From: Leslie Timme <leslietimme@gmail.com> To: steve.heitzner@universityparkrd.com
Date: 08/12/2026 9:36 AM EDT
Subject: RD Vacancy
Hi Steve,
I’ve lived in University Park for about nine years and do my best to stay informed about the issues facing our community. I really appreciate the time and effort you and the other supervisors put into serving UPCC.
With that in mind, I wanted to share my perspective as a resident who cares about where our community is headed.
Rusty Pearson served on the Board before and met with our community while he was running for re-election. During that time, he said residents who did not agree with his vision should not vote for him. I understand he may have said something similar at other community meetings as well. The election results showed strong support for Greg Selep and Steve Swanson, and I think residents were clear that they wanted a different direction. Rusty was soundly defeated in his reelection bid. For that reason, appointing Rusty to fill the RD vacancy would not reflect what the community expressed.
You mentioned that Rusty is a controversial figure, but also that he has experience, good ideas, and has worked hard behind the scenes to help our community. I respect those efforts, but I do not think they have led to the results our community needs. Even with the work Rusty and others have done, Dean Matt has not changed his position. Rusty’s attendance and follow-through while on the Board were inconsistent, and he did not complete the business plan he hoped to develop. In my view, he had a chance to make a positive difference, and now it feels like the right time for a new voice.

For these reasons, I think a new member could bring fresh ideas, a different perspective, and new energy to the Board. I hope you will reconsider your vote and support a new candidate for the RD vacancy.
Thank you, Leslie Timme