Editor's note: The following is an open letter to Congressman John Kline, in response to an article Lakeville Patch ran on Dec. 19 titled: Rep. Kline Calls Newtown Tragedy 'Unthinkable;' Mum on Gun Laws. To the editor, and Congressman Kline, I am writing today out of deep concern for the safety of fellow citizens, as well as my family and children. I sincerely hope, in light of the recent shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, that you will seriously re-consider your stance on banning assault weapons.  There is no hunting rifle that requires a magazine clip of 30 …

To the editor, Thank you to the voters of Lakeville for placing your trust in me to represent you on the Lakeville City Council. It is an honor and privelege to look forward to serving the community in this role beginning this January. In the hundreds of conversations I have had knocking on doors since last June, I have heard you. I had many conversations, and heard ideas and concerns. It was exciting that the thing I heard most frequently was that the City of Lakeville is a great place to live and work; and that the City Council must work to ensure that we maintain that status for years to …

To the editor, I am sincerely humbled and grateful to have been re-elected by the voters to serve another term as your City Council representative. Throughout my years on the Council and Planning Commission I have had the opportunity to learn from and work with many fine community leaders.  I have been impressed by those who have worked for the betterment of the community; and in doing so conducted the City’s business in a respectful and positive manner. Our town is better for their collaborative spirit and servant leadership. My commitment to this community has not changed, nor will it …

To the editor, I want to thank the voters of Burnsville and Lakeville for placing your trust in me to represent you in the Minnesota House of Representatives starting in January. I’m both humbled and honored to have the chance to serve this community once again. In the thousands of conversations I had at doors since last May I heard you and I will be your voice in our state legislature. I heard the voice of small business owners who want to eliminate wasteful spending and redundant regulations and cut through the red-tape so they can accelerate our economic recovery. I heard the voice of …

To the editor, It has been an honor to serve in the Minnesota Senate for the last two years. I am asking for your vote again on Tuesday. In February 2011, Minnesota faced a projected $5.1 billion budget deficit. Governor Mark Dayton and DFLers in the Legislature immediately started pushing a tax increase that would have slowed our economy, resulting in less job creation and higher unemployment. The Republican Legislature stood up to the Governor, and we balanced the budget without raising taxes. Unfortunately we were unable to persuade the Governor to hold spending at the same levels as the …

To the editor, I encourage residents of House District 58A to make a choice for proven leadership and cast their vote for Rep. Mary Liz Holberg.  As our state representative, Holberg has pressed for legislation that encourages private sector job growth while limiting the size and scope of government. She has worked to protect us from tax increases while ensuring that existing tax revenues are spent wisely. She has championed policies that preserve our individual privacy rights while making government transparent and accountable to the public. Our district and our state can benefit from an …

To the editor, We all get the post cards, see advertisements, yard signs and even knocks on our door. The election season can’t end soon enough. Many already made up their minds and are ready to vote Democrat or Republican. But wait, what about our local Mayor race that doesn’t have Republican or Democrat after their name on the ballot? Now what? It’s easy to figure out what party you support and then vote for their candidates, but on local races, it’s more difficult to find the True Conservatives, if you generally favor Republicans. In Lakeville, even Liberals claim to be “fiscally” …

To the editor,  Mary Liz Holberg has been the state representative of the Lakeville area for over 14 years. With each 2-year election she campaigns less and less. Her website hasn't been updated since 2008, and has been a no-show at public appearances.  Is she just looking for a free ride back into the Legislature? Colin Lee has knocked on over 1,000 doors this election season. He has talked to many constituents, listened to their concerns, and wants to bring those concerns with him to St. Paul. Colin Lee wants what is best for Lakeville and has worked hard to earn your vote. Vote for Colin …

To the editor, I am a business owner in the city of Lakeville, but more importantly a father of a child in the Lakeville School systems. I have followed very closely the past and current school boards and I truly believe it is time to have some new blood on the board. The current board is not broken but it needs an enthusiastic catalyst going forward. This is why I support voting for Jennifer Harmening on Nov. 6. I have known Jennifer for eight years and I have seen her in action involved in the school system. Jennifer is the type of person to not just go with the heard but to challenge and …

To the editor, We are honored to support Laurie Rieb for mayor of Lakeville.   For over two decades, Rieb has represented the residents of Lakeville. Her leadership has helped to make Lakeville the wonderful community it is today, placing 19 within the nation as a best place to live.   Rieb will continue to engage community members and stakeholders through community visioning processes. She works collaboratively to bring differing view points together to find solutions that work best for our community and city. Her focus on fiscal stability is appropriate while recognizing the need to provide…

To the editor, Over the past few months there has been plenty of information concerning the positions of our candidates for Mayor. We’ve heard from the candidates at the public debate, we’ve seen different perspectives from elected officials, there have been mailings and position papers. As managing attorney at the Lakeville branch office of Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey, I would like to provide my insight regarding Matt Little who has been working as a law clerk at our office. Hopefully this will provide an additional glimpse of the character and dedication he has to our community. In …

To the Editor, For more than a year I and thousands of other Minnesotans have been holding conversations about the marriage amendment. We lay out our most rational arguments, citing research in biological as well as social science demonstrating that same-sex orientation is a benign, natural variation in human sexuality. We offer stories of real people who would be hurt by permanently restricting the definition of marriage to exclude same-sex couples. Many people have been persuaded that voting "no" is the right thing to do. Staunch supporters of the amendment, however, remain unmoved. They …

To the editor, I am writing this letter in support of Lakeville Mayor Mark Bellows for re-election. His public service record, impeccable credentials, and commitment to fiscal prudence make him by far the best choice. Mayor Mark Bellows has a distinguished public service record. He has served as police chaplain for 22 years. He served ten years on the City Council before being elected Mayor in 2010. He is a pastor and counselor as well. These activities all demonstrate the Mayor’s commitment to individuals in need and to public service. He is well qualified for the job, as he has demonstrated…

To the editor, As a City Councilor in a neighboring city, I’d like to give an outsiders perspective on Matt Little. Despite his age, he is widely respected and listened to by officials from other cities. He and I frequently discuss issues ranging from urban chickens to municipal liquor. We often disagree but Matt has an ability that is not common among elected officials.  He never takes an argument personally. We can have a robust argument about why each of us is wrong and shake hands at the end of the conversation. Many of these discussions have helped me to understand the other side, which …

To the editor, I would like to share my experience and thoughts on working with Mark Bellows in his professional life. As many of you know, Mark serves as a pastor at Hope Community Church in Lakeville. I have had the pleasure of working with him, not only as clergy at funeral services, but also through his work as chaplain for the Lakeville Police Department. The purpose of this letter is not to disparage any candidate for city government in Lakeville, but to tell just a bit about my professional dealings with Mark Bellows. We have called Mark on many occasions over the years to help …

To the editor, Lakeville does not need a self-proclaimed career politician who considers the city as nothing but a stepping stone who will move on if a different opportunity presents itself. Mr. Bellows is a fiscal conservative with deep roots in Lakeville and 12 years of experience as a City Council member and Mayor.  Under Mayor Bellow’s leadership, the city policies have become more transparent. He was instrumental in forming the Financial Advisory Committee.  This committee ensures that our citizens and businesses stay informed and have a voice when it comes to the budget process and our …

To the editor, We enthusiastically support Laurie Rieb in her run to be the next mayor of Lakeville. For fifteen years we have called Lakeville home and consider it to be a great place to live and to have raised our daughters. Our family has enjoyed the many amenities this community has to offer including the fabulous parks and trail system, beaches, Lakeville Area Arts Center and many community events. For just over the same amount of time, Laurie Rieb has been working tirelessly serving the residents of Lakeville as a volunteer and in city government to make sure that this community stays …

To the editor, If you are a parent with students currently in Lakeville schools, then I urge you to vote for Terry Lind for school board. Terry will make an excellent addition to the school board, bringing fresh ideas, along with his expertise of the inner workings of our district. When Terry says he believes in “engaging the community to work through the challenges ahead,” he will do just that.  I had the privilege to work along side Terry at Lakeview Elementary as an active member of the PTO and Parent Advisory Council.  We moved to this community six years ago in the middle of a school …

Letter to the Editor, Many of us are in a new district this year for the Minnesota House due to redistricting. Through the endorsement process, I have gotten to know Roz Peterson and have been impressed by her qualifications, experience and approach to important issues.  Roz has been a business owner, a member of the ISD 194 School Board and a leader in the local Chamber of Commerce. She brings to this election the rare combination of experience in business and government. Her calm and positive attitude toward problem solving is an ideal qualification for office. Electing Roz to the House …

To the editor, As a 22 year resident of Lakeville, I have learned that my fellow citizens care deeply about the quality of life they enjoy here.  On Nov. 6, Lakeville residents have a perfect opportunity to further ensure that quality by electing Doug Anderson to City Council. I have known Doug for most of those 22 years and can say with utmost confidence that he is extremely qualified to serve on Lakeville’s City Council.  His resume is first rate; in addition to his professional training as a CPA and MBA, Doug’s experience as CFO at Hamline University is directly transferable to a Council …