(Editor’s note: Due to space constraints, the Patriot will publish up to 5-6 LTEs a week as space allows and carry over unpublished letters to the next week, if able. Also, we no longer have a policy which restricts letter writers from submitting political editorials a week prior to an election.)
TO THE EDITOR:
I have known Raeanne Danielowski for over 10 years. When The Wave Youth Center was just a dream, Raeanne was there cheering us on. As we took steps toward making the youth center a reality, she was busy connecting us with people with a particular area of expertise or a heart for the youth in our community. I don’t remember any organization or community event that I have attended where she was not there lending a hand. She is an excellent example of public service and someone who has a heart for the community. Raeanne excels at connecting people and resources to causes that benefit the whole community. Her positivity, her ability to gather community, and her “get it done” attitude never ceases and are what we need in this time and place we find ourselves. If she can’t help you personally, she knows an organization or person that can. What I particularly admire her for is her ability to be nonpartisan. That is not easy. While she is not tied to one political party, she has an open mind, and her heart is tethered to this community and county. Get out and vote.
Molly Schroeder
President and Founder
The Wave Youth Center
TO THE EDITOR:
Let’s look at another political office and the candidate that is running. Ryan Wilson is running for State Auditor and we haven’t heard much about this office until recently, with the disgusting fraud/waste that has been brought to light with the current State Auditor Julie Blaha and her partner in crime Tim Walz. We need Ryan Wilson to be our next State Auditor. Our state has had some of the largest financial scandals in its history during the current State Auditor’s watch. We’ve seen news reports of $100M in daycare fraud, $250M (at least) in child food program fraud and $1B in Met Council cost overruns. I am tired of OUR hard-earned tax dollars being wasted so these politicians can fund their lavish lifestyles. This keeps happening over and over and no one gets caught, and no one knows if the fraud has actually stopped. I’m voting for Ryan Wilson for State Auditor on November 8th, he was born/raised in Minnesota, he and his wife are raising their family here, he attended high school/college here, started his career as a constitutional rights attorney and founded a large medical device auditing company and will actually fight waste, fraud, and abuse.
Shelly Alger-Peyton
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
During my 30 years of public service with Sherburne County, I have had an opportunity to work with Gary Gray and have found him to be a sound, critical and collaborative thinker. I have known him to be a good listener and a balanced decision maker. I believe he is the best candidate for district 4 to elect to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.Gary has 18 years of experience on the Clear Lake Township Board. This local government experience has earned him knowledge of the county board and what their duties entail. He knows what the issues are that should be worked on, and also what issues cannot be changed which he needs to work with to reach the most desirable outcome for everyone. Landowner rights are important and they are important to Gary. Gary has farmed in this district for many years, and he understands and respects the desires of landowners to manage their lands. He also understands the importance of working respectfully with the four other county commissioners, 11 townships (including the city of Elk River) and their constituents. We, in Sherburne County have enjoyed a high quality of life for years. I believe that Gary has the experience and vision to continue to provide the excellent consistency in management established by the retiring Felix Schmiesing.
Bob Stangler
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
I have known Kim Noding for as long as I have lived in Big Lake; 23 years, and have seen all facets of her character; leader of homeschool organization, relentless cheerleader for a contest for money for our lake (which we won), mom of boys and girls, supporter of the local arts, partner in her husband’s remodeling business, and a devoted city council member. She’s running again, and I highly recommend and support her, and ask that you do too. She wants Big Lake to succeed and be best, so we all can succeed.
Ramona Voight
Big Lake , MN
TO THE EDITOR:
I recommend Kim Noding to be reelected for a full term on the Big Lake City Council as I know of her great love for Big Lake. I had the pleasure of working alongside her on the Big Lake Economic Development Authority and quickly learned she didn’t just talk about growing her city, but actually supports that growth through her suggestions, questions, and ultimately votes. Kim brings a fresh perspective to the council and an enthusiasm for supporting new businesses, while paying down the cities debt, which helps everyone. I hope you will vote for Kim Noding on November 8th.
J. Brian Calva
Elk River, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
I am writing in response to Paul Knier’s letter in the Oct. 8th issue of the Patriot. His point about wasting arable land and destroying stands of trees for solar farms is acutely accurate and should be a major concern. How ideas like this reach fruition is beyond me. Just the simple fact that trees and crops are major carbon absorbers and oxygen producers should be enough for decision makers to cry, “Bad idea!” I am not informed enough to comment on the mining of materials for new panels or the disposal of used panels that Mr. Knier mentions. However, since the push for solar seems inevitable I do have a land use suggestion. Consider the medians and outer grassy edges of our inter-state system and many of our highways. Here you have hundreds and hundreds of miles of land already cleared, right-of-ways in place, and direct available transmission connections to multiple communities. No trees need removing, no arable land repurposed.
Jeff Hill
Big Lake, MN
