(Editor’s note: Due to space constraints, the Patriot will publish up to 5-6 LTEs a week as space allows and carry over unpublished letters to the next week, if able.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:
The Becker School system has served our community well over the years in providing quality education and opportunity for its students. Becker constituents have supported growth with passed referendums to insure continued strength in programs, staff, and facilities. Recently our school has hit the news for the wrong reasons. I have been asked by people outside our community, “what’s going on in Becker”? It’s time to get the community and school on the same page to work toward common goals. There is so much positive in the school that needs to be in the news! Troy Berning was recently selected to fill one of the vacant seats on the board. He is a voice of reason and understanding to all sides of the issues and is genuinely concerned for the future of our school and community. I have known Troy over the years and have collaborated with him on various topics that required some tough decisions. Troy’s a strong listener and discerns the truth when dealing with tough issues needing to be addressed. He will work as an advocate for our teachers, students, and community to ensure Becker’s reputation as a strong school and community continues to be the case. I would ask that you make Troy Berning your top candidate for Becker School Board in November! Berning4SchoolBoard.com
David Andres
Becker, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Sherburne County List. 4 Commissioner has come down to two candidates. I have known both Gary Gray and Lefty Kleis for decades, and consider both to be friends. This summer, I met privately with both and have discussed my concerns. My main concern is the loss of farm land to solar farms. I feel the loss of land and possible leeching of heavy metals from the panels will cause us to have regrets in the future. The commissioners do not have direct control over solar farms as this is a State of Minnesota issue. However, without pushback from our commissioners, it is more likely solar farms will be dumped here. Lefty shares my concerns. Gary is having his entire family farm converted to solar panels. He has a very large conflict of interest concerning this. Gary is correct when he says the landowner has a right to use their property as they wish. However, having a right to do something and doing what’s right is not always the same. If you want to see wall-to-wall solar panels in this county, then go ahead and vote for Gary Gray. But if you’re like me and have seen enough, I urge you to vote for Lefty Kleis in November.
Tom and Barb Hentges
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
This letter is written in support of Raeanne Danielowski, incumbent Commissioner for Sherburne County serving District 2. Prior to being our Commissioner, she was the Mayor of Big Lake, and before that she was a City Council member for several years and during all her years, I never heard her make a promise she couldn’t keep or commit to something without deep consideration for what was involved. I never felt misled by her words or her efforts to make our community a safer, better place to call home. Over promising and under achieving is NOT in her makeup. As our Commissioner, she has been a voice for our community and its needs. Similar to her role on Big Lake’s City Council, she makes every effort as a County Commissioner to be wise as to what is of value while being fiscally responsible. She knows our burdens because she shares the same ones with us as a resident of our community and as a business owner. I ask that in making your decision as to who is the best qualified candidate, you agree that person is Raeanne Danielowski.
Carolyn Fowler
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
I am writing to encourage you to join me in supporting Lefty Kleis for Sherburne County Commissioner in the new District 4. If you want a local, experienced, and dedicated person to represent you at the county, Lefty is your guy. He stands for the things I believe in like public safety, fiscal responsibility, reliable and affordable energy, election integrity, and expanding broadband access. This November we in Sherburne County have an opportunity to elect people that will truly represent us and our values at the county level. County commissioners have a lot of power over our day-to-day lives, and there is a clear difference in this race. One candidate has shown that he values money and himself more than his community, while Lefty has proven he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and will always put people ahead of politics. I’m sick of self-serving politicians. Let’s elect Lefty Kleis to the county board to fight for us and our way of life. I trust him to represent me and to do what is right, no matter the opposition he will and has already faced.
Jim Szczech
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Lefty Kleis is the ONLY candidate in District 4 that will stand up to keep Sherburne County’s SherCo plants open, keeping our energy supply efficient and affordable which is essential to our economy. His opponent has a self-serving interest – his pocketbook! He has recklessly voted to approve solar fields at the township board level where he has a direct financial interest. Evidence can be found on the Clear Lake Township Board minutes (see 9/20/2021). There is a clear choice on the future of energy availability and cost in Sherburne County, and Lefty Kleis is the only one that will protect your best interests and your pocketbook.
Juice and Charlene Langowski
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Honest/transparent/professional…qualities we should hold our elected officials to. We choose who will represent the citizens of Sherburne County. The two candidates are good people, have good resumes and voting records that we can examine. Gary Gray, involved with Clear Lake Township for many years and has voted on subjects regarding land use/community projects. One land vote in particular, ensured him to personally gain millions of dollars. That single vote will cost taxpayers more money. That was nothing more than a greedy vote Gary. Lefty Kleis, involved in community programs/elected positions for several years, recently as Mayor of Becker. Again, voted on topics that we can examine. I didn’t find a time where Lefty voted to increase spending that didn’t benefit the community. He was instrumental in getting Becker recognized as a Yellow Ribbon city and dug into the city spending. For that, he was censored, the censorship was ruled not enforceable, for asking questions about undocumented city/money spending. One can find a lot of information before casting their votes. These are important discoveries found while researching the candidates. Ask questions/become educated/get involved. We have important decisions to make that will impact us over the next 4 years. Vote November 8th.
Hunter Reimer
Clear Lake
