Candidate's Viewpoint: Education, health care will top priorities

Thank you to the editor of the Woodbury Bulletin for providing me a forum in which to introduce myself to those who don’t yet know me. My name is Ann Marie Metzger, and I am the DFL endorsed candidate for the state House of Representatives for District 53B. This district covers a large part of Woodbury.

I’m running because I’m concerned about the troubled legacy we are leaving for our children, and our children’s children. Last election season, there was lots of talk about fiscal responsibility and solving our state’s economic problems, but that’s not what the Republican majority in St. Paul spent its time on. I’d like to use my skills and experience to help get the House of Representative back on track.

After graduation from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., I worked in New York in banking and finance where I carved out a career as an international financial project manager. There I gained broad business experience, negotiating with a diverse client base in the United States, Latin American and Europe.

Fifteen years ago, we chose Minnesota as the place to raise our family and this is where my husband runs a small business. Since our son was born, I’ve been a full time mother and active community volunteer in Woodbury and the Twin Cities. As member of the Junior League of St. Paul I held leadership and chair positions on fundraising and community building projects. As a founding member of the MOMS Club of Woodbury I led service projects that aided mothers in crisis. I worked as a classroom volunteer and fundraiser for my son’s schools, Valley Crossing Community School, Oak-Land Junior High School and Stillwater Area High School. I have served on the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church and taught Sunday school there for 10 years. As a leader with Take Action Minnesota I advocated for universal access to affordable, quality and portable health care.

My priority as a legislator will be to focus on the practical concerns and issues that we all discuss at our dinner tables - not on the divisive social agenda or corporate special interests served by our current representative.

I believe education is a key to our long-term economic competitiveness. With my son attending local public schools for the last 10 years, I know we will not improve education by attacking teachers and slashing programs. Investing in our children’s education not only can secure their future but will provide the educated workforce critical to business growth. As your representative, I will not balance our state’s budget on the back of our children’s future.

Because of my husband’s small business, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. One of the biggest challenges facing sole proprietorships, the self-employed and small businesses of all types is the high cost of health care.

Health care is basic to the security of families and businesses, large and small. As your representative I will work hard to make sure all Minnesotans and businesses have access to affordable and quality health care.

I plan on working hard to earn the trust and support of Woodbury voters. I really enjoy being out there and meeting you at your front door, and look forward to visiting with you soon about the challenges facing our state and how we can work together so businesses can grow and hard-working families can succeed.

You can find out more about me on my website at www.annmariemetzger. com or please call me at 651-964-0210.

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

Tags: opinion, viewpoint