To the editor:

I endorse John Luepke for Nicollet County Commissioner, District 5 which comprises 8 townships, 3 city’s, and North Mankato Precinct 7. John’s District encompasses the largest geographical area of all districts and includes the majority of the County’s Agriculture Acres, Bridges, Ditches, and Roads. His District is generally rural, with smaller towns, and a diverse population who work in many occupations and industries in and outside of the County.

John, as the incumbent is intimately involved in setting the County’s annual budget and approving policies to ensure we have the services to care for our resident’s health, prosperity, and security. As a life-time resident of the District, John’s ideals are firmly rooted to protect and promote each citizen of his District and the greater wellbeing of all County residents.

As a native of his District and a 23-year Air Force Veteran I can tell you that John deeply respects my military service and that of all Veterans. He attends the Lafayette American Legion annual Banquets and updates our membership on the Board’s activities. John also attends the Veterans Day Dinner hosted by the Nicollet American Legion where he listens to the concerns of Veterans from Courtland, Lafayette, Nicollet, North Mankato and St. Peter. John supported Nathan Tish, the Veterans Service Officer by hiring a second Veterans Service Officer to care for each Veteran from discharge to death and their widows to ensure all receive their rightful benefits.

John has served in key roles of several local boards to include his church, farm policy, and Courtland Township. These character skills, and leadership developing experiences have given John the unique aptitude to thoughtfully craft County policies and procedures. He is a member of the County Criminal Justice, Drainage Authority, Hwy 14 Partnership, Local Water Management Task Force, MN Transportation Alliance, Park, Personnel, and True Transit Committees to name a few. John’s skill to analyze issues and provide realistic solutions is evidenced by his selection to sit on the Government Committee of the Association of Minnesota Counties.

My 2020 vote for Nicollet County District 5 wholeheartedly goes to John Luepke.

Greg Peterson

USAF, Retired

Bernadotte Twp.