New Stearns County Commissioner Credits Door-Knocking For Successful Bid

SARTELL -- A former mayor of Sartell is excited to get to work on the Stearns County Board of Commissioners after he unseated the incumbent in District 2 Tuesday night. Joe Perske defeated Mark Bromenschenkel for the chance to serve parts of Sartell, Waite Park and St. Joseph.

Perske feels his election bid was successful because of his hard work on the campaign trail...

A lot of folks in Sartell know me from being on the council and having taught here for 27 years but, I'll tell you what.  I went door-to-door in Waite Park, door-knocked for 11 days and I think I hit every door there.  Then I spent six days knocking on doors in St. Joe and even out at Pleasant Acres around the lakes there I spent a couple of says as well meeting the people, talking about the issues, and letting them get to know Joe Perske.  I wanted to tell them how much i wanted to represent them as county commissioner.

Aside from his former duties as Sartell mayor and on the city council, Perske also had a failed bid for 6th District Congress. He says that taught him (that) he had no interest in party politics.  Perske says he learned he missed working for his neighbors and community members...

You know I want to serve the people.  As mayor and on the council it's always been about the issues.  I tried party politics and I really don't care for party politics.  I'd rather work on people politics.

Perske will be sworn in at the first county board meeting in January.