HD 21A
I have lived in Hendricks for about half my life. My parents were from northwest MN in Kittson County and were in the Air Force and Civil Service. I grew up in Hawaii, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and North Dakota. I love learning, have a PhD in biochemistry, and have conducted research in North Dakota, Scotland (UK), U of MN, and SDSU. I taught secondary science for 29 years in Ivanhoe, MN, and Watertown, SD. Retired from research and teaching, I am a church trustee, president of the Hendricks Senior Center, EMT for Hendricks Ambulance, member of the Hospital Foundation Board, and I volunteer at the local nursing home. My wife and I have three children, and we are blessed with seven grandchildren. In research and education, I collaborated with others and had to consider the skills and mindsets of others. I’ve researched and published a number of scientific articles; and written grant proposals. I am a good listener — there is always more to learn. Collaboration, research, writing, and listening are good skills to have in the legislature, and I intend to use them on behalf of the people of District 21A.
In your eyes, what needs fixing in St. Paul, whether it’s policies or anything else you feel needs improvement?
Hyper-partisanship and political antipathy need to be fixed. Replace them with common goals, civility, and cooperation. No one should be quick to stake out a partisan position on any issue. Ask questions, research all aspects of an issue, and be openminded about how others may view the same issue.
Summarize your platform.
People in SW MN have worked hard to build their businesses, improve their farms and ranches, build homes, raise families, and create vibrant communities. I see the good that people do and want to build on that. From volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance services to PTOs and volunteering at local nursing homes; there is much that is wonderful about the people and communities here. I am passionate about health care and nursing homes in our area. Medicaid cuts threaten the future of health care in rural MN. EMS services and fire departments are struggling in outstate MN. Agriculture needs stable markets and supply chains.
List two issues you intend to focus on if elected.
My key goal will be to see that the Medicaid funding which the Legislature appropriates is fairly and equitably distributed across the state. Far too many hospitals and nursing facilities have closed or are struggling due to inadequate Medicaid and Medicare compensation. Another important goal will be to have EMS designated as an essential service. I will push strongly for it.
