I’m a lifelong liberal Democrat and I have absolutely no problem in supporting the re-election of Joe Pugel to the DMACC Board. I first met Joe in the 1970s when he joined the Vernon Company and even reported to him for a few years.
Others have spoken of what Joe has done in the past, and he does have a very impressive record. I’m looking to the future.
The corner of North Fourth Avenue West and West Fourth Street North has been the most important economic corner in Newton for more than 100 years due to the sales domination of Maytag, One Minute and Automatic in the washing machine industry. Now that Joe has helped DMAAC obtain the former Plant 1 campus there are plans to move Newton forward with the redevelopment of the campus and this corner will again be a shining light for our economic future. Joe’s continued participation in that redevelopment is critical.
Joe’s opponent has a competitive election in their school board election while Newton candidates have no opposition. That competition will tend to make turnout greater in their election, which makes a good Newton turnout for Joe even more important.
Now is no time for Newton to lose our representation on the board.
Vote for Joe Pugel on Sept. 12.
Ken Barthelman
Newton