We are encouraging people to vote for Mike Giese for mayor of Onalaska.

We have known Mike for 32 years, first as a close friend, then as both friend and our business partner in ownership of the Onalaska Community Life and Holmen Courier from 1990-2003. We believe Mike’s honesty, fairness, generosity, curiosity and business skills will make him an excellent mayor, one well-equipped to deal with the issues Onalaska faces.

We have been grateful for Mike’s friendship, for serving as a role model for our children and for his counsel and skills in our business dealings. We believe Onalaska will benefit as we have from his loyalty, hard work and valuable experience including service on all the major city committees — Administration and Judiciary, Board of Public Works, Community Development Authority, Finance and Planning, Joint Cooperative Commission, Onalaska Enrichment Corporation, Park and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, Utilities Committee and the Shop Relocation Committee.

Mike is an innovative thinker and problem solver. He has won respect in his professional life and has our respect as well.