Minnesota State House Seat District 51B

District 51B covers parts of Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Mounds View and Fridley.  The candidates for District 51B are Dale Helm and Tom Tillberry.  To learn even more about these candidates check out their debate.

Dale Helm (R)
		About Me:  Dale and Polly have been homeowners in Fridley for over 14 years. They are very proud of their sons James and Logan and have been married for over 16 years. Dale works in Safety & Security Management for American Security & Investigations in Anoka, Minnesota. Dale has received numerous awards in Safety Management to include earning the “Champion of Safety and Health”, “Safety First Rising Star", and the “Safety First Leadership Award”. Dale received a B.S. in Broadcasting from Northwestern College, Roseville, MN. Dale also has course certifications in Business Management, Marketing, Training, Safety, and Security Management. Dale has also has an extensive military education in Management, Organizational Leadership, Budget and Administrative Operations, Communications, Crisis Management, Safety, and Instructional Teaching. During Dale’s 21 years of enlisted and officer military service he completed two tours of active duty and two state active duty tours in addition to his normal reservist duties. He volunteered and served on active duty during the first Gulf War-known as Desert Storm. Dale retired as Captain, Field Artillery. Dale’s life has been one of performance, dedication, hard work, and service. He would be honored to serve you as your state representative and the voice of our District.
Important Issues: Economy: 1st priority needs to be working with small business to bring jobs back into the district and the state as a whole. We will do this through tax incentives, removing outdated mandates, and creating a new environment where government works with business rather than against it. 2nd We must pay off our deficit and control government spending. It is time government lives within its own means just like hard working Minnesotans do every day. Education: (Local Control) Parents, teachers, and school boards working together to create an education program which fits their community and students – not a one size fits all bureaucracy. (Fair Funding) I support fair funding for all schools where dollars follow the students and teachers are rewarded for performance. (Reform) We must again embrace the reform which made Minnesota great and a leader in the field of education excellence. To learn more – please visit www.HelmForHouse.com
Political Philosophy:  I am a critical thinker who believes in common sense and having an open and respectful mind. We used to address our issues of the day as Americans first, Minnesotans second, and our local communities third. We have drifted away from this into a system of partisan gridlock. Our current representative has become a part of that gridlock – I will not. Running for office is about public service – not a politician’s agenda or career. I am running to be your next public servant – not your next politician. I believe in Thomas Jefferson’s quote “that government is best of which everyman feels himself a part”. I will establish an “open door” relationship where I am prepared to listen to you and at St. Paul. I understand that service is an honor and that I work for you – the people.
Endorsements:  To learn more about me, my endorsements, supporters, and stand on the issues please visit my website at www.HelmForHouse.com or join me on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin!
Tom Tillberry (DFL)
		About Me:  Tom Tillberry was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin and was raised primarily in Winona, MN. He was elected in 2006 and reelected in 2008 as State Representative for 51B. Tom has most recently served on the following committee’s at the Capitol: K-12 Education Finance, Taxes, Property Tax Division, Ways and Means. Tom was elected in 2005 to the Fridley School Board and served as Treasurer for that year. Tom is a 14 year veteran of Roseville High School with a total of 23 years of experience in the field of education. A licensed school counselor who holds a Master Degree in Counseling from Winona State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, also from Winona State University. Tom has served in a number of capacities focused on providing the best teaching and learning for students throughout Minnesota. He has negotiated contracts as Assistant Negotiator, Chief Negotiator and as Associate for the past 10 years for Education Minnesota - Roseville. Tom is married to his high school sweetheart, Kimberly Tillberry for 27 years and they have two children, Paul 22, and Kendra 19.
Important Issues:  Jobs for Minnesotans are one of the most important issues that we will be facing in our future. In order to ensure jobs in Minnesota we need to make sure Minnesota businesses grow. We need to invest in Minnesotans through generating new methods for financial viability which will place Minnesota in a great position for the future. New jobs will demand more education and training. The need for college-educated and highly trained workers is also increasing as more retire and exit the work force, causing a lack of workers with the most education and experience. We will need to invest in our educational system to assure that we will be able to meet the needs of our state. We need to stabilize our economy so that schools can adequately budget. They cannot continue to educate our children on funding that fluctuates so drastically every year.
Political Philosophy:  I will continue with legislation that grows real jobs. Giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Minnesotans hasn’t worked for our economy, but the transportation bill and the bonding bill were excellent ways to provide jobs. The quality of our workforce has always been Minnesota's advantage. These two bills make long-overdue investments at public colleges and universities across Minnesota. This investment ensures the education system that trains our workforce remains competitive. That productive workforce is more important than ever as Minnesota products and ingenuity compete around the world. Economists say the investments we make in people will help secure our future. I believe in a good, efficient government that is working in the best interest of our citizens.
Endorsements: DFL Party Education Minnesota AFSCME American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO National Association of Social Workers Teamsters DRIVE Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Sierra Club Minnesota Nurses Association