Minnesota State House Seat District 53A

District 53A covers Circle Pines, Lexington, and parts of Blaine, Lino Lakes, Shoreview and North Oaks..  The 2010 candidates for District 53A are:  To learn more about these candidates, you can watch their debate.

Paul Gardner (DFL)
		About Me:  Paul Gardner is seeking re-election to a third two-year term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. During the last two years, Paul has served on committees for health care, the environment, telecommunications, and taxes. His legislative accomplishments include ensuring the sustainability of the groundwater supply and the fiscal health of the wastewater treatment system in the metro area; reducing waste and saving money in the health care sector by promoting best practices in prescribing drugs; protecting owners of manufacturing housing from predatory lending; enhancing protection for victims of domestic violence; and reducing duplication and increasing efficiency of “dial-a-ride” transit for seniors and the disabled. Paul and his wife Michelle have lived in Shoreview since 1997 and they have two children in the Mounds View School District public schools. Before his election 2006, Paul served in the non-profit sector for 15 years including nine years as executive director of the Recycling Association of Minnesota. He has a B.A. in history from Grinnell College (1990) and an M.P.A. from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs (2002).
		Important Issues:  Minnesota has weathered the recession better than many other states and is poised for greater economic growth due to a diversified economy, an educated workforce, and a tradition of innovation. Gardner believes that long-term growth will slow if we do not tend to the assets that have helped drive the state’s economy—like education at all levels, a dynamic university system that produces cutting-edge research, an efficient health care system, basic infrastructure, and prudent use of the state’s natural resources. Gardner proposes a balanced approach to next year’s budget deficit that will mix cuts with some new revenue to make sure we avoid long-damage to those assets. The largest part of the state’s budget is for K-12 education, Gardner supports the New Minnesota Miracle, which would restructure a complicated K-12 funding formula to a few basic components that will support a child’s ability to meet standards wherever they live.
		Political Philosophy:  Gardner is a moderate Democrat who has been willing to vote for budget cuts when necessary to balance the budget. Gardner attempts to find solutions instead of just complaining about problems. An example would be finding savings for taxpayer-funded prescription drugs. The federal government spends $10 billion for drugs that never get used, or about $170 million in Minnesota. By working with the Board of Pharmacy, Gardner found ways for the state to save money in health care, corrections, and veterans hospitals by promoting best practices in drug prescribing. Much of Gardner’s work on the environment is also focused on reducing costs to taxpayers in this way. By reducing drug waste, health care facilities and patients also flush fewer drugs into the sewer system and then our rivers, thereby reducing risk to aquatic life and drinking water supplies.
		Endorsements:
Linda Runbeck (R)
		About Me:  Linda Runbeck is an experienced small business owner, corporate executive and elected representative. She served in the MN Legislature from 1989-2000 as state representative and state senator. Earlier, she served on the Circle Pines City Council. In the legislature, Runbeck led the push for across-the-board income tax cuts - later enacted by Gov Ventura. She also led historic bipartisan reform of the Workers' Compensation system. The StarTribune profiled Linda as a "spirited champion for free enterprise". After running for Congress in 2000, Linda became president of the Taxpayers League of MN. She served on the Northwest YMCA's Advisory Board and received its Distinguished Leader Award in 2007. A graduate of Bethel University, Linda and her husband, Rich, live in Circle Pines and own Braham Monument Co. in Braham, MN. Their daughter, Britta, is studying at Johns Hopkins University.
		Important Issues:  I'm running because politicians' appetite for spending, taxing and regulating has sent our state and nation into an economic tailspin.  Minnesota has no more jobs today in the private sector than it did 10 years ago! Minnesota ranks among the 10 worst states for its business tax climate according to the Tax Foundation's 2010 Business Tax Climate Index.  Politicians continue to spend our money without regard for the consequences -- on bigger government and bridges to nowhere, airports for no one, home mortgages for anyone, entitlement giveaways, even bail-outs of irresponsible companies and governments. Bad economic policies enacted by government may possibly have triggered a 'lost decade' economically. Clearly, more money and power in government's hands is not the answer.
		Political Philosophy:  We must grow our way (not spend our way) out of the recession. Even with a partial economic recovery, state revenues are expected to increase by $2 Billion. Yet, liberals want to spend $6 billion more - and call the difference a deficit! Linda Runbeck supports spending reductions to live within our means - just as in household budgeting. She supports zero-based budgeting in order for government agencies and programs to justify all spending, starting with "dollar one". Spending must be redirected to higher value programs and expenditures. When government sets narrower priorities, it will not be necessary to raise taxes. Economic growth requires capital, and proposals by liberals to raise taxes will rob businesses and job creators of capital to grow.
		Endorsements: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund PAC. MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) Republican Party