Letter: Supports Standafer
Dear Editor,
I had the privilege of serving on the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors with Daryl Standafer from 2000-2006. As a candidate for reelection, he offers dynamic and innovative leadership (he currently serves as Board Chair), sound judgment and a keen ability to balance requests or demands for more services with the tax levies required to fund those services.
Like other governmental units, St. Croix County will face problems that have become increasingly complex and very hard to solve. With that in mind, I urge Village of North Hudson residents to vote for Daryl Standafer on April 3.
Ralph Swenson, North Hudson
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Letter: Supports incumbent
Dear Editor,
This letter is written in support of Sharon Norton-Bauman for County Board Supervisor for District 5. Sharon is eminently qualified for the position and I endorse her reelection to the County Board.
My experience with Sharon spans several years while I served on the board. Sharon, at the time, was a new board member and was part of a committee which I chaired. Even as a new member, she was informed on the issues and was able to communicate her point of view in a clear and logical manner. She quickly became a key member of the committee and was a major contributor in our deliberations.
Sharon continued in her service to the county and went on to be a key member of the Finance Committee and the Community Development Committee that have addressed some of the most critical issues facing the county. Here again Sharon has shown she does her homework, she takes logical positions and she well serves the citizens of her district and the county.
Sharon does her homework, she has well-reasoned and researched positions, she listens and considers other points of view and she has done an outstanding job of representing the best interests of her district and the county.
I urge you to vote for Sharon Norton-Bauman for County Supervisor.
Ron Raymond, Hudson
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Letter: Backs Ring in county
Dear Editor,
Having served St. Croix County for 30 years, 14 of those years as Register of Deeds (1995 -2008), I am well aware of the challenges that face the county. County leadership in land use, health and human services, transportation and public protection is especially critical given the growth implications of the St. Croix River bridge. The bridge approach to be constructed in Supervisory District 2 will impact many aspects of public policy related to infrastructure and services in the county.
I endorse Agnes Ring for St. Croix County Supervisor in District 2 (representing portions of the towns of St. Joseph and Somerset). I am a lifelong St. Croix County resident. I have known Agnes her whole life. Her background in planning and business will be an asset in navigating through the policy decisions ahead. I trust that she will be open-minded, listen to her constituents, do her homework, and make decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the county.
I encourage residents of District 2 to exercise your democratic right and vote April 3rd for Agnes Ring.
Kathleen (Kay) Walsh, Somerset
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Letter: Supports Ring for board
Dear Editor,
As a resident and business owner in St. Croix County I support Agnes Ring for County Board District 2. Three issues are of primary concern to me. First, the county nursing home issue needs to be resolved, so it can get back to the business of what it does best — caring for the elderly. Second, with the construction of the St. Croix River bridge will come many land use policy decisions. Let’s make it a smooth process. Third, government at every level must scrutinize how it spends our tax dollar. As a small business there are many things that I want, but I must choose to invest in those things that I need. We must set our priorities at home, in our businesses and in our government.
The county supervisor must approach the role as a balancing act. I count on my representative to: 1) listen to the people; 2) analyze information about the issues, understand the implications of the alternatives and use a balanced approach to make decisions, and 3) communicate with the people in the process.
I trust Agnes Ring will be that kind of county board supervisor.
Jeanne Vanasse, Somerset
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Letter: Supports Ring in county
Dear Editor,
The April 3rd election for St. Croix County Supervisors is important. The decisions made at the county level affect our quality of life and reflect what we value — including how we protect the environment and serve elderly and at-risk populations.
We have lived in the town of St. Joseph for more than 25 years and raised our family here. As a former Hudson teacher and a self-employed contractor, we appreciate the quality of life in the county and want future generations to be able to say the same. We support Agnes Ring for District 2 County Supervisor. We have known Agnes a long time. She has integrity and a strong work ethic. She will work hard for the people of St. Croix County. And it’s time we get more women on the board.
We urge you to vote for Agnes Ring on April 3.
Joan and William Kill, Houlton
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Letter: Hood for county board
Dear Editor,
I am writing to ask your readers to support Tim Hood for County Board Supervisor in District 3. I have known Tim for over 25 years. Tim grew up on a small family farm in western Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Arizona and served as a pilot in the USAF. He recently retired from Delta Airlines. Tim and his wife Wendy have lived in the county since 1987. Tim is a man of highest integrity. He is a hard worker who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. If elected Tim would bring his farm boy work ethic and common sense to county government. He would work hard to ensure that the tax payers in this county are getting real value for their dollar.
Please vote for Tim Hood for County Board supervisor in District 3.
Jack Storer, Hudson
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Letter: Candidate seeks vote
Dear Editor,
A group of people asked me if I would run for County Supervisor in District 3. I accepted because while I have never run for public political office, I have served on non-profit boards effectively. I was able to creatively turn one around and build one up through working together with my fellow board members. Today the Germanic-American Institute and the Twin Cities German Immersion School are healthy and strong institutions.
Because I am retired and on a fixed income, it is of personal interest to keep taxes under control while maintaining services in our county. As a supervisor, I will listen to my constituents and serve your interests to the best of my ability.
Mine is a low budget campaign. You will not see many yard signs. I believe the price of running for political office has gone out of control. I am keeping my budget for this campaign under $500 — $100 of that was donated; the rest is out of my own pocket. I used a local printer for my literature and 10 signs. For further information, please check my blog at http://votedietmarschlei.blogspot.com/
I am for open and transparent government, and I will be your auditor if you vote for me on April 3.
Dietmar Schlei, Hudson
Editor’s note: The writer is a candidate for District 3 St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
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Letter: Supports Tim Hood
Dear Editor,
I’m writing in support of Tim Hood, candidate for County Board Supervisor 3. I applaud Tim for stepping forward to serve our community in this key position.
During his many years of experience as an airline pilot, Tim developed on the spot decision making and judgment skills, making him a highly qualified candidate for this important seat. Tim also owns and operates a successful business which has taken a considerable amount of hard work and dedication. I know Tim will put this same kind of energy and hard work into serving on the county board.
I believe Tim has a clear grasp of the challenges facing St. Croix County and will use his common sense approach to rein in spending, which will be a major contributor in making St. Croix County fiscally sound.
I know Tim is willing to listen to the concerns of all citizens. He believes in keeping government limited and local.
Please join me in voting for the right candidate, Tim Hood on April 3.
Joan Gerhan, Burkhardt
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Letter: Will back Hawksford
Dear Editor,
There are many issues facing our nation today and soon the attention will focus around the upcoming presidential election. However, we should not forget how very important our local elections are and how they will have a direct impact on our daily lives. The outcome of the elections on April 3 will affect the future of our local schools, government services, transportation system, and other government infrastructure all funded by our tax dollars.
As the elections approach residents should carefully weigh their choices on which candidate’s vision will affect their community the most. We need fiscally conservative leaders who will be good stewards of our tax dollars while trying to help foster a climate that makes it easier for businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs.
That is why my family and I are supporting Tom Hawksford for County Supervisor of District 9. I believe that Tom will stand up and represent the many citizens that are frustrated with the ever-expanding government and wasteful spending that has led to the current economic crisis facing many communities today. Tom’s business experience, people skills and fiscal responsibility make him the clear choice for Supervisor of District 9. Tom is running for all the right reasons. He is a selfless concerned citizen who has the courage to make difficult decisions. I am confident that these decisions will convey his conservative principles and values while insuring that the quality of life here in St. Croix County will not be compromised.
Please join me in voting for Tom Hawksford on Tuesday, April 3rd.
Jon Dostal, Town of Troy
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Letter: Candidate makes case
Dear Editor,
As I made the decision to run for county supervisor, a nonpartisan office, I’ve thoughtfully considered difficult decisions I will need to make. My decisions will be made with cognizance of sacrifices we have each in varying degrees endured, during these uncertain times.
In meeting Troy residents, I’ve become very much aware of those on fixed incomes, who depend upon on Medicare and Social Security. I’m aware of struggling families, as well. In many cases much of their savings were lost in 401ks and the real estate bust. Some just barely scrape by. This silent, stalwart group does not ask for help, while enduring the greatest hardships of us all. I’ll not forget my humble beginnings, nor forget the needs of voices such as these.
I have been told that I dwell too much upon the security that saving brings. But in the end it has proven this choice was wise. The best indication of behavior is the past demonstration of it. If you ask the Troy Park Board, upon which I currently serve, what my view is on spending, you may be told how seriously I consider operating below budget whenever possible. Although I want our Troy parks to thrive, at this time we should be content to conserve and maintain, while first funding the essential needs of the people of Troy.
In 2008 the St. Croix County budget was $93 million; in 2012, it is
$70 million. The levy is very close to the maximum. State and federal funding is steeply down. The truth is, we are squeezed. Being mindful of how dollars are spent to provide the essential support and services our citizens need, I will be cautious and prudent, stretching the budget dollars we have to work with.
I have self-funded my campaign with the exception of friends’ small donations totaling $100. What comes to mind are these words a wise man once said, “The abuse of authority above the wishes of the governed, turns wise ones into fools and robs the spirit of its vision.”
Considering the effect of this economic downturn personally, I am reminded of those who have confidentially shared with me, losses and sacrifices far greater than mine. Compared to many, I have nothing about which to complain. In thankfulness, I’ll strive to pay forward by serving on the county board, representing the Town of Troy, if residents so choose.
Suzanne Van Mele, Town of Troy
Editor’s note: The writer is a candidate for District 9 St. Croix County Board of Supervisors.
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Letter: Hawksford is choice
Dear Editor,
I am writing to support Tom Hawksford (County Supervisor District 9) and encourage others to make the right choice. Tom has lived in Hudson for over 35 years and in Troy Township for the last 20 years and he understands what our community needs. Tom is passionate about fiscal responsibility and he is the first one to speak up on reducing government spending. As a person with strong character and a successful business leader Tom will be the right voice and leader for our community. Together we can make a difference and vote for Tom Hawksford on April 3.
Tim Krug, Hudson
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Tags: saint croix county, opinion, letters, politics
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