To the Editor:
Over the past year we have had several opportunities to participate in our Victoria City Government and to observe the council and Mayor Mary at work.  We have been very impressed with Mayor Mary's ability to ask informed questions on many issues, to delegate tasks back to involve the citizens, and to handle the work of the city in a businesslike manner.
We urge the residents of Victoria to join us on November 7th in re-electing Mayor Mary.
Heidi and Phillip Haber, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Enclosed is a check for $10 to continue sending the Gazette to me at my new address.  I'm doing better some days than others.  I do like my apart-ment, for which I'm thankful.  Hello to Allan.  Sometime stop in and see me.
Love, Beulah Olson, Minneota, Minnesota

To the Editor:
How do you buy Christmas presents for 4,000 children?  That's the dilemma facing the CAP Agency, figuring out how to make sure that 4,000 needy children in Scott and Carver counties will receive gifts this holiday season.  Our solution is to ask everyone we can think of to help us make that goal a reality.  You are on top of our list to help get the word out in your area.
We need your help in particular this year because we are making a major change, switching to a new holiday project.
The CAP Agency previously had a holiday toy distribution program.  People donated toys to the agency, which were then given to children from low-income families.  The response was good, but agency staff questioned if the program was meeting the needs of the families served, and wondered if there was a better way to help local people share the joy of the holiday season.
That discussion led to the creation of "Hope for the Holidays," a new program that matches sponsors with families.  The sponsors receive a brief description of the child or family they are sponsoring that includes first names, ages, and three gift ideas for the child or family members.
Sponsors won't actually meet the child or family face to face, but they will receive the satisfaction of knowing that their gifts are appropriate choices sure to brighten the holidays for that family.
Our staff knows the need for this project, based on the assistance the agency gives low income families throughout the year, and we are confi-dent that local communities will rise to the challenge of meeting the need once they are aware of the program.  To make them aware of this project, we need your help.  We look forward to seeing how your newspaper chooses to get the word out on this new holiday project.
If you or anyone you know would like to sponsor children through Hope for the Holidays, please contact the project's coordinator, Vicki Stahlke, at 952-402-9871, or e-mail her at Vstahlke@aol.com.  Thanks.
Coleen Speer, CAP Agency, Carver & Scott County, MN

To the Editor:
Victoria is fortunate to have Mary Meuwissen as mayor and to have her be willing to seek another term.  Mary has done so much to make Victoria a great place to live.  She has worked hard to get schools in Victoria.  Land has been purchased for the next district elementary school in Victoria and she worked endless hours to have the Holy Family High School locate in Victoria.  Being involved with the Holy Family Catholic High School, we saw firsthand all the energy and time she spent to get the school plans to move ahead so that the school could open this fall.
Let's support Mayor Mary and re-elect her to keep Victoria moving forward.
Willie and Jean Bongard, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Victoria is a community that is very near and dear to me.  I was not only born and raised in Victoria, but my ancestry founded this lovely com-munity.  Today there are many people who have moved into Victoria and call it home.  It's the answer to, "Where are you from?"  It remains a lovely com-munity with wonderful, exceptional people.
I was a member of the City Council when Mary Meuwissen was first elected Mayor of Victoria.  She came into office with great enthusiasm, an open mind, and a determination to really listen to her constituents. 
Through the years, Mary has worked hard to preserve what makes Victoria special, to guide and direct growth, and to persevere in spite of obstacles.  Mary has always listened to what the people of Victoria have to say.
Join me as I support Mary Meuwissen.  She has worked hard for the City of Victoria.  I know that her commitment, dedication, and leader-ship will continue to serve this community well.
Vote for Mary Meuwissen on November 7th.
Susan Hines, Victoria, Minnesota                    Click here for more letters.