Atwood challenged by Thielen for supervisor

John Atwood

Atwood has owned a home in Paynesville Township since 1957. He is a retired district manager and field supervisor in dairy and beef genetics for the Minnesota Valley Breeder's Association and Select Sires, Inc. He and his wife, Julie, have four adult children.

In addition to his township experience, Atwood served as an assistant recruiter for the 2000 census. Atwood, 77, says that you are only as old as you feel.

Why are you interested in serving on the township board?
I believe the majority of residents have been well served by me as township supervisor. I want to continue the dedication serving citizens in the township that affects the community.

What leadership strengths would you bring to township government?
I have nine years of experience in township government. I have resilience, respect for opinions, and motivation for projects considered.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?
The Minnesota Association of Townships has given me the opportunity for exceptionally good training sessions in the past nine years as township supervisor. I have no knowledge of the opponent's attributes other than through casual acquaintance.

In your opinion, how important to the township is it to have a strong working relationship with the city of Paynesville?
Municipality and township government laws have differences. Citizens have access geographically to facilities of both entities. The tax base used for programs in each entity can be a benefit for all. It is good to support the mutual benefits for all citizens.

In light of the city's new comprehensive plan, should the township and the city develop another orderly annexation agreement?
It is important to establish orderly annexation with the city because of present law and how the tax base affects both entities.

H. Harry Thielen

He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1955, spent three years in the U.S. Navy, and worked for 29 years as a maintenance supervisor for a large steel fabricator.

Now retired Thielen, 65, has been married for 44 years and has three children and eight grandchildren.

Why are you interested in serving on the township board?
I am active in community affairs and with my past experience in environment and supervisory positions, I would like to continue this capacity serving the township of Paynesville.

What leadership strengths would you bring to township government?
I am currently involved in the following organizations: board member of the Koronis Lake Association; board member of the Paynesville Sportsmen's Club; assistant to Bud McMillan for forest tent caterpillar control; rain gauge monitor for the North Fork Crow River Watershed District; and weekly secchi disc reader on Lake Koronis for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?
An active environment person with new ideas pertaining to this position.

In your opinion, how important to the township is it to have a strong working relationship with the city of Paynesville?
It is very important to me to have a strong working relationship with the city of Paynesville. We should have the same goals to benefit all.

In light of the city's new comprehensive plan, should the township and the city develop another orderly annexation agreement?
Yes.