Letter to the Editor: Mielke is Best of the Best

To the Editor:

Lakeville's City Administrator, Steve Mielke, is the best of the best. I attended a legislative meeting this morning with mayors, councilors, and legislators from the metro suburbs. When introduced to leaders from Apple Valley, Eagan, and Inver Grove Heights every one of them told me how lucky we are to have Mr. Mielke. My response: “Trust me, I know.” 

When I began my campaign for city council back in February of 2010, there were few movers and shakers of Lakeville's political elite willing to sit down and meet with me. The staff, on the contrary, were readily available and excited to meet with me to keep me informed of the salient issues of the city. In every meeting, Mr. Mielke was there to ensure I had the correct information, that I understand all facets of complicated budget issues, and occasionally voiced his disagreement with some of my campaign issues. His willingness to inform is something that is part of the job. The courage to  disagree with positions he thought would hurt our city is not a luxury every city in Minnesota has.

For the record, Mr. Mielke. I cannot speak for them but I would assume it was because of the outstanding leadership he provided in Hopkins, or the superb direction he gave to staff and council throughout Lakeville's economic prosperity. His work in tandem with our legendary Finance Director, Dennis Feller, is the reason why Lakeville is so fiscally sound in a time where many cities are scrambling for solutions.

I am thankful for Mr. Mielke choosing our great city for a second time. I certainly encourage other cities to attempt to hire him as well. I suspect they will find it incredibly difficult to lure him away from Lakeville.

For those reading and writing, I intend to continually to defend our city staff against unmerited and cowardly attacks. And I will do so aggressively. 

Matt Little, Lakeville City Council member