Susan Nelson, Neighbor

<strong>Bio: </strong> I am a mid-western girl from head-to-toe born and raised in Eau Claire, WI.  Not to say I didn’t feel the draw of the “big city” but I also felt the need to have plenty of grass beneath my feet.  So goes my big move, after college, to Maple Grove, MN.  This move and my current residence, has lasted over 20 years. Telling friends and family to turn “right” at the big farm and then go a mile, doesn’t really work in Maple Grove anymore.  To this effect, my personal growth has ebbed and flowed as has our dear City; Maple Grove has grown large and diversified.

From this location, I never did become an elementary education teacher or an art teacher as I trained in college, but I took the love of teaching to the next level – adult education.  This has ranged from technical equipment training, for road construction, to my current position as an instructional design and developer for Honeywell Building Solutions developing sales and leadership training.

My second home is in Bayfield, WI where, yes, there is plenty of grass as well.  However, there is also the glorious call of Lake Superior on which I have sailed for the past 20 years with my three daughters, a variety of dogs and, of course, the skipper my husband, Mike.

<strong>Beliefs</strong>

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.

I believe life should be full of surprises and fun along with some trials and tribulations.  The environment has a profound impact on my belief system that encourages me to be a more prudent steward of our mother earth.  I believe that I have been given this gift of time and I plan on living to the fullest.<br><br><b>Politics </b>

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I veer to the left on social issues but consider myself fiscally conservative, so I am not sure where that puts me in the end.

Are you registered with a certain party?

I&#39;m a registered Democrat.<br><br><b>Religion</b>

How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I belong to Crosswinds Methodist Church and need to attend regular service more often.  However, I am very spiritual in my day-to-day life.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

Diversity, diversity, diversity is one of my hot buttons along with protecting the environment one person at-a-time.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

To me the word “diversity” has many connotations including race, religion, work and enjoyment.  Without diversity my world becomes void of learning and sharing, so I say bring it on!

My daughter, Madelyn, is a senior at Maple Grove High School and will soon be attending Macalester in St. Paul, MN which is founded on diversity.  So, I am very proud of her choice.  Madelyn has been my environmental stewardship teacher showing and prodding me to recycle, use our compost trash and never, ever buy bottled water – almost never.  I believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to nurture our earth no matter how small or large.