My name is Lucinda (Lundstrom) Benson. Joelle Alvord has been a friend of mine for 56 years. We met while attending Wilson Elementary School in Anoka. I believe Joelle would be an excellent mayor as she is a person of faith, character, and integrity—characteristics missing in much of society today. When Joelle sees something that requires attention, she moves to address it. She doesn’t retreat from difficult situations or let them devastate her.

For example, Joelle experienced the death of her adult son, father, and brother within the past seven years. Her son, Jarvis Hartfiel (age 33), lived out of state and was single. Joelle tended to all of the details following his death while grieving her loss. When her father, Ebbie Stone (age 88), was dying, Joelle assisted in his needs. She and her younger brother, Scott Nelson (age 62), who recently died always had a very close relationship. Scott had some minor disabilities, and I remember Joelle helped him to get ready for school and was always patient and kind. Actually, she was more like a second mother to him.

In Scott’s later years, he was involved in a serious bike accident leaving him severely disabled--unable to speak, paralyzed, and requiring a feeding tube. Prior to moving back to Minnesota, Joelle lived in California for many years, and she moved Scott to California so she could oversee his needs. She has been very hands-on and attentive to him throughout his life. Her love for him was evident by her actions. When she moved back to Minnesota, she purchased a home for Scott and set-up everything he would require always thinking about what was in his best interests. Although Joelle and Warren had their own home, she spent nights at Scott’s to help care for him.

Over two months ago, I experienced the death of my husband, Ron. Joelle has faithfully reached out to me. She has been a wonderful friend. As far as her qualities for mayor, Joelle is very intelligent, cares about others, is willing to listen, is honest, tries to do what’s right; and from what I’ve seen, will rise to any challenge with the best outcome for all in mind.