Letter to the Editor: Land stewards deserve your vote

Although most media information on elections is about national candidates, Carlton County voters should study the entire ballot before making decisions. They will be choosing, among others, three Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors. While the county has several districts, voters choose all the supervisors.

In District 1, roughly the northwest quarter of the county, Michelle Boyechko has been farming for 10 years in Tamarack. She uses sustainable farming practices to raise cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens; she also works at a nearby organic vegetable farm. Her lifestyle and commitment to regenerative farming, local food systems, community building, and climate change readiness make her an excellent candidate.

In District 5, roughly the southeast corner of the county, Bruce Heikes has a large cattle operation. He farms more than 900 acres in Holyoke. He has been an SWCD supervisor and strong advocate for conservation and development. If re-elected, he will serve the county well.

In District 4, roughly the southwest quarter of the county, Gary Peterson is running unopposed. He is retiring as a county commissioner and will devote time to watershed and environmental issues at the local level.

Boyechko and Peterson recently received endorsement from Land Stewardship Action, a non-profit, non-partisan organization which advocates for small and medium-sized farms.

I shall be voting for Boyechko, Heikes, and Peterson.

A sample ballot, with all candidates and issues for every precinct, is available at the Minnesota Secretary of State website: myballotmn.sos.mn.gov.

John S. Dugan, Wrenshall