Letter: Drotos leads, has vision

To the Editor:

Many of you have noticed houses being built in Red Wing by Habitat for Humanity, and perhaps have realized that much of the construction is done by volunteers, some of us not very skilled at all. Imagine what a huge job that is for a construction manager.

Seven years ago I learned that lesson first hand, when I was the volunteer coordinator for a house that was built on Central Avenue. That meant rounding up volunteers, anybody and everybody who could pitch in to make somebody’s dream of owning a home come true.

A pretty daunting task, but then I met Paul Drotos, who had agreed to be the construction manager. His task was even more daunting. He had never built a house before and he had a full-time job. But he assured me that he had just taken a construction management class and that he was used to taking on big challenges.

Finding volunteers with skills required for the task at hand was not always easy, especially when circumstances affected the schedule. Paul, however, could punt.

There were experienced volunteers and rookies; and Paul found jobs for everyone, making them feel necessary and appreciated, which of course they were. Together they built a house and on top of that, he helped me with my job, rounding up some volunteers on his own.

It takes vision to see a finished house by looking at a blueprint. It also takes faith to know that people can do amazing things if given a chance.

I know there is a house standing in Red Wing today because Paul Drotos has vision and faith, and he is willing to work really hard. That is important in government also. That is why I support Paul Drotos for County Commissioner.

Diane Nordgaard

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters