Dear Neighbors,

Two years ago when I ran, I said it was time to get the job done. Time to pass Northstar Commuter Rail. Time to put education first – and stop the cuts at our local schools. Time to invest in early childhood education. Time to keep a lid on tuition increases by investing in higher education. Time to take better care of Minnesota’s natural resources. And we got it done.

I also said we needed less partisanship and for people to be willing to reach across party aisles to get things done. I am very proud to have accomplished the things I set out to do in my first term. As a new person to the system, I was amazed at how partisan our State Capitol is. It was worse than I expected. And the leadership is the most partisan of all the members. Much change is needed.

I authored legislation in my second month in office to cut the pay of the Legislature if the work wasn’t done on time, and when the Legislature went into special session, I declined per diem pay for those seven weeks. There are a growing number of folks in the middle – people like me who are willing to act independently of party leaders and who are willing to work with members of all political parties in order to get things done. My strongest allies on Northstar, K-12 education and reducing mercury pollution were moderate lawmakers from both parties. We made great teams – working together, instead of against each other.

The State Capitol needs more moderates – not fewer. I hope this election brings in even more moderates, so we can see sweeping change in the leadership, and more progress across the board.

Thank you for giving me the honor and the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. I am proud of the work I have done, and I look forward to visiting with you this summer and fall to talk about how we can continue to move Minnesota forward, together.

Sincerely,