have. Smart investments haven't hurt me a bit either. I have earned the right to sit and complain if I feel like it. I suppose you think she should be bronzed and mounted out front of the courthouse...Hey! good idea! 
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 21 2004,7:44 pm
From Letter to the editor Albert Lea Tribune 12/20/04:COMMUNITY DESERVES LEADERSHIP WITH INTEGRITY
Having spent 25 years living in the wonderful community of Albert Lea, operating businesses and serving as the city's mayor for eight of those years, there is still a big piece of my heart in the community.
Having had the privilege of serving the electorate of Albert Lea with diligence, commitment and honor, it is very difficult to visit and read the current articles in the Albert Lea Tribune, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and others hat do not reflect pride for the community.
Holding entrusted public offices places officials in a position that requires that they put personal issues aside and place their focus, efforts, actions and image in the best interest of the city. failing this charge does not reflect well for the community they serve.
Albert Lea, in this writer's opinion, has just begun to pick itself up and move forward with positive development, which has taken efforts, time and dedication from many citizen groups and political entities.
The City of Albert Lea cannot afford to have this forward progress begin to regress or suffer from persisting image changes that are publicized throught the state or that have become topics of metro media humor.
Now is the opportune time for citizen leadership within the community to join together to formulate a plan for the city to continue the forward momentum and support the difficult decisions and changes that must be made for the best interest of the city to prevail.
This task, in and of itself will be challenging and difficult, but there is within the community young vibrant enthusiastic leadership surely that is willing to step in to help guide this developing southern Minnesota community into the future with positive enhancements and direction.
O. H. Buzz Hagen
Mayor 1977-1985
Marion, Iowa
Maybe just another person needing to get a life, ae BIG HIT
Posted by Paul Harvey on Dec. 21 2004,7:57 pm
Do you like Cedar Rapids Buzz?
Posted by hairhertz on Dec. 21 2004,8:00 pm
Howdy, there Big HitI'll plead guilty of reading & posting all day today, yup, idle hands, something, something. I had a Big Hit, too, yup in little league ran all the way around.
Anyway, too cold today, didn't have to go anywhere, stayed home & did chores. Retirement is just wonderful. So go ahead, fire away. I'll just cozy up here and await further instructions.
How's Jean? You in her confidence? Hope you other slough-offs had a good day, too. Yup.
Posted by Ole1kanobe on Dec. 21 2004,9:00 pm
| Quote |
| You all need to go out and get a life because look at what you have. Nothing more to do than sit around your computer on an Albert Lea chat talking about the mayor. |
First off, this is not a chat, it is a forum, so if you are going to try and demean us, at least have the tact to know what you are talking about.
Posted by albertleamom on Dec. 22 2004,10:12 am
MAMMA...you go ahead and write all you want!! I enjoy reading your comments. So you just sit there and wait for the checks to come and write!! hahaha
Posted by Frustrated on Dec. 22 2004,11:49 am
Regarding the Buzz Hagen Letter to the Editor - I think its in poor taste. Smells of typical party politics - Kick 'em when they're down. Perhaps Buzz is a little jealous because he is no longer mayor?Its also poorly written - leaving the impression that Buzz is full of himself. He uses lots of big words that are meant to impress, but they only irritate the reader. Sentences are way too long as well. KISS
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 22 2004,6:16 pm
News Release News Releases
Fact Sheets
Board of Trustees
Staff Directory
Staff Biographies
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Elects Jean Eaton to Board
OWATONNA, Minn. (Aug 28, 2004) –Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s board of trustees announced recently the appointment of Jean Eaton, Albert Lea, to The Foundation’s board. Jean is the Mayor of Albert Lea as well as the Executive Director of Freeborn County United Way.
Jean served as the former Riverland College Campus Dean and Marketing Instructor before accepting the United Way leadership. She is a Blandin Community Leadership Program alumnus, and is well known for her involvement in leading many successful community-building efforts including the Freeborn-Mower Joint Powers Board for Blazing Start Trail, the Pelican Breeze Cruise Boat, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, and the Freeborn County Foundation. Jean’s active community service has earned her numerous recognitions including appointment to the Governor’s Workforce Council, a Congressional appointment to the first White House conference on Tourism, District #241 Teacher of the Year and the Minnesota Teacher of Excellence award.
Eaton joins the 16-member Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation regional board of trustees in overseeing The Foundation’s strategic planning and programming. “It is an honor and a privilege to be working with Jean in the coming years,” said Trixie Ann Golberg, president of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. She added, “Jean brings with her an exceptional broad perspective and rich experience spanning the human, business and community spheres, and will add an indispensable element to The Foundation’s economic development and community success initiatives. We are grateful to have her on board, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue our work in helping build stronger communities and businesses through our grant, loan, training and program initiatives.”
About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a donor-supported foundation, is helping build stronger communities and businesses in 20 southern Minnesota counties. Working with communities, donors and business partners, The Foundation has provided over $26 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 18 years. In addition, The Foundation has leveraged well over $80 million to help support local business and community development efforts. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation was established by The McKnight Foundation in 1986 to serve the needs of greater Minnesota. To learn more about the Foundation’s work and mission visit our website at www.smifoundation.org.
Posted by Slashin on Dec. 22 2004,6:25 pm
Jean backed an attempt to bring a new pork slaughter plant to Albert Lea< http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/ >features/2003/07/03_galballye_porkplant/ - 41k -[u]
Posted by MrTarzan on Dec. 22 2004,10:48 pm
Even if Buzz was a little windy, he was right. I am happy to say that I have a good career going, and I earn all my checks. This mayor is being talked about here because she has been busted for being a thief. NUFF said?
Posted by DrBombay on Dec. 23 2004,9:27 am
I was trying to remember "Buzz" in office. The only thing that came to mind was back in highschool the stoners would say "get a buzz vote for Buzz" du huh du huh! | Quote |
| Eaton joins the 16-member Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation regional board of trustees in overseeing The Foundation’s strategic planning and programming. “It is an honor and a privilege to be working with Jean in the coming years,” said Trixie Ann Golberg, president of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. |
Who could actually take seriously anything someone by the name of "Trixie" had to say?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 25 2004,7:34 am
I read in yesterdays Albert Lea Tribune how our city officials were planning to spend Christmas. I have to tell you that upon reading Mayor Eaton's Christmas plans, I was moved to the spirt of gifting. I mean nothing says Christmas to me better than a few frames of Bowling. Getting back to the gifting, I had this thought, we have this didicated servant of the people with this little personal problem, how could I help? Well after much thought and few bumps of Chirstmas cheer, it struck me!We need to set up the:
JEAN B. EATON FOUNDATION
% the United Way of Freeborn Co.
U. S. Bank Building
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Now being that I was scheduled to be in Rochester tomorrow, I thought that I could go by Marshall Fields and get Jean a gift certificate made out in one of the 11 amounts on her charge sheet. I could put it in an evelope and address it as above. Well if every citizen could help out in this little way maybe we could retire this problem for our beloved Mayor Jean B. Eaton. Now I know times have been hard for many in Albert Lea, so I have thought up an alternative way of showing our support. Being that today is Christmas and many of us will be openning a present or two, if we like our gift item, we could save the tag and put it in an envelope address as above and send it off as show our support. Think about it! I am Alfy Packer and I support this message!