Joe Perske of Sartell would serve the Sixth Congressional District well if he is elected as our representative Nov. 4.
After seven years of Rep. Michele Bachmann, this district is long overdue for someone who will truly represent us, as well as other Minnesotans and the nation, too. Bachmann seemed to crave the limelight rather than the hard work of representing her constituents. She accomplished virtually nothing as a Tea Party obstructionist and spent most of her time shooting her mouth off, making a fool of herself and embarrassing her district.
Now it’s time for a welcome change. Candidate Tom Emmer, unfortunately, seems to veer too far to the radical right, as Bachmann did, although he would probably be an improvement over her.
Still, Perske has everything Bachmann and other extremists lack.
For one thing, he’s a good listener, not a rigid ideologue. He has always considered many viewpoints before making a decision as council member and mayor of Sartell.
Secondly, as a long-time teacher and coach, Perske understands through and through how important it is to work as part of a team, pulling together for a common goal. He’s not stubbornly entrenched in some “purist” agenda and, thus, is eager to work toward mutually beneficial compromises, unlike so many congressional do-nothings these days.
Perske also possesses in abundance the requisite values that make him a man of integrity. He is a down-to-earth family man, a loving husband and father; he has a strong spiritual faith; he loves his city, his state and his nation; he cares deeply about education because he’s seen first-hand over and over its vital importance in improving lives; he’s a strong believer in the effort to make things better for working people and for ways to expand and strengthen this country’s true backbone – our great middle class; he is passionately committed to improving our health-care system so it’s accessible and affordable for all.
Last but not least, Perske is always approachable in the most personable manner, always eager to listen and to learn, and – not to forget – he has a wonderful sense of humor, a vital quality to help reduce the stress of being a representative in Washington, D.C.
Minnesota’s Sixth District has always been predominately conservative, and it’s had some good representation from some good conservative representatives in the past. But as right-wing extremism came to the fore, in people like Bachmann, the forces of reasonableness and moderation were squelched.
Emmer is not a moderate; Perske is. And that’s why the Sixth District so badly needs a change this time around – a moderate Democrat rather than another radical Republican.