Why I Serve
Why I Serve Since first being elected in 2018, I have proudly represented the communities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Coates (2019-2022), and now Eagan.
One Community Stronger Together
I have reflected deeply on what it means to serve in this fraught time. In the last few years Minnesotans have faced an onslaught of tragedy, violence, theft, and harms from federal agents in our community. Political violence, including assassination, sought to rob Minnesotans of our voices in St. Paul. We witnessed the horrific murder and injuring of children at the start of the school year, once again revealing how vulnerable we all are to those with unrestricted access to military style weapons and high-capacity magazines. Families and communities are grieving, yet refuse to accept that we must continue to endure this pain. We have been subjected to untrained federal agents who targeted people for arrest and detention based on their perceived race and/or ethnicity. Individuals have been denied Constitutional rights and due process, including breaking into homes without warrants, false arrests, detentions in inhumane conditions, and blocking access to lawyers. These agents committed violence against peaceful protestors, damaged property, and caused physical injuries. Ultimately two of our neighbors were killed by federal agents while they were standing up for their communities. Then, our own federal government lied about the victims, and in one case cited the lawful possession of a handgun as justification for the killing. The federal government has refused to conduct a thorough investigation, nor cooperated with Minnesota authorities, into the use of force and killing of United States citizens on our streets.
Fraudsters targeted Minnesota’s safety-net, stealing dollars meant to help the vulnerable among us live safe, healthy and dignified lives. Many have been brought to justice, including a suburban mom from our neighborhood, and the work to prosecute these criminals continues. In the legislature, I am working to root out fraud, close loopholes, and change how services are provided to prevent opportunities for fraud in first place. I have felt each of these personally and my role in the Minnesota House affords an opportunity to respond. We can insist that any law enforcement agency and/or officer active in Minnesota abide by the same high standards as our local, state and county officers. We can place reasonable limits on access to military style weapons and limit magazine capacity. We can improve access to mental health resources. We can safeguard taxpayer money while protecting and serving the vulnerable. We can re-knit our shared community by recognizing our shared humanity. We are one community, stronger together. I am proud of the work I have done in the Minnesota Legislature, where my republican colleagues and I have found common ground on 43% of the Bills I have sponsored or co-sponsored. The last election resulted in an evenly divided Minnesota House and the people of Minnesota expect us to work together in their interests. I appreciate the collaboration with colleagues across the aisle on legislation to address EMS needs; protect and serve our public safety officers and first responders; improve nursing home staffing and wages; expand unemployment insurance to hourly school staff and Iron Range miners; expand veterinary tech practices; and allow transportation specialists to assist funeral homes.
As your representative I voted for significant progress in access to reproductive healthcare, lower drug prices, education and education funding, public safety, infrastructure, workers’ safety and security, college affordability, lower health-care costs, and expanded civic engagement by making it easier for eligible Minnesotans to vote. Still, basic needs like food and housing are too expensive, and costs in all areas of life continue to rise. Health insurance costs have exploded; childcare and pre-K options are too often out of reach; and energy prices are soaring. Our public schools, books and curricula are under attack. We need to take bold steps to protect education and to meaningfully address the affordability crisis facing hard working Minnesotans. My life has been dedicated to service in Minnesota. From the emergency department at the old St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center, to working with a local fire department and transporting critically ill patients in the ambulance, my career has reflected my commitment to serving people, often at their worst times. It was this dedication to service that first drew me to the idea of running for office. In 2018 I put my experience and knowledge to work for the people of our district. My experiences in the Minnesota Legislature have reaffirmed my belief that our state government needs people like me in office to fight for what is important to the residents of our community. I understand the challenges so many of us are facing because I have lived them. My wife and I raised our family of three sons in Rosemount to ensure our kids would receive a top-notch education in a thriving community. I spent time volunteering as a youth sports coach, a youth faith formation teacher, and for a local energy sector advisory council. I worked hard in the healthcare field, started small businesses, and developed a successful real estate career, in which I still work today. Like so many of us, I have experienced the ups and downs, the challenges, and the joys of working and raising a family.
These experiences have convinced me that we are stronger together. Let’s get to work.
