So why am I doing this?

 Those two rambunctious ragamuffins are my granddaughters, and by the time they get to be my age, this brand new century is going to be darn near over. Like it or not, those girls are going to live in the world we leave ‘em. Right now, that inheritance isn’t looking too promising, but we – you and me and all the rest of us – with imagination, resolve and a commitment to a better future, we can change that.

I’ve lived my whole life here in the chunk of Minnesota wedged between Wisconsin and Iowa. I came to Winona in 1970, fresh out of Caledonia High School, lured to Winona State by Prof. Henry Hull’s incomparable tales of exploding steamboats, rampaging buffalo and the ladies of Second Street “who would go steady for money.”

I made a career out of listening to people; listening to your stories. Essentially, that’s what journalism is – listening to what folks have to say; hearing what concerns them, trying to understand what is important to our community and the people who make it up. I don’t care to think of how many hours I’ve spent in local government meetings, puzzling over budgets, plans, policies and problems. From incinerators to dredge spoil to annexations to Mount Frac, I’ve been there … listened to it, thought about it, written about it.  

Now I’m looking to take those years of experience at the press table to the council table. I’ll keep on listening, thinking, and probable do some writing as well – old bad habits are hard to shed. The steamboats and buffalo are gone, and the businesses on Second Street are somewhat tamer than they once were … but this old river town is still more than just a bit unusual, for more than fifty years it’s been a good place to live … let’s work together to make it even better.

To find out more, to help out, or to send money (we always need money) go to jeromeatlarge.com fill out the Contact Form and we'll soon be in touch ... and - above all - remember to vote for a better future on Nov 8th.