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Letter to the Editor: Endorsement for David Ward

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dave Ward as both a business associate and friend. During this time, I have observed several character traits in Dave that will undoubtedly serve him well as mayor of Sturgeon Bay. Dave is financially astute, analytical in problem solving, caring, and perhaps most importantly, even-keeled.

Dave spent the majority of his career as a finance professor at UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh, and moved on to become the senior vice president of Academic Affairs for theUniversity of Wisconsin System. He has a strong attention to detail, and is not afraid to ask the difficult questions that will result in the most efficient use of limited taxpayer revenue.

I have worked with Dave on strategic planning and corporate governance matters, and have seen first-hand how he looks at a challenge from all angles, seeks input from differing points of view, and after taking all factors into account, develops the best path forward. This structured analytical talent will allow Dave to successfully pull the best ideas from differing viewpoints, with the end result being solutions that are best for the entire city.

During his 18 years as a citizen of Sturgeon Bay, Dave has worked to make our community a better place to live. He truly cares, as evidenced by his service on the board of directors of both Door County Memorial Hospital and the Door County Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he has volunteered his time to other community organizations, including the Door County Triathlon, and the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, to name a few. Dave and his wife Judy are truly vested in Sturgeon Bay, and want to see it grow and thrive for future generations.

Dave approaches situations in a very thoughtful, calm and even-keeled manner. This is an extremely important character trait to have for the incoming mayor. He keeps his emotions in check, and remains steady when situations become tense. Sturgeon Bay needs a leader like Dave, someone whose only agenda is to do what is best for Sturgeon Bay, its residents, businesses and visitors alike.

I was a resident of Sturgeon Bay for more than 20 years, and now live just outside the city limits. So while I cannot personally vote in the April 2nd election, I am proud to endorse Dave Ward for Mayor of Sturgeon Bay.

Peter J. Kerwin

Sturgeon Bay, Wis.