Letter to the Editor: "I urge Winneshiek County residents to support Melissa for the Board of Supervisors."

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Nancy Dykstra of Hull, Iowa, the now retired-Executive Director Promise Community Health Center):

"I am writing this letter in support of Melissa O'Rourke for the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.  Melissa has a deep commitment to public service. I saw her commitment first hand in 2003 when she served on a steering committee to establish a Community Health Center in Sioux County, Iowa.  Since opening its doors in 2003, Promise Community Health Center has served over 20,000 patients. Promise Community Health Center provides primary health care which includes comprehensive medical,  dental, vision, and mental health services to all. As a founding member and President of the Board of Directors, Melissa donated hours of her time to drafting policies, by-laws, reviewing contracts, and filing documents that were essential to establishing this organization.  She believed in the mission and she knew that the organization did not have the financial resources to purchase these services, so she stepped up and provided what was needed.  She never wanted credit or accolades, but her background, expertise and involvement at the board level were vital to guiding the organization's development.  Melissa was a leader with vision and inspired others to commit to the community health center mission.  I have witnessed her work ethic and her passion.  I urge Winneshiek County residents to support Melissa for the Board of Supervisors."