Sherburne County Commissioner, John Riebel Sr., deserves to be re-elected, because he has a record of achievement and cooperation. John’s voting, with other commissioners, has kept the county’s tax levy at zero for many years. He voted with the board, to approve a new, three year, wage package for 641 employees, bringing the average wage in line with area counties.

 

During his term, commissioners have worked hard to receive an AA+ credit rating for the county. John has made wise use of tax abatements to encourage new growth or expansion of businesses. He is active in the community, owns Becker True Value Hardware and has served over 10 years as commander of an American Legion Post. He has good working relationships with department heads and was twice elected chairperson by his follow commissioners.

 

We are thankful for John’s service and dedication. He deserves to be re-elected as out Sherburne County Commissioner.

 

 

Elections are about the citizens requesting to be represented in the decision making for a community. Representation may be for a Congressional District, a Legislative District or for an area bounded by County lines or City Limits. The commitment by those elected demands they represent their constituents. 

 

Being elected is a privilege and therefore they are obligated to live up to the responsibility of representing us. 

 

Most efforts come down to economics that are backed with solid facts that support the citizen expectations. Budgets need to be effectively managed and not just adjusted at years end by moving funds around or raising taxes to balance the budget.

 

I would not that deviating from goals and objectives frequently occurs either by deception, misdirection or lack of clarity. Communication with the voters is critical and successful communication will usually get a voters’ attention. The candidates need to think about how they will represent their constituents and if doing so in not their goal, then maybe they need to reconsider even running. Although we vote as individuals we are collectively represented as a community by those elected to those positions of responsibility. As citizens, our job is just get out and vote.

 

 

Election day is nearly here and we all want it to turn out well. We all want good government. In my opinion the best candidate at the national level is Donald Trump. The best candidates at the state level are Andrew Mathews and Jim Newberger. And the best candidates at the city level are Lefty Kleis and Dennis Rzeszotarski. See you at the polls.

 

 

Dolan vote comes with a proactive approach for District 3. 

 

My job as a small business owner is to evaluate risk for other individuals, families and business owners. In my years of risk management nothing in this world will cost you more in life than a reactive philosophy. In government reactiveness is running rampant, with few good ideas to show for it. 

 

Tim Dolan brings that proactive approach that is desperately lacking in today’s current commissioner’s seat. Dolan’s experience in private business development will lead to the efficiency in government we all want. By combining Dolan’s knowledge of the private business sector to his strong platform for the county the choice is very clear. 

 

It’s time to create, not spend to envision, not improvise and to get things done. The choice is clear and Tim’s platform of help people, grow business, and build community has never been so needed.

 

Tim Dolan has never ceased to amaze me.  I was first impressed by his unwavering commitment and dedication to his kids. Then came his kindness, patience, honesty and intelligence he injects into every situation he encounters. His gentle and strategic approach to not only guide, but lead and resolve situations is something I will forever be envious of. He not only whole-hardheartedly supports our business and family, but he also makes time to sit on a variety of community boards, associations and has coached a variety of youth athletic teams. Over the course of this election, I have watched first hand  as Tim has taken the initiative to meet residents and community groups across our district. From attending meetings and meeting one-on-one with local nonprofit leaders, to staying up until wee hours of the morning responding to each and every email he receives, and setting aside time to return phone calls, he still has made time for our clients, and most importantly, our family. Sherburne County District 3 residents are extremely lucky to have a candidate like you. I know you'll continue to make our community a better place. You have my vote!

 

 

In the race for Clearwater Township Supervisor there is one candidate that stands out above all for this position: Rose Thelen. I have known Rose for many years, and her record is impressive. 

 

She has held the position of township supervisor before, and then went on to serve as Wright County Commissioner. She is a dedicated public servant and does what is hard these days: She shows up, and she listens to people.

 

I have watched her mediate tough negotiations between different parties at the county level with grace and respect for all, and then watched her take the time to research and investigate issues that may have impacted only a few with the same tenacity and respect.

 

Everyone gets a fair shake with Rose. Clearwater Township would be so fortunate to have Rose work for us, please vote for Rose for Clearwater Township Supervisor.

 

 

We all know that the Golf Course has been a sore subject in this city for quite some time.  I think the main reasons are that some people want the course maintained at the highest level no matter what the cost, and others want the city council to quit subsidizing the golf course by covering the overages to the golf course budget. 

 

The city has moved anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 each of the last eight years to cover the overspending. This would not fly in the private sector of any business. So why does it continue to happen here in Becker? It is because you have members of the city council who all golf, and want the best for the city. At who’s expense? The taxpayers. 

 

If you take a look at all the votes taken over the last four years on moving money over to cover the overages at the golf course, Mayor Kleis is the only one that has voted against those resolutions. Mayor Kleis has asked some tough questions about the golf course over the years. 

 

It is time to show your support for your tax dollars and vote for your mayor Lefty Kleis.

 

 

Residents of Becker, we have a very important decision coming Nov. 8 when we have the opportunity to elect our city officials. You need to vote for change, vote for Tracy Bertram.  I am ready for a change in leadership that will bring our council together, not divide it. I am ready for a change in leadership that will help our city grow, not continue to see very little progress as we have these past four years. 

 

I am ready for a change in leadership that will put a positive vibe back into our community. Residents of Becker, I hope you too are wanting change and that change is Tracy Bertram.

 

 

The Presidential candidates have all made their cases; none have caught my attention like Darrell Castle. He stands like a quite flicker of candlelight in the dark, hostile war of campaign season.

 

Not only does he reverence and reference the U.S. Constitution, making it a guide for his platform (www.Castle2016.com), he openly acknowledges that he is accountable to God for promises he will make to we the people.

 

Now that is refreshing.

 

Castle is someone we don’t have to compromise for, and we won’t have to wince while casting our votes. He stands for the law, for our constitution that has been taken so far away from its original intent that Americans, like myself, stand scratching their heads while watching Washington work. Castle intends to revive and restore it.

 

If the President of the United States is a reflection of who we are as Americans, we should want him to be someone our Founding Fathers would support, someone who respects all Americans equally, and someone who submits himself to God first.

 

For our future, look back to the past. Consider Darrell Castle for President.

 

 

In response to Mr  Obele’s editorial from last week: I agree completely with your statement; “There are more things to consider within the City of Becker than just golf.” However, it is a rather large topic of debate. I believe that infrastructure is a huge priority for our city, which is exactly why I voted no on the budgets. First, we need to stop depleting funds such as the lot fund and the future improvement fund (ie; infrastructure) to balance the budget of the golf course. Next, we need to consider our city’s spending which has increased 39% over the last 4 years. We need to assess wants vs needs especially with the uncertain future of Sherco. For the past 4 years I have sat on the Xcel Advisory Committee. I went down to the State Capital and gave testimony on behalf of the City of Becker and Sherco, stressing the importance of their presence here. As you sit on the Golf Advisory Board you are very familiar with the numbers presented. It is my understanding that the Golf Advisory Board and the Director of Golf’s budget includes 6.9 Million dollars for the Pebble Creek Capital Improvement Fund and 2.5 million dollars for the Golf Master Plan. These dollar amounts are earmarked strictly for the golf course, right?

 

Again, I think we need to asses our wants vs. our needs Mr Obele.

 

 

Editor’s Note: A Letter to the Editor in the October 22 edition of the Citizen-Tribune should have been signed by Mark Olson and not Dan Olson as published. Our apologies for the misprint.