In the election for city council in Red Wing’s second ward, I am encouraging your vote for Don Kliewer.

I have known Don since he moved to Red Wing nearly 19 years ago. As a member of my church, I watched him almost immediately step into leadership roles. I was quickly impressed by his warmth and leadership style. I have gotten to know Don’s family as well. Through his children, I have seen the values and work ethic he and his wife Judy have instilled. From his time in Fairmont, Minnesota, you will find he served on the school board. Don’s service there included a transition in the superintendent, not unlike the transition Red Wing is facing now as we seek to find a new city council administrator.

As a business owner/manager, Don understands both sides of the ledger, expenses and revenue. It is that experience that has taught him the value of a dollar. Never having the luxury of taxing others to raise revenue, Don has always had to work hard to earn revenue his entire life.

Perhaps where I have gotten to know Don best, however, has been on week-long fishing trips. When you spend all day every day for an entire week with someone, you pretty much learn everything there is to know about them and about their character. How do they act when no one else is watching? Their respect for rules, for laws, for the environment, and for other individuals. Don’s kindness and caring for others is remarkable. He always places others’ interests and needs ahead of his own.

Political offices today are filled with know-it-alls (even here in Red Wing), just ask them. In contrast, Don Kliewer is approachable, open-minded, grounded, consistently ethical and respectful.

The breadth and depth of Don’s collective experiences make him uniquely qualified to continue to serve us on the Red Wing City Council.

Paul Reding

Red Wing