The editor gave me the opportunity to reply to a letter I haven’t yet had the chance to read, but I was given a hint about the content. Robert Wright chose to bring up something in my past that I haven’t tried to hide.
Eighteen years ago, my life was shattered when I was unable to treat my Crohn’s disease properly when I lost my health insurance. That led to mistakes I regret. Like others, I turned to the street after the health care system failed me and I couldn’t afford proper health care. I’ve learned from my mistakes and I learned to say no to powerful influences, and I plan on taking that skill to the capitol.
In another recent letter to the editor, I was accused of being a one-issue candidate. Let me say that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Health care is a concern for everyone. I know from experience how the system works and the areas that need attention: access to more affordable health care insurance, affordable prescription drugs, protecting children’s coverage on parents’ health insurance until age 26 and protections for preexisting conditions. I don’t want any Minnesotan to have to worry about health care again.
Another issue is education. We need greater access to quality and affordable education. Our students need relevant training to be competitive in the workforce. Vocational education is needed to fill the demand for skilled workers.
The environment is a big concern, from working out issues with farmers on the buffer strip legislation, to ensuring our rivers, lakes and parks are protected for future generations to enjoy.
Fast and reliable internet is lacking in our area and would benefit everyone, from students doing their school work to people working from home. Almost everything is done online these days. With the repeal of net neutrality, the internet we know is at risk. Internet service providers can collect our private data, track websites we visit, cap our data limits and censor or slow down specific services of their choosing.
We need new voices in our state government. You don’t need to be a career legislator to enact positive change. I’ve listed a few of my top priorities and my platform is as complex as the issues we face today.
As you can see, I’m not a single-issue candidate. If elected, everyone may not agree with me on all the issues, but I am open and willing to listen and work with everyone.
