Jobs

The last year has been difficult for Minnesota workers with many Minnesotans losing jobs. My focus will be on improving Minnesota’s business environment so that the private sector is freed to create jobs. As a senior military advisor, leading economic development in northern Iraq, we didn’t work to raise taxes and regulation to create jobs, rather we worked to create an environment for business to thrive.

With my knowledge and experience as a business executive in a small business environment, I know firsthand the challenges our businesses face and will work hard to reduce unnecessary burdens in order to allow for new job creation.

Government Spending

In a Tax Foundation Special Report (No. 163), published in August 2008, Minnesota is listed in the top 25% as one of the highest taxed states in the nation. One of my goals is to rein in out of control spending.

With my experience as a certified public accountant (CPA), I will bring greater understanding of how to properly balance our budget so we don’t spend beyond our means. Lower taxes will reduce the financial burden on middle class families and our Minnesota families are best able to decide how to spend their hard earned dollars.

Health Care

With the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and so many other world class health care organizations, Minnesota has one of the finest health care systems in the country. With a focus on maintaining the quality and at the same time continuing to seek out efficiencies in our health care system, we can continue to lead the nation with fine health care and control the ever-rising costs.

Education

As I witnessed throughout the world on many deployments including 2008 in Iraq, continuous improvements in primary and secondary education are critical to maintaining our highly skilled workforce as well as attracting and maintaining employers in our state.

As an MBA graduate of the University of St Thomas, I understand the importance of a strong higher education system to Minnesota. A key element however, is to ensure accountability so that Minnesotans get the maximum benefit from our hard earned tax dollars.