To the editor:

First of all, a special thanks to Les Schultz for his service on the New Ulm City Council. I appreciated his response to my emails and his inquisitive nature in council meetings.

I am writing to support Heath Dobberpuhl to replace Les. Heath loves this town and wants to serve. Like many others of us who have moved here during the last 50 years and don’t have a lineage from Ulm,  he cherishes this great “small” town on the prairie. Heath appreciates and perceives  the dynamic interplay of having strong schools, a great hospital, a legal center, numerous cultural and heritage events, tourism, a number of large and small industries, a progressive public utilities, benevolent societies, a safe community for young and old, and many recreational facilities. 

Heath is keenly aware of our city’s challenges of economic development, housing, providing jobs to keep the young, day care and family support, and attracting new businesses. He has already studied other Minnesota cities similar to New Ulm, probing for financial insights.

So what personal characteristics does Heath have for this responsibility? He grew up on a farm and knows what faithful, hard work is. He is a professor at Martin Luther College. He has a drive to fulfill his duties with thorough preparation.  He holds three master’s degrees in the subjects he teaches. He possesses and directs an inquiring mind that strives for insight and understanding.  His judgments are analytically based with a sensitivity for individuals.  

Heath will serve with a narrow and broad perspective as he has in his teaching ministry.  He not only taught the subject matter but each unique student. As registrar at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, his broad viewpoint directed student’s selection of precollege courses and career preparation.  He will give consideration to individual citizens’ concerns with a community perspective as well as community concerns with an individual citizens’ perspective.

Heath knows this town in a unique way. For four years, he has verified plot lines on over 500 properties. With such service, he has become aware of zoning regulations in all parts of the city. 

Heath will serve us well with his work ethic, intellect, understanding of municipal interdependence,  love for New Ulm,  and being responsive to citizen concerns and city challenges.

Roger C. Klockziem

New Ulm