Dennis Walsh Announces Candidacy for Orono City Council

To the editor:

My name is Dennis Walsh, and I am announcing my candidacy for Orono City Council.

As an 11-year resident, I  am committed to Orono’s charter to preserve and protect our city and its unique rural character. My wife (Amanda) and I deliberately chose to live in Orono to raise our two young daughters because of the rural character of Orono.

I started the businesses that I currently run back in 1988 and 1996, and my volunteer history is extensive—as I am passionate about public service and citizen engagement. Nearly a year ago I accepted my appointment to the Orono Planning Commission as an alternate with a personal pledge to also continue to attend City Council meetings.

My goal was to become immersed in community processes so as to best serve our citizenry. I have not failed in that pledge. My learning curve has been significant. I have observed first hand the Orono Council deepening ties with neighboring cities, maximizing roadway expenditures, holding more informational open-houses, maintaining a flat levy and promoting transparency.   

I support these advances and commit to building and sustaining these if elected.

The business district of Navarre requires continued attention. Threats to Lake Minnetonka must remain a high priority. More roadways require repair. Fiscal restraint and evaluating need vs. want must be the rule. And...citizens need to know that the doors to city hall are always open.

There is work to be done as Orono continues to meet the challenges of the economy, the environment, and its citizenry. I humbly ask for your vote Nov. 6. Please feel free to contact me at ftkdenny@aol.com. My website is: www.vote4denniswalsh.com.

Denny Walsh

Orono