Letters

Opinion

October 31, 2010

I am writing this letter in support of Doug Menikheim’s candidacy to represent the first ward on the Stillwater City Council. I first met Doug when he was my instructor for a leadership class at Hamline University in 1999. I was impressed with Doug’s incredible background and his ability to bring the leadership material to life for all of the students.

Doug is a person of high character, having served his country for over 28 years as a Captain in the United States Navy. As an engineer, he understands the inner workings of organizations and how to get things accomplished and moving forward. He challenges the status quo and will make the difficult decisions that will help keep Stillwater moving in a positive direction for the next ten years.

I am thankful that Doug is willing to give his time and energy to the city of Stillwater and her citizens. Doug will be an advocate for the citizens of the first ward and will serve you faithfully and with distinction.

Sincerely,

George Dierberger

 

October 29, 2010

Stillwater voters have an opportunity to elect a rare person to the city council.  At a time when our country and communities need true servant leaders, Doug Menikheim is willing to bring his best to city government.   Some may call me an idealist because I believe that our public officials should listen to the people, stand up for what they believe and challenge the status quo.  I have no doubt in my mind that Doug Menikheim will be this kind of public servant.

I have known Doug Menikheim for more than 20 years.  During that time, I have watched him bring out the best in nearly everyone he meets.  I would describe his leadership style as refreshing, inspiring and surprising.  Doug listens carefully and asks the questions that need asking.  He has an internal compass that drives him to do the right thing.  Your vote for Doug ensures that you will have someone with incomparable experience and a fresh perspective.   This may be the best vote you cast this year.

Dr. James Schmidt
277 East Broadway
Winona, MN  55987

October 22, 2010

“I have known Doug Menikheim for over thirty years; he truly is a man of honor.  As one of his officers, I served with him aboard the new Spruance class destroyer USS John Young (DD-973) which he commanded.  Just a few Naval Officers receive the opportunity to command a ship at sea, and to have had the command of no less than three ships distinguishes Doug as one of our nation’s very best leaders.

Captain Menikheim is a much-loved and well-respected Naval Officer – he gets the most out of those he leads: He leads from the front; He sets the very highest standards for himself and his crew; and he has the utmost respect for the people he works with.  His thoughtful and measured approach to problems inspires confidence and action in the people around him.  As a visionary leader and master trainer, his deep-seated knowledge and respect for issues relating to fundamental human dignity, and morality in the work place, helped him prepare today’s Navy to meet the challenges of the introduction of women at sea, and the optimal utilization of all our citizen-sailors regardless of their color or creed.  From hurricanes at sea, to demanding Admirals, to directing the most complex naval technical systems, I have had the opportunity to personally trust and closely observe this man of courage, dignity, and wisdom.  I have seen him take a fast ship in harm’s way, and I have seen him excel in all he does.

The citizens of Stillwater’s Ward One would do well to select Doug Menikheim to represent their community during these difficult and challenging times – practical solutions, achieved through a consensus of opinion and a convergence of knowledge, and delivered with absolute fairness and integrity is what you will get from Doug Menikheim.  I have trusted this man with my life, and I believe that you can trust him with the governance of your town.”

Lt Cdr. Thomas B. Service (USN ret.)

Deep Sea Diving & Salvage Officer

Circumnavigator

Your View: Vote for Doug Menikheim in Stillwater Ward 1 race

Published: Friday, September 24, 2010 1:52 PM CDT

My letter is to endorse Doug Menikheim for Stillwater City Council Ward 1 (DougMenikheim.wordpress.com).

I have known Doug and his family for more than a decade. I met him when he was a graduate professor at St. Thomas University. The best teachers lead students to their own conclusions by providing insight and asking pertinent questions. Great educators provide an inspiring setting and get the group involved in discovering the direction, developing the vision and executing the tactics that deliver exceptional results. This approach epitomizes Doug Menikheim and the approach he will take to lead and deliver Stillwater’s 2020 vision.

I run a $2 billion business for PepsiCo and, like me, Doug is driven to deliver growth while ensuring disciplined spending and meeting budgetary boundaries. Challenging times call for courageous leaders like Doug that inspire people/communities to act, to invest, to develop and to prosper.

My hope is for Stillwater to elect Doug Menikheim to City Council Ward 1 in November.

Margaret Gramann, Denver
Senior Vice President General Manager

Great West Business Unit

PepsiCo/PBC

Copyright © 2010 – Stillwater Gazette

Menikheim has the ability to lead Stillwater’s Ward 1

Published: Thursday, September 2, 2010 1:00 PM CDT

Thank you for your recent article about the Stillwater City Council candidates for Ward 1. I am writing to endorse and actively support Doug Menikheim, a retired U.S. Navy captain, for this office.

We have been neighbors on Broadway Street for the past 11 years. Most initial interactions with new neighbors are pretty short, cordial and perfunctory… but not with Doug. When we’d see him each day on his vigorous walks with his dog he struck us as a sincere, caring and honorable man.

As we discovered from others bits about his past (a Naval Academy grad and a commander of three different combat ships in the pacific fleet) and what he did after (director of executive development at Honeywell, leadership professor at University of St. Thomas, and co-director of the Center for Applied Leadership) we added another trait to his character: Humbleness.

Doug is a humble listener who is also a man of action… a very rare combination in our culture today, yet a combination we need now more than ever. For example, after hurricane Katrina, Doug and his wife quietly organized an effort in our South Hill neighborhood to contribute funds to support a mom and her son who’d been displaced by the tragedy. They moved into a rental unit on Walnut Street right in our neighborhood, and have been an incredible addition to the diverse fabric of Stillwater ever since.

Efforts and ideas like this, which Doug triggered, make our community better, and by extension, our lives. That’s just one small example of the type of vision Doug is capable of. Doug’s ability to listen, enroll others (who may not ordinarily agree) and make the best out of things has served the organizations he’s been involved in so well, and honorably, over the years, whether it was the U.S. Navy, or the host of private sector companies and universities that have retained him as a leadership expert.

We hope he gets enough votes to serve Stillwater as the Ward 1 council member.

The alternative is Steve Russell, who has been deep in the city development arena for years. But what we need now is someone who can see the forest from the trees, not necessarily someone who has been deep in that forest for years.

When Doug said he was running for a seat on the Stillwater City Council, we thought how lucky we are to have a chance at tapping his character, values and leadership skills in our city. We’re so proud to support him, and strongly encourage others to do so, and not let this chance for a fresh and new, yet seasoned and experienced servant, pass us by.

Heidi Kriesel White, Stillwater

Copyright © 2010 – Stillwater Gazette