Letter: Castner brings experience and work ethic to job

To the Editor:

I am voting to re-elect Steve Castner to Ward 1.

I have known Steve since he became a Red Wing policeman; I was a firefighter. I have always admired his work ethic from the time he was a full-time policeman working at night and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the daytime. Steve became an accountant, starting his own business.

Elected to the City Council, he still shows the same dedication. Steve does this research on the issues, talking to many experts locally, statewide and nationwide. He is also accessible at his home, business or when you see him downtown.

He deserves another term to serve the city he loves.

John Bakke

Red Wing

For the good of city

I have lived in Red Wing on and off for 40 of my plus-60 years. I have seen change some very good and some bad.

In that short amount of time we lost part of Barn Bluff and the steps leading to the top, the beautiful old library, the Irish Row houses on West Avenue — that would be some of the bad.

Some of the good: a face lift of the local theater, many small businesses being able to stay afloat, parks that look great.

I believe that if we do not re-elect Steve Castner, that would be very, very bad. I believe it would be very good to have someone with 12 years experience, a person that has lived and raised a family in Red Wing, a former police officer, a former member of the U.S. Air Force.

It is impossible to please everyone, but I believe Steve makes the right decisions when it comes to the good of Red Wing and the good people that live here. I hope you vote for Steve. I know that is where my check mark will go Nov. 4.

Roger Austin

Red Wing

True Winger

In my many years as political party activist and leader, I have seen many participants come and go. I have seen many good common-sense leaders, people who care about the communities in which they grew up and raised their own families in. One of those leaders at the top of my list is Steve Castner.

Being from Goodhue, I will always be a “Wildcat,” and I know Steve Castner will always be a true “Red Wing Winger,” He has and will do what is right for all those in Red Wing. He supports good paying jobs and will protect the place were he grew up.

The Red Wing City Council is lucky to have him.

George Gorman

Goodhue

City representative

As a planning director for a state environmental agency, I have had the opportunity to work with Steve Castner on the city’s waste-to-energy project, recycling program and other solid waste issues.

Steve is very knowledgeable on the issues. He does his homework. In negotiations, he is a very strong advocate for the city’s position.

Steve has a firm grasp on how things work, how to get things done, and how to achieve the best possible results for Red Wing. He also understands how the city can best work together with counties and the state on solid waste and environmental issues.

I feel the fortunate to work with him as a representative of the city.

Sigurd Scheurle

Winona, Minn.

Sigurd Scheurle is with the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.

Responsive

I have known Steve Castner for many years; we attended Red Wing High School together. He is an Air Force veteran and served 10 years as a Red Wing policeman.

He has a very strong work ethic and this has been reflected in his service to the city.

I have been with him downtown and around many places. He always has time to visit with Red Wing people, makes notes and gets back to them. I feel secure in his decision-making process, knowing he will do the best for Red Wing.

We need his experience and financial knowledge in these troubled times.

Craig Weber

Red Wing

Knows issues

The choice in Ward 1 should be clear. With an economy in tumult, we need City Council members who have a firm grasp on budget issues and who are not afraid to make the difficult choices even if they are not the most popular ones.

Steve Castner has shown he has the interests of the entire city in mind. I have worked with Steve on both Housing & Redevelopment Authority and waste management issues and, while we haven't always agreed, he has always listened carefully and then made his decision.

Most of you probably have not had the opportunity to see Steve working behind the scenes. The hours and hours he spends listening to constituents and attending meetings are what frame his decisions.

Sometimes change is good. This time changing the council member from Ward 1 is a bad idea.

Peggy Rehder

Red Wing

Leads fight

I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Steve Castner on many issues. He has always displayed a spirit of cooperation and a keen eye for what works for Red Wing and what does not.

Steve’s background as an accountant gives him an excellent platform in ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely. He has sent unclear, risky business proposals packing and has supported solid, well-planned proposals that will add jobs and tax base.

Steve has provided accurate, thoughtful information to the Legislature on many topics. The effort to keep our property taxes from spiraling out of control has been led by him. When Xcel was looking to get legislative relief from paying personal property taxes, Steve led the charge to defeat these proposals.

Unfortunately, Gov. Pawlenty had his agency institute rules to inflict this tax increase on our community just so that he could give Xcel a hefty tax cut.

Steve Murphy

Red Wing

Steve Murphy represents Minnesota Senate District 28.

Tags: opinion, castner