Issue Position: My Position

Issue Position

Minnesota is beginning its fragile recovery from the recession, but our elected leaders continue to resort to political bickering instead of finding common solutions to strengthen our economy, education system, and quality of life. Some members of the Legislature propose only a "my way or the highway" solution to our common problems without considering other positions and options. In addition, they try and fix things that aren't broken instead of focusing on what needs to be done. In short, they are failing us.

As your State Representative, I will work for you to find solutions to common problems, and not try to fix something that isn't broken. My experience in the military has enabled me to work with people I may not agree with, listen to all sides of an issue, and respond to concerns in a timely manner. As a financial analyst, I understand the nuances involved in balancing the budget in a responsible fashion.

Over the last several years, state leaders have failed budget on the state level, resulting in raised property taxes on middle class citizens. These indirect methods allow leaders to claim taxes are lower while hiding true costs in accounting shifts and fees. Further, they show they are against fair market principles by continuing to allow unfair business tax policies that favor out-of-state internet distributers to the detriment of Minnesota businesses such as Best Buy, Target, 3M, Honeywell, General Mills and Medtronic. Why do they allow tax policy alone to create an unlevel playing field for Minnesota business? Why not allow innovation and efficiencies to determie market winners and losers instead?

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