John Atwood
Incumbent John Atwood has served on the township board for nine years. He was first elected in 1992, re-elected in 1995, and served until 1998, when he was defeated by current board chair Don Pietsch. He lost as a write-in candidate in 1999 but won as a write-in candidate in 2000 and has served on the board again since then.
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.
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.
What is your long-range vision for Paynesville Township? What should the board accomplish in the next three years towards that vision?
The quality of maintenance for the 50 plus miles of road in the township is for long-range planning. Clean water controls for Lake Koronis and the Northwest Crow River Watershed is critical to attract people to our area. Recreation facilities, police protection, and prudent use of tax funds used wisely will be necessary for the overall good of the community.
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H. Harry Thielen
H. Harry Thielen has been a full-time resident of Paynesville Township for the past six years. Before that, he spent 21 years as a weekend and summer resident of the township.
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.
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?
In general, I would say yes, but I would like to know the properties involved before voting.
What is your long-range vision for Paynesville Township? What should the board accomplish in the next three years towards that vision?
Maintain quality of life with environmental issues. Clean up unsightly areas with debris. Maintain quality of lake conditions. Work on tax structure. Have Paynesville Township continue to support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail by investigating all avenues of resources. Bring stability to Paynesville Township.
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