Candidate letters: County Board - Paul Drotos

To the Editor:

When I first set eyes on the Hiawatha River Valley, I thought it was the most beautiful natural setting I had ever seen. I still do. Thirty-five years ago, I had the good sense to move here and marry a Red Wing girl. My parents instilled the kind of values that allowed me to fit right in: Appreciate, share and contribute.

I am new to politics, but I am experienced at making government work. As the city of Red Wing’s environmental officer, I understand that innovation drives efficiency. Government needs to be efficient.

I am running to replace current Commissioner Ted Seifert because he will allow frac sand mining. Ted says he fears a lawsuit if Goodhue County does not permit silica sand mining.

I do not think a permanent, life-changing decision ought to be made based on fear. Legal opinions concur that a short, one-sentence ordinance banning frac sand mining is more defensible and the only effective way to preserve the health of our citizens and protect our environment.

In the past several months, I’ve knocked on doors and listened to residents. I learned that many citizens feel their opinions are not being heard. I got your message on low taxes and frugal spending, along with the need for long-term planning to preserve and enhance our quality of life. Thank you to everyone for sharing your views.

If you elect me, I will work for public policy that reflects your values and your goals. My plan is:

1. Make public health and safety priority one. This includes a complete ban of frac sand mining and strong support for law enforcement.

2. Keep taxes low to promote home ownership and business growth.

3. Scrutinize each expense to verify it is still filling a genuine need, including cuts to commissioner pay.

4. Seek new ideas to make government work smarter, along with making sure we are receiving all grant money available.

5. Find non-tax ways to produce revenue with public-private partnerships that have no cost to taxpayers.

6. Create a citizen-friendly approach to communication with your county government.

I will bring your ideas with me in January — and I will keep on listening!

Deb and I feel privileged to have raised our son in Red Wing. I would be honored to serve as your representative on the Goodhue County Board.

Paul Drotos

Red Wing

Paul Drotos is a candidate for Goodhue County District 5.

Tags: opinion, letters