Rob Ecklund, DFL
It has been an honor and a privilege representing the Citizens of District 3A in St. Paul these past three years. I have listened and learned a great deal about your core issues as we’ve visited with one another. You’ve been candid with me about your worries and hopes for your families, communities, and yourselves.
In session, we worked hard and made some important headway even though we have been in a minority position. I have learned that you need to be creative to get things accomplished in a strongly partisan Legislature.
My skills have grown in doing this important work, and I believe that is evidenced by the strength of my campaign endorsements. My proudest is the AFL/CIO, and the various other International Unions that have endorsed my campaign. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is another. I currently sit on the Agriculture Finance Committee, and have been endorsed by the Minnesota Farmers Union, and the Minnesota Farm Bureau.
If voters look at the diversity of my endorsements, you will see that I am willing and able to work with all parties, and multiple interest groups, to improve the lives of the people of my District.
On a personal front, I have been married to my wife, Joan, for 34 years. We have three adult children. I worked at PCA (formerly Boise) for 29 years, and was a machine tender at retirement. I held several union positions, and was President of USW Local 159 for nine years. In 2010, I was first elected to the Koochiching County Board of Commissioners, and served for five years until my election to represent District 3A. Locally, I’ve served on various boards. I was a youth hockey coach for 17 years. Our community has been very good to Joan and me. Giving back is a top priority, perhaps more so now in retirement.
If I am again elected, I have a number of goals to focus on. We must do our best to fund true Border to Border Broadband that reaches the unserved, as well as the underserved. I believe broadband will be the engine that drives our future economy.
To provide our students a quality education they deserve, we must have a school funding formula that is equitable. We must bring back more practical and applied arts programming for all the benefits it brings.
Water and waste water infrastructure challenges are well known in our area. The best way to insure clean water is to keep these systems functioning properly, using the best science and resources available. Crumbling infrastructure is a statewide issue and we need a robust plan to address this. With such a plan, we will make a huge dent in cleaning up our environment, and will also provide employment.
There is much to be done, and I have the energy, experience, and commitment to continue this important work. So it is humbly and sincerely that I believe I am your best candidate in this coming election.
Randy Goutermont, Republican
Hi, I’m Randy Goutermont, running to represent the people of Northern Minnesota in House District 3A. I live in Silver Bay with my wife of nine years, Chasya, and we have three children — Tait, Mercia, and Kerusso.
I am a Logger by trade but I also spent seven years at a multi-million dollar whole foods company that I managed for several years before returning to the logging industry. Working as a logger and coming from a family of miners, I understand the mining and forestry industries. My experience managing a multi-million dollar company gave me invaluable knowledge on how business works, how government affects almost every area of business, and how we can bring more businesses and jobs to Northern Minnesota.
My opponent may be a nice guy, but what does he stand for? How should you vote this election? It depends on what you the voter wants. So let’s compare me and my opponent’s positions.
First, let’s look at Healthcare. My opponent wants a single-payer system which is a total government takeover of our healthcare system that would require billions in tax increases and end employer-based plans and Medicare plans for seniors. It would make it difficult for rural hospitals and clinics to stay open. Estimates say it would add 17 billion to Minnesota’s budget per year, this works out to a $3,000 additional tax increase for every man, woman, and child!
I want to implement reforms that boost competition and transparency in the healthcare system. I support a free market, competitive healthcare system. Competition drives down cost and drives up quality of care. People need more choices and better care. I stand for healthcare freedom! Northern Minnesota thrives when we have a growing and thriving economy. However, our tax climate is one of the worst in the nation. We are taxing families, small businesses, and senior citizens out of our state. We need to focus on limited government and support a healthy, vibrant economy! We desperately need better paying jobs up north! Lowering taxes creates a growing economy and spurs job growth.
Unfortunately, it appears my opponent has never met a tax increase he doesn’t like. From supporting a $3,000 tax increase to pay for single-payer to a 10 cent per gallon gas tax increase, he loves to spend our money. This will cripple our state and regional economy. Does he understand that a 10 cent per gallon gas tax increase unfairly burdens rural Minnesota residents? I support lower taxes and less government overreach, the proven way to support a healthy economy.
My values are the values of Northern Minnesota. My opponent supports abortion, and has voted to support it with taxpayer dollars. I believe life is precious and will work to make Minnesota a state that celebrates life, even the unborn. I will work to uphold our Constitutional freedoms including our Second Amendment rights.
I would be honored to earn your vote this November.
