Experience in economic development will be an important, proven attribute of our next District 35 state senator. It is common sense to espouse the importance of economic development and business growth when campaigning, but I see only one candidate who has actual experience in this key area Mike Gloor.

While serving as Grand Island's mayor, working with our Chamber of Commerce, we began a process in 1997 called "Our Heartland Vision," with the future in focus. During this vision program, I asked Mike Gloor to chair one of the key committees and he was quick to say yes.

Later in my term of office, I had a call from Case New Holland stating that our community faced a serious challenge to keep the factory here. Working with our local Economic Development Corporation and the State Economic Development Corporation, we formed nine key partners to maintain the factory in Grand Island. Our small group turned to a number of trusted community leaders for help, including Mike Gloor. Mike headed one of the nine partner groups as he had a great working relationship with not only local plant management, but also with the New Holland corporate office. The outcome of all our efforts speaks for itself in the growth of this important community employer.

Several years ago, I volunteered my time to help promote the "Jobs for Grand Island" economic incentive program that has proven so successful for our community. Mike Gloor was the chairperson of the Grand Island Economic Development Corporation, the key entity that championed this referendum. He was a timeless leader who conducted numerous community presentations that have made this program a major success.

Of course, his most significant economic impact on Grand Island has been his role as CEO of St. Francis Medical Center. Employment and the scope of patients served has doubled during his tenure. Although more could be said about his positive impact on health care economic development, the new tower speaks a language of superlatives all its own.

Past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Mike Gloor's performance with economic development initiatives that have benefited the wider Grand Island community bodes well for the future of this community when he is elected as our next senator for District 35.

Ken Gnadt, Mayor 1994-2002

1610 Gretchen