Editor, Times-Union: I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly endorse Dave Baumgartner for the city council at-large seat. Dave has made a profound difference in the lives of many students as a coach, teacher and role model for not only his students but for a lot of us adults as well. Having lived in this great community for over 60 years and because of my postal career of over 37 years, I personally know over 2,000 people, citizens and voters by name, address and physical appearance. I have always tried to keep well informed on local issues and the “pulse” of the community as well. My many friends, former customers and members of my mail route family from several different areas that I served on a daily basis always kept me informed on business, school and community issues. Being the father of two sons who spent their entire academic years in the Warsaw Community School system, my wife and I had many a parent/teacher conference through the years. No matter how much you encourage or believe in your child, sometimes it takes a teacher, coach, role model and friend to offer encouragement and express their belief in a young man to overcome the roadblocks and obstacles he has faced to inspire him to go for his dreams and goals for the future. Dave did this for my son, who is just one of many who could tell you what a difference Dave made in their lives. We were just praying that our son could graduate from high school. He went on to graduate from a four-year bible college on time and after a 4-1/2-month mission trip to Florida, came home and applied to and was accepted to enroll at Grace Theological Seminary, where he earned a degree in theology. We definitely know and believe Dave had a major role in our son’s life successes and achievements. We love and respect him and will vote for him so he can continue to share his time and talents to keep Warsaw the greatests small town in America. Roger Gaff Warsaw
