Letter to the editor: Downward spiral can end, vote Havlick

Talk about it

I am running for MN Senate District 3.

For decades Northern Minnesota has been controlled by liberal politicians, during that time we have watched while the Northland steadily deteriorates. The endless departure of businesses followed by the families they employ spells doom for the next generation of Northlanders. The decline in population in Senate District 3 is significant. To achieve population parity with the other Senate districts during redistricting, Koochiching County, with a population of more than 13,000 people, had to be added.

Over the last few months, I have discussed the concerns of residents and business owners. It is not surprising that their primary concern is the economy. Northlanders want to know that they will have jobs; jobs that pay a living wage that allow them to feed and raise their families without having to leave their communities and the rural culture they love so much.

They want government to spend less and operate efficiently. Current and potential business owners want the government to streamline environmental permitting processes and remove costly over-regulation. This would allow them to start a new business or expand their current ones. They want safe communities and good schools with a population and commercial base to support those schools.

Unfortunately, what I have seen is shuttered businesses, a record number of homes for sale, homes in foreclosure and an ever-increasing number of our residents needing public assistance. While the Northland deteriorates, our liberal legislators have continued to push for more spending, more regulation (and yes, you guessed it) more revenue (taxes). Since 1960 (and 38 years of a DFL-controlled Senate), state government has grown 600 percent. That’s 600 percent over both inflation (728 percent) and population (157 percent).

Sen. Bakk, the leader of this merry band of tax-and-spend regulators, has led the way in dozens of votes against the interests of Northland residents. Backed by Sens. Tomassoni, Saxhaug, Reinert and others, the Northland is being strangled by a regulatory quagmire that stifles the very industries our communities depend upon to help feed and raise our families.

This downward spiral need not continue. In the November election, Minnesotans have an opportunity to elect conservative legislators who will work to correct our downward trend.

If we can elect a veto-proof conservative majority, we can continue to put Minnesota back on the path to prosperity. We can mitigate, and ultimately reverse, the unintended consequences of liberal ideology.

Positive change is only possible if we work together. Big money PACs have supported our merry band of tax-and-spend regulators for a long time. It’s time to show them that “We the People” support candidates that will not tax, spend and regulate families and businesses out of Minnesota. We can demonstrate that we have the courage to make choices ensuring that Minnesotans can afford to stay here and raise a family for many generations to come.

My name is Jennifer Havlick and I ask for your support to take back our district from special interests on Election Day.

Tags: opinion