Letter: In support of Mike Slavik

To the editor,

This year is the first time in decades that we’re guaranteed to have a new county commissioner representing our district. Why is this choice important? County commissioners set tax rates, oversee the construction and maintenance of critical highways, administer courts and human services, and ensure a quick and efficient response to police and fire emergencies. There are regional parks, Workforce Centers, and libraries that depend on strong county leadership. Pick the right person in an election like this, and you get good value for your money. Pick the wrong one, and you risk waste and subpar services.

In my full-time day job and through my part-time service on the Hastings City Council, I spend an awful lot of time among leaders and public servants who deliver good value to taxpayers. The best of these are true servant leaders — they lead by helping, putting others’ needs above their own, and setting their ego aside in favor of the good of the community. Mike Slavik is among the best. 

Mike Slavik works harder than any public servant I know — he does his homework, researches important facts and differing points of view, comes prepared to every meeting I’ve seen him at. He takes a principled, non-partisan approach to issues, using a good blend of conscience and reason to arrive at a vote. He’s a perfect fit for the county commissioner — he’ll give us a full effort, every day, to do what’s right for our county.

If you already know Mike Slavik through his council work, you already know most of this! If you don’t know Mike Slavik yet, he’s easy to find — get to his Facebook page (facebook.com/MikeSlavikforDakotaCountyCommissioner), drop him a message or a question, and see for yourself how quickly and helpfully he’ll respond.  

There are other local races in this town — honestly, in my opinion, the county race has the most at stake this election. Do yourself a huge favor, and vote Mike Slavik for Dakota County Commissioner!

Tony Alongi

Ward 1 Representative, Hastings City Council

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion, hastings, minnesota, spiral, local