TO THE EDITOR: 

I have only met Mike Wallen in person recently, but I have to say I am impressed.  

There are three main reasons I will be voting for him this fall. 1) He takes additional information provided by the public, other council members, and staff into consideration when formulating his opinions. Because he is willing to truly listen, his votes are cast without partisan bias and therefore consider a larger portion of the community. The humility to seek additional information and grow is a trait for which we can all strive. 2) He has been proven fiscally responsible. He has served on council for 10 years during a time when huge strides were made to pay down the city debt.  3) He has put in the sweat-equity to fully understand how city government works.  He has served on boards dating back to 1999.  When he announced his candidacy, he compared the city to a business providing services (police, fire, roads, parks) to customers (residents) for a fee (taxes).  Good business means optimizing between quality services and low taxes, with neither demonized.  I trust that Mike will maintain public safety, spend responsibly, and maintain or improve the quality of life in Big Lake.  

He is a genuine, kind guy and I would be proud to have him as Mayor!

Lisa Odens

Big Lake, MN