To the Editor:
For those who wish to unseat Carver County Commissioner John Siegfried in the November 5th election, so as to have a "rookie" on the County Board, I say, "Relax."  Due to the State Senate race and a retirement, there will be a minimum of two new members on the Board.  That turnover makes Siegfried's county experi-ence even more valuable in the years ahead.
John Siegfried is a dedicated hard-working member of the County Board.  He is flexible when he has to be, strong when it is necessary, and always a leader.  In recognition of those attributes, he has been elected chair by fellow board mem-bers four times.
John is an involved member of the Victoria community.  He is active in the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Touch of Bavaria.  In addition, John has developed a good working relationship with Mayor Meuwissen and the Victoria City Council.
John is also a recognized leader in many areas of county government both on a regional and a state level.  He is a board member of the 87-member Association of Minnesota Counties, the Metro 800 Radio Board, and vice-chair of the Solid Waste Management Metro Board, among many others.
Keep that accessibility and experi-ence working for Victoria.  Vote for John Siegfried on November 5th.
Tracy D. Swanson
Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
There are many changes occurring in Carver County as our population contin-ues to grow.  Also, three of our longtime and highly respected leaders are retiring from elected office:  Victoria Mayor Mary Meuwissen, Chaska Mayor Bob Roepke, and Commissioner Tracy Swanson.  Another commissioner is also not seeking reelection.  Therefore, at least two of the five county commissioners will be new.  These times require stability and con-tinued leadership.  We need to re-elect Carver County Commissioner John Siegrfried.
Commissioner Siegfried has been an active leader on issues affecting seniors.  He has supported expanding and central-izing the Carver County Senior Citizen Daycare Center as it moves to Waconia.  John's leadership also allowed the growth of the CART system so that it effectively meets the transportation needs for Carver County residents.  CART plays a vital role for seniors, particularly those in the west-ern part of the county.
Housing is one of the most crucial issues surrounding our senior population.  There is limited federal funding for subsi-dized housing for seniors, and there is already a waiting list for affordable senior housing across the country.  We know affordable housing is a significant issue for senior citizens, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Commissioner Siegfried is spearhead-ing efforts to ease zoning requirements so that residents will be able to build acces-sory apartments for their close relatives.  Accessory apartments would make it possible for parents, grandparents, and other close relatives to live on the same property in an independent unit.  This would allow relatives to provide any necessary care and service for the relative while at the same time allowing the rela-tive to live in their own apartment.
I strongly support Commissioner Siegfried's strong community leadership and innovative strategies that effectvely address the needs of Carver County resi-dents, and I hope you will join me in re-electing John Siegfried to the County board.
Dick Tirk, Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
As election day approaches, citizens need to closely reflect on what you value in the candidates you plan to support.  Personally, I place a lot of value on per-formance, outcomes, and integrity.  In the case of the Carver County Sheriff's office, it is obvious that over the past four years great strides have been taken to improve a department that was in need of strong leadership.
As a mayor, I have seen vastly im-proved reporting of activity in our city along with an outstanding partnership formed between our community and the Sheriff's Office.  I have received tele-phone notifications personally from Sheriff Olson, which I greatly appreciate, and benchmark improvements in the de-partment have been the continued use of the jail to generate millions of dollars in revenue.
The deputies and staff have access to better equipment; staff has been increased to accommodate emergency calls, all the while continuing to come in under budget each year. 
Contract policing is an issue that is near and dear to all local officials, and Sheriff Olson has identified and made a priority the revamping of this program, which had not been looked at since 1984.
A leader that places accountability high on their list of priorities is going to upset the status quo.  Sheriff Olson holds his people accountable and to high standards as any strong leader would.  This can only continue to improve what is truly important in this office -- the protection of Carver County communities, which is where the buck stops.
We are very fortunate to have a forward thinking innovator as our County Sheriff, and as voters we need to ask our-selves, Can we risk retrograding? 
Please join me in supporting Sheriff Bud Olson as he seeks re-election as our Carver County Sheriff.  Thank you.
Don Johnson, Mayor, City of Waconia
Waconia, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thank you so much for taking the time in your October edition of the Gazette to interview the local candidates for our upcoming election.  It's always interesting to read how candidates answer each question.
I'd just like to say to your readers that if you vote for Rick Tieden, you won't be disappointed in his level of commitment and the true enthusiasm he holds for the City of Victoria.
As his neighbor, I can say that Rick always has a smile, he is cheerful and dependable.  Being the mayor Victoria is more than a job.  You really have to want it, and Rick does.  Please vote for Rick Tieden.
Michelle Aspelin
Victoria, Minnesota