Candidate letters: Mayor - Dennis Egan

To the Editor:

Red Wing represents the best of the past, present and future. Two years ago I said I believe there is not a single city in Minnesota that holds greater potential for success and a secure future.

Red Wing will make a meaningful decision Nov. 6 by selecting a mayor to lead our city and help set the direction and vision. Red Wing needs someone willing to bring new ideas and who understands the wide range of issues facing our community. I believe I bring the background, experience and leadership to help Red Wing move forward together.

Over the past two years, I convened six community listening sessions, helped redesign Red Wing 2020 to focus on major issues and brought organizations together to address economic development challenges. I testified at the Blue Ribbon Panel on Nuclear Storage. I was elected to the executive committee in a newly formed Mayors Association dealing with the Mississippi River and helped move the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance forward.

I was engaged in the formation of our Candle to Career collaborative to see that all kids are prepared for their next step, be it schooling or a career. I started a task force to create a statue of Chief Red Wing, and have taken a leadership role in enhancing our relationship with the Mdewakanton Prairie Island Indian Community.

Economic prosperity for all citizens is at the core of my candidacy, and that depends upon economic diversity. Agriculture has been a mainstay. Distinctive stores ensure Red Wing remains a regional retail center. Manufacturing represents a mix from small to large, light industry to heavy industry. Tourism businesses need to know someone is helping them, too.

Our new fiber telecommunications infrastructure will help to ensure current and future business owners have the tools to compete in today’s world marketplace. The upstart businessperson needing a location to start the next “Apple” will find the resources in Red Wing to do just that.

Together, these elements add up to a vibrant quality of life for all.

As community leaders have done in the past, we need to ensure our infrastructure is updated and replaced. We need to do this in a responsible manner while not increasing the tax burden on residents and businesses that call Red Wing home.

As mayor it is the privilege to engage all residents; I commit to convening additional listening sessions throughout our neighborhoods. I ask for your support on Nov. 6.

Dennis Egan

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters