by Dennis Dalman
Recently re-elected Stearns County Commissioner Joe Perske, long-time Sartell resident, was recently honored with the “Transportation Advocate Award” from the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
He was nominated for the honor by Roger Imdieke, a Kandiyohi County commissioner, for “his decades-long commitment to advancing transportation funding and policy initiatives that benefit many central Minnesota communities.”
Perske is a former Sartell mayor, former Sartell City Council member and a Sartell High School teacher and girls’ soccer coach.
As one of five Stearns County commissioners, Perske represents District 2. That district includes the township of Brockway and Le Sauk, precincts 1 and 2 in St. Joseph and St. Wendel townships, as well as St. Stephens one precinct and precincts 3-7 in Sartell.
In the Nov. 5 election, Perske defeated challenger Jerry Theisen and was re-elected to a third term as county commissioner.
Based in St. Paul, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance was founded in 1893. A coalition of local governments, businesses, labor and transit systems, its mission is to advocate for a safe, effective transportation system for all Minnesotans.
Those who presented him with the award noted Perske has tirelessly worked toward that goal: safe, effective transportation systems. He has long been actively involved in organizations that bear upon transportation policy: the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization’s Policy Board, the National Association of Counties Transportation Committee, the Association of Minnesota Counties Transportation Policy Committee, the District 3 Area Transportation Partnership, the Region 7W Policy Committee and the Highway 23 Coalition Board of Directors. He is also active in the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
In his award citation, it states this: “For (more than) 20 years, Perske has dedicated himself to securing funding and championing policies for vital transportation projects. His advocacy extends beyond his commissioner district, reflecting a commitment to projects of regional and statewide significance. He’s advocated for many projects, including the following: Interstate 94 improvements, expansion of Hwy. 23, helping initiate the St. Cloud Beltway and St. Cloud River Crossing projects, enhancements to Town Line Road in northwest Sartell, improvements at the St. Cloud Municipal Airport and extension of the Northstar Rail.”
Perske often visits St. Paul and Washington, D.C. where he lobbies for transportation projects in central Minnesota and beyond. He was honored for his “collaborative approach and dedication that have made a difference in improving central Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.”
Perske and his wife, Jan, have three adult daughters (Michaela, Jenna, Greta) and seven grandchildren.
Recently re-elected Stearns County Commissioner Joe Perske of Sartell serves Commissioner District 2.
