Social Justice: Equal Access and Opportunity for
All
My campaign is all about social justice. I have been
politically active all of my life. I have been a strong
advocate for those in need. I have always believed in
offering a “helping hand” not just giving
someone a “hand out”. I believe that the role
of government is to help make the playing field level so
that everyone has the access and the opportunity to
compete. I believe in equal access and equal opportunity
not equal outcomes.
Jobs, Jobs and More Jobs
The ability for everyone to financially provide for
themselves and their families is my #1 issue. Everyone
should have the access and the opportunity to succeed. I
believe that the State Government must live within its
means, just like families do. Many people in our district
live on a fixed income. Those individuals just cannot vote
themselves an increase in their incomes. Neither should the
State Government.
As your legislator, I will strongly oppose any job-killing
tax increases. It is an economic fact that increasing the
tax burden reduces wages and thwarts job creation.
Hopefully, we can reduce the tax burden on individuals and
business to make Minnesota a better place from which to
live and conduct business.
The Need to Improve Education
Equal access and opportunity for all begins with education.
I believe that accountability and reform are the keys to
improving education. Without a doubt, statewide testing
provides comparative data and is the best available tool
for consistently measuring student progress and providing
public accountability for results. Reform requires
maximizing the usefulness of the test results for change in
the curricula and teaching methods.
I will also focus on the need to improve special education
programs. Having a special need myself has given me the
insights, resolve and determination to do what is right by
all of our children. I have witnessed first hand the lack
of licensing required by educators for the deaf and am
aware of many other concerns that do not just affect those
with special needs but affect all our children.
A Transportation System That Works for
Everyone
Most Minnesotan’s agree that our legislature has
neglected our transportation infrastructure for over 20
years. Our transportation needs have gone unmet under the
current “pay as you go” system. I believe that
it is a good use of bonding resources to invest in assets
that will be used for generations to come.
Equal access and opportunity for all requires a
transportation system that works for our legislative
district too. Our legislative district does not need more
roads and bridges. Our district needs clean, safe,
affordable and reliable public transportation. I believe in
dedicating specific revenues to help improve public
transportation, including the support of the light rail
transit for the central corridor.