Seeking opportunity to be 'our' mayor

My name is Gary Martinsen. As a child, I fell in love with Vernon over 45 years ago. I still love it but I am concerned about changes that have occurred here over the years. Especially the last 10, including the changing of our type of government in 2011. The type of government, though, is not as important as the officials we elect within it. For us, the mayor is a key position.

Currently three candidates are running for that position, including the incumbent. I have reservations that any of them is truly the right fit for Vernon, at this point. Therefore, I am seeking the opportunity to run to be OUR mayor. I say 'OUR' because the mayor's responsibility isn't to themselves or to any constituents in particular associated with them. It is to OUR town, all of it. A mayor's responsibility is to work for the people, businesses, nature, culture, history, ethics, values, growth, hardships, all of it.

I've been attending council meetings and workshops for over 8 years and have spoken at MUA meetings as well. I look forward to telling and showing you more about me in the coming weeks.

In order to run, one must first get enough nominating petitions signed. I would appreciate your signing my petitions to be able to run to be "our" mayor.

You will find me at the A&P, the Nordic House, and around town (I walk everywhere) over the next few weeks. I would like to meet and hear your concerns, answer questions you might have, show you what I am about, and allow you to endorse me as someone you think, at least, deserves the opportunity to be on the ballot.

Thank you.
Gary Martinsen
Vernon Township