— Incumbent John Grimm and retired Le Sueur County Sheriff David Gliszinski are vying for the Le Sueur County Board District 1 seat.
Grimm, a Montgomery businessman and former airline pilot elected to the board in 2008, said his years in management and aviation education have given him vital written and oral communication skills he has applied as commissioner.
“I also have developed a strong compassion for the less fortunate of our society, serving over 35 years as a foster parent and adult caregiver.”
He said state aid to local governments is steadily decreasing, yet the demand for county services continues to climb. “This is an unsustainable situation that must be addressed immediately.”
He said in order to prevent the constant escalation of property taxes, he will seek new efficiencies in governing.
“This could include consolidation or elimination of some services. I also will strive to resolve the long-standing controversy surrounding the Le Sueur County Historical Society.”
On working with fellow board members: “We are able to disagree, yet remain civil and open to each other’s opinions.”
Gliszinski, who retired as a three-term sheriff in 2010, said he’s running for commissioner because he believes county residents should have more of a voice in local government because commissioners are employed by the people.
“I believe that the citizens have much to contribute and should not be isolated from governmental operations.”
He said as sheriff he had daily contact with county residents.
“I listened to and was responsive to their concerns and questions and set that as a standard for myself and the entire staff at the Sheriff’s Office.”
He agrees that Le Sueur County has ongoing funding challenges but doesn’t think that should translate into raising taxes.
“We need to put more effort into exploring creative alternatives to operate more efficiently (and) streamline services, to include merging with other county services, working with the Legislature to minimize further budget cuts, and identifying unnecessary spending.”
He said Le Sueur County’s location between Mankato and the Twin Cities positions it for ongoing opportunities for unlimited growth, and among his priorities would be working to encourage growth of new businesses as well as existing ones.
District 1 includes the cities of New Prague, Montgomery and Heidelberg and the townships of Lanesburgh and Montgomery.
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