Dwayne voegeli - winona county board
Leadership is about service to others.
Dwayne Voegeli
Winona County Board
Leadership is about service to others.
Stand with Ukraine and Democracy.
"Probably no other local politician in recent memory has been so thoughtful, successful or as sharp as Dwayne Voegeli... Moxie coupled with integrity like his is rare, even in local politics."
“Probably no other local politician in recent memory has been so thoughtful, successful or as sharp as Dwayne Voegeli. His first election was a lesson in grassroots politics, but with it came some pretty hefty idealism. Voegeli hasn’t lost those values or ideals but has used them as guiding principles. For an idealist, he’s shrewdly pragmatic. He truly seeks to understand and to make the best choice, even if that means alienating certain blocs of voters.
While we may not have agreed with every stance he’s taken, it’s impossible to argue with his sincerity. Moxie coupled with integrity like his is rare, even in local politics.
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out his ability to literally put his money where his mouth is. Instead of taking pay increases, he’s donated those to worthwhile local charities. He refuses to take part in paid out-of-state conferences at the taxpayers’ expense.”
Meet dwayne
Winona Daily News staff editorial, after leaving office in 2010.
“It’s hard to find people who practice what they preach. But every day, Dwayne Voegeli teaches government at Winona Senior High School. And for 7 1/2 years – every day – Voegeli has done more than just teach government; he has also lived it as a Winona County commissioner.
Voegeli recently announced that he would not seek re-election because he wanted to spend more time with his children. His service has been admirable, and his reasons for not running again are equally honorable. Admittedly, Voegeli has a solid camp of supporters and he – like any longer-term politician – has his critics.
But being a county commissioner is not an easy job. It’s a thankless one, a long one and a complicated one.
And we appreciate the time and service. At times, we’ve been among Voegeli’s critics. Still, on many more occasions, we’ve supported his good work.
He has been an innovator as he pushed for Winona to look at more green solutions, whether that’s been recycling or wind turbines.
He has also been a staunch advocate for protecting farmland and natural resources within the county.
Voegeli wasn’t afraid to vote alone on projects he objected to, and he wasn’t afraid to take on the critics or take on controversy.
In many ways, what he did in government had to be among the most powerful teaching tools he has.
We wish him all the best as he retires from the public servant role. We also hope that, when the time is right, he considers emerging from that retirement to run again for public office.
We need people with the conviction and dedication of Voegeli.”
March 10, 2010
Teacher: A High School Social Studies Teacher for 26 years. Coach. Mental Health Advocate.
Homeless Issues: Served on the Warming Center Steering Committee and volunteered at the shelter.
Refugees and Immigrants: Helped found groups that provide food, shelter, and clothing for Afghan, Central American, and other refugees.
County Board: Previously served from 2002-2010.
Family: Dwayne was born and raised on a fourth generation dairy farm. His wife Denine is an Earth Science Teacher. They have two adult children, Tristan and Danneka.
goals for office
County Board Priorities
- Fiscally Responsible.
- Good Roads and Bridges.
- Support Small Businesses and Family Farms.
- Safe Drinking Water and Keep the County’s Animal Unit Cap.
- Support Civil Rights AND Law Enforcement.
- Fund the Advocacy Center – Victims of Domestic Abuse.
- Protect Democracy.
- Protect the Bluffs.
- Common Sense Solutions.
Decision Making Process
- Seek out diverse points of view.
- Listen to everyone.
- Let science and facts drive decisions– not politics or social media.
Public Service Principles
- No Per Diems.
- Donate part of salary to local charities.
- Term Limits. Max of 8 years in a row.
community involvement
Board Commissioner 2002-2010
Winona Shelter Network (WSN) - President
Dwayne is President of this small local 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting housing for immigrants and and refugees.
Winona Afghan Support Network (WASN) - Leadership
The Winona Afghan Support Network (WASN) is a group of area residents supporting Afghan newcomers in Winona.
Great River Asylum Support Partners (GRASP) - Leadership
Believing that welcoming diverse peoples into our community enhances all of our lives, the goal of the Great River Asylum Support Partners (GRASP) is to do what is necessary to provide a place of safe and peaceful respite to a family or individual seeking asylum in the United States of America.
Filling the Gaps Network - Leadership
A network with members from churches, non-profits, and other groups. Focuses on shelter and food needs for the homeless community in Winona. Began after the polar vortex in the winter of 2019. Link to story.
Shelter and Housing Opportunity Coordinating Council (SHOCC)
This group includes members from the County, City, and non-profits.
Dwayne is President of this small local 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting housing for immigrants and and refugees.
The Winona Afghan Support Network (WASN) is a group of area residents supporting Afghan newcomers in Winona.
Believing that welcoming diverse peoples into our community enhances all of our lives, the goal of the Great River Asylum Support Partners (GRASP) is to do what is necessary to provide a place of safe and peaceful respite to a family or individual seeking asylum in the United States of America.
A network with members from churches, non-profits, and other groups. Focuses on shelter and food needs for the homeless community in Winona. Began after the polar vortex in the winter of 2019. Link to story.
This group includes members from the County, City, and non-profits.
Winona State University Lutheran Campus Center
The group includes clergy and lay leaders from a number of different churches and other non-Christian faiths. Dwayne is one of the main organizers.
Overnight homeless shelter during the winter months.
This was a temporary shelter for homeless persons. Dwayne and a small group of people organized this from scratch. It filled a gap left by Covid-19 closures.
Accordion Content
Lutheran Campus Center - Board Member
Winona State University Lutheran Campus Center
Winona Interfaith Council - Leadership
The group includes clergy and lay leaders from a number of different churches and other non-Christian faiths. Dwayne is one of the main organizers.
Warming Center Steering Committee - Formerly
Overnight homeless shelter during the winter months.
The Lake Lodge Morning Shelter - Organizer
This was a temporary shelter for homeless persons. Dwayne and a small group of people organized this from scratch. It filled a gap left by Covid-19 closures.
Son of Norway - Member
school recognition & Involvement
- Winona Teacher of the Year - 2009
- Top 10 Finalist - Minnesota State Teacher of the Year - 2010
- American Legion Teacher Award - Southeast MN 2017
- FFA Honorary Lifetime Member - 2021
School District Work:
- WSHS Veterans Day Planning Committee
- B.E.N. (Business Education Network) Committee
- Salute to Service Nights
- Link Crew - Peer Mentoring & Leadership Program
Current or Previously:
- Mental Health Committees
- WSHS Environmental Club Advisor
- Basketball Coach
- School Newspaper Advisor
- Ultimate Frisbee Intramural League Organizer
- Board - Foundation for the Winona Public Schools
goals for office
County Board Priorities:
Watch Out for Taxpayer Dollars.
Safe Roads and Bridges.
Support Small Businesses and Family Farms.
Safe Drinking Water and Keep the County’s Animal Unit Cap.
Support Civil Rights AND Law Enforcement.
Fund the Advocacy Center (Victims of Domestic Abuse).
Protect the Bluffs.
Common Sense Solutions.
Decision Making Process:
Seek out diverse points of view.
Listen to everyone.
Let science and facts drive decisions.
Not politics and social media.
Public Service Principles:
No Per Diems.
Donate Part of Salary to Local Charities.
Term Limits: No more than 8 years in a row.
Contact
Ways to Help, Donation Info, Dates, and District Boundaries
Get Involved: If you would like to get involved, please email Dwayne at the address above. There are many ways to help out.
Donations are limited to $100 per household. This is much lower than the legal limit of $600 per person. Big money and the super rich should not control local or national elections.
Write checks to: "Neighbors to Elect Voegeli".
Mail to: 359 Pleasant Hill Drive, Winona MN 55987
County Board District 2 Includes: Goodview, Minnesota City, WE Valley, Knopp Valley, Gilmore Valley, Edgewood Drive neighborhood, Garvin Heights, Prairie Island, and the far West end of the City of Winona.
District 2 Map
Interactive Map (District 2 in Blue)
More Voting Information:
Curious about what will be on your ballot August 9th? View a sample ballot at: https://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/
Vote 411 is also great resource. Follow this link: https://www.vote411.org/ and choose "Find What's On Your Ballot" then enter your address. You can even compare answers to key questions provided by the candidates on your ballot.
Direct link for the Winona County Auditor-Treasurer's Q&A:
Important Dates
Primary Election: August 9th.
General Election: November 8th.
Don't forget to vote on BOTH dates.
Paid for by the Candidate.