League of Women Voter's Event

On Sunday August 9th, I had the honor to attend the League of Women Voter's event alongside fellow candidates for city council & current city council members running for reelection. I spoke with many people during this event and was enlightened to many new and interesting folks who live in Red Wing and share my concern for the future of the city. Each conversation had 1 underlying question: how can we make it better? From environmental threats of the local RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) operated by Xcel Energy to the recent pollution events at ADM, and the nuisance of the smell of both ADM and the Purina facilities, voters voiced concerns for these impacts and many more on the local environment of Red Wing. Some agreed with me, a few disagreed, but several stated that they appreciated how serious I seemed about finding real solutions to these problems, regardless how trivial they may seem.

This has been the basis of my campaign, to listen. Subconsciously, everyone likes to feel heard. It's a completely different feeling when someone accepts your ideas and engages in real-time problem-solving and brainstorming, even during a 3-minute conversation. That's all the people of Red Wing are looking for out of their council, to feel heard and engaged. Limiting their avenues for input is a grave misstep and a disservice to the general public.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who stopped by to talk to me, take a sign or business card, and share thoughts, concerns, & for one lovely lady who started off the conversation with "I haven't met you yet, but you have my vote!" Unfortunately, she didn't live in my Ward, but I was happy for her to share her support with me whilst wearing the t-shirt in support of her Ward's candidate. It's that level of excitement for new faces in the running that keep me going!

-Chet