Candidate's Viewpoint: Time for renewed focus on priorities at Capitol

Minnesota's economy remains slow, and too many of our neighbors are still unemployed, working with frozen wages, or reduced hours. Yet state government has been incapable of providing short-term solutions, much less implementing a strategy for long term economic success.

Last year we saw a statewide government shutdown because lawmakers were unwilling to compromise on our behalf. Instead of reaching a common sense solution to solve our state's budget woes, billions of dollars were borrowed from our schools. We cannot expect our children to have a successful future with this kind of irresponsible borrowing.

This is Minnesota. We can do better, and I want to do my part.

As a 38-year resident of Woodbury, I have learned that the best way to get things done is by building consensus with neighbors, friends, and those who come from different backgrounds.

I've seen first-hand how difficult this economy has been on our local businesses and on working families. They haven't been benefited by the partisan gridlock at the Capitol.

Our state needs a renewed focus on our priorities. Cutting taxes on corporations and raising property taxes on middle class families by eliminating the homestead credit have not been successful in putting people back to work.

Minnesota's economy is intertwined with our quality of life – from schools to good paying jobs to environmental stewardship. As a successful Realtor and businesswoman, I understand that investing in our schools and infrastructure is what can make our state a better place to do business. My experience as a teacher, and working in the Woodbury education system as an HR consultant and as a volunteer, has proven to me the importance of giving students the resources necessary for their academic success.

I am an experienced mediator and negotiator. These are skills needed to move our state forward.

I am running for state representative because we can do better. I look forward to talking to new neighbors in the coming months about how we can work together to make our state a better place to live and work.

Ward, a Democrat, is running for House District 53A. This column is part of a series submitted by local candidates seeking legislative office.

Tags: opinion, viewpoint