Vern Barthel, Sauk Rapids
I got to know Joe Perske after a very tragic event in my life, and in the Sartell community. We have stayed in touch since.
I worked at the Sartell paper mill for 35-plus years when there was an explosion and fire on May 28, 2012, that would soon thereafter close the mill. Joe was mayor of Sartell at the time of the explosion.
When I had served as a Union Financial Secretary at the paper mill for 22 years, Joe reached out to me and our local union president by inviting us to his home to discuss what we thought the future was for the mill, how the city could help, and most importantly how he himself could help.
He realized what the mill had meant to its employees and the city of Sartell. He understood the good-paying jobs and the tax base the mill had provided.
I do not, and never have, voted along party lines. I have always voted for the candidate I feel will best represent my beliefs. I believe Joe Perske is the candidate we want to fill the Minnesota Senate seat in District 13. I believe Joe will vote his conscience first rather than along party lines. As an example, his pro-life stance is definitely not what the Democratic party represents. He will stand up for what is right and that is why he has earned my respect and my vote.
Hopefully, you will join me by sending him to the Minnesota Senate seat in District 13.