Dave Hafner Filing Statement
DelRay Rokke, Ken Smart , and I are running on the same ticket with the hope that the citizens
of Maplewood will vote for all three of us. The idea is to promote a “one for all and all for one”
attitude. Like the Three Musketeers.
Ironically, there are three reasons why we are doing this. We realized that too many candidates
represent present or former “politicians.” Politicians seem to be creating our problems, and
their problem-solving skills appear to be sorely lacking. Neither present incumbents nor council
members “from the past” have demonstrated the ability, nor do they appear to possess the
necessary characteristics, to get the job done.
That left us with two options-give up, as so many have done already, or give the voters what
we consider to be the only viable alternative. Not being the “quitter” types, we decided to run.
Our wives are not happy. But we married well and are fortunate enough to have three angels
for spouses. Coincidence? We think not.
Secondly, with a council comprised of five members, it is obvious that in order to “make a
difference” or make any constructive progress we need three good, decent, honest people on
our council. In other words-a majority. Since none of us are particularly interested in serving
on the Maplewood city council as lame ducks, we trust and hope that the voters will recognize
the value of our goal.
Some believe that we need to get Maplewood “back on track.” Our philosophy is that
Maplewood has not been on track for a long, long, time. One mayoral candidate touts his level
of “experience” and continually questions the qualifications of others. He happens to be the
least educated council member by far and has been using his “experience” to misrepresent the
truth for years. Another mayoral candidate claims “it’s time to make our city government
something we can be proud of-again?!” We have not been proud of our government for the
last eighteen years (including the years he served on the council). A return “to the past” is not a
step forward, and the voters must simply quit falling for these con jobs.
Thirdly, we are running for council because we firmly believe solving our problems and
“putting Maplewood on track” is going to require teamwork and leadership. It will require
communication, cooperation, and commitment. These are all team traits, and it is going to take
a team to make it work. We don’t see “team” in the candidates that are currently running for
council. We see a group of disenfranchised individuals, many of whom are running for
personal and selfish reasons. Of course we are forced, in this day and age, to disclaim every
statement that we make as just “our own opinion.”
DelRay, Ken, and I come from professional backgrounds. We have been on many professional
and athletic teams and have been “leaders” on most.
Patience, wisdom, and the ability to give (not just take) are also three useful and necessary
skills. We humbly possess all three. We have no desire to be a part of a “triumvirate” or “group
of three,” or any other association of such a condescending nature. Possibly one day
(potentially within two years) Maplewood can have five council members working together
and on the same page, representing not only “the city,” but “the people” as well.
My goals are to establish an open government, where people are informed; citizens’ concerns
are addressed and questions answered; where problems are solved; and to promote a
professional atmosphere that is based on representation, honesty, and integrity.
DelRay Rokke, Ken Smart , and I are running on the same ticket with the hope that the citizens
of Maplewood will vote for all three of us. The idea is to promote a “one for all and all for one”
attitude. Like the Three Musketeers.
Ironically, there are three reasons why we are doing this. We realized that too many candidates
represent present or former “politicians.” Politicians seem to be creating our problems, and
their problem-solving skills appear to be sorely lacking. Neither present incumbents nor council
members “from the past” have demonstrated the ability, nor do they appear to possess the
necessary characteristics, to get the job done.
That left us with two options-give up, as so many have done already, or give the voters what
we consider to be the only viable alternative. Not being the “quitter” types, we decided to run.
Our wives are not happy. But we married well and are fortunate enough to have three angels
for spouses. Coincidence? We think not.
Secondly, with a council comprised of five members, it is obvious that in order to “make a
difference” or make any constructive progress we need three good, decent, honest people on
our council. In other words-a majority. Since none of us are particularly interested in serving
on the Maplewood city council as lame ducks, we trust and hope that the voters will recognize
the value of our goal.
Some believe that we need to get Maplewood “back on track.” Our philosophy is that
Maplewood has not been on track for a long, long, time. One mayoral candidate touts his level
of “experience” and continually questions the qualifications of others. He happens to be the
least educated council member by far and has been using his “experience” to misrepresent the
truth for years. Another mayoral candidate claims “it’s time to make our city government
something we can be proud of-again?!” We have not been proud of our government for the
last eighteen years (including the years he served on the council). A return “to the past” is not a
step forward, and the voters must simply quit falling for these con jobs.
Thirdly, we are running for council because we firmly believe solving our problems and
“putting Maplewood on track” is going to require teamwork and leadership. It will require
communication, cooperation, and commitment. These are all team traits, and it is going to take
a team to make it work. We don’t see “team” in the candidates that are currently running for
council. We see a group of disenfranchised individuals, many of whom are running for
personal and selfish reasons. Of course we are forced, in this day and age, to disclaim every
statement that we make as just “our own opinion.”
DelRay, Ken, and I come from professional backgrounds. We have been on many professional
and athletic teams and have been “leaders” on most.
Patience, wisdom, and the ability to give (not just take) are also three useful and necessary
skills. We humbly possess all three. We have no desire to be a part of a “triumvirate” or “group
of three,” or any other association of such a condescending nature. Possibly one day
(potentially within two years) Maplewood can have five council members working together
and on the same page, representing not only “the city,” but “the people” as well.
My goals are to establish an open government, where people are informed; citizens’ concerns
are addressed and questions answered; where problems are solved; and to promote a
professional atmosphere that is based on representation, honesty, and integrity.
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Dave for City Council |
| "And what do you benefit, if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul?" Matthew 16:26 |
| Contributions for the campaign by checks Payable to VoteSmart09.com. Please mail your checks to: Dave Hafner, 940 Bartelmy Lane, Maplewood, MN 55119 |
