We are witness to some of the most out-of-control government spending in our state’s history. In raising the ratio of debt service to general revenue our government is ignoring the long-term consequences of the short-term fix. There seems to be a belief that it is government’s responsibility to create jobs. That’s not the system that built the economic powerhouse that is America. It is not the duty of government to create jobs. It is the rightful role of government to stay out of the way and let the free market system do that. That, coupled with reasonable expectations of government’s proper size and function, will build a healthier economy. (See Taxes, below.)

Taxes

Minnesota has one of the most burdensome corporate tax structures in the United States but we are neighbors to some of the most welcoming tax climates. As a consequence, we are losing viable businesses. That causes a loss of tax revenue. Filling in the gap with more tax hikes only compounds the problem.

The American economy is built on private enterprise, which promises reward for hard work and ingenuity. When the government takes more than a reasonable amount of the profit, some of the incentive is removed and business stagnates. No growth means no new jobs. You can’t talk about growing jobs and the economy and at the same time punish success. The two are incompatible. You don’t have to grow up on a farm to know you can’t cook a chicken today and expect to gather eggs tomorrow. We need to get government out of the henhouse.

The process shouldn’t be complicated. Government needs to step back from heavy-handed taxation on small and large business and let incentive and ingenuity take over. Profit is re-invested, business grows, more jobs are created and everyone benefits. In the process, tax money is generated as a direct result of a healthier business climate. An additional benefit is that people with jobs not only pay personal taxes but they don’t need public assistance.

Let’s work together to create a healthier business climate for Minnesota. Let’s encourage business today so it can create jobs for our kids tomorrow.

Education

Our representative form of government depends on educated citizens. They must be prepared to understand the issues, be capable of researching candidates’ backgrounds and positions, and vote intelligently. A healthy economy depends on each successive generation to provide the manpower and skills to support existing industry and adapt to a changing world.

Minnesota has always valued and supported quality public education. We need to assure continued standards of excellence. Studies have shown that simply spending more does not improve performance or graduation rates. Critical review and reform must be an ongoing process to assure that our students can compete not only in the U.S. but also in the world economy.

There are some important points that need to be addressed for Minnesota and for this district.

• Education must be the first item of business when building the state budget
• Parents in Greater Minnesota want to know their children receive a fair chance. That means adjusting the budget formula to distribute education dollars more equitably throughout the state. Metro students should not be favored over students in outlying areas.
• Most teachers truly care about their students. The classroom can be very challenging and standardized test scores may not reflect the degree of dedication a teacher has. Practical methods to encourage excellent teachers need to be developed. Likewise, students have a right to qualified and motivated teachers, so poor preparation and burn-out need to be addressed.
• The school day should not be shortened to accommodate non-academics.
• Parents and local school boards need to be given a greater role in deciding where and how children will be educated. Parents must be allowed the option of removing their children from classes that teach what is contrary to their moral or religious beliefs.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) students need to be held to reasonable performance standards within specific time limits.
• On a college level, preference for placement and tuition must always go to U.S. citizens, disallowing advantage to undocumented persons or their children.

Health Care

As a retired nurse, Carolyn has a strong understanding of the need for dependable health care. However, in the current debate, many seem to have forgotten that Americans are the beneficiaries of the best health care in the world. To radically change the delivery of care is a mistake. The government’s role should be to provide a framework that allows free access to a wide choice of plan types and companies. That means letting people choose the company they want, regardless of where it is headquartered. Health plans need to be free of excessive coverage mandates. Clients should have the freedom to choose what they insure and what they assume personal responsibility for. By implementing protection against frivolous lawsuits and unreasonable settlements, doctors could prescribe only the tests that are necessary, thereby reducing cost.

Welfare reform

Minnesota has one of the most liberal welfare systems in the country and has become, for many, a magnet. The American spirit is generous and we’ve always helped those in need. However, it works to no one’s benefit for government to do for individuals what they can and should do for themselves. Government should not destroy human dignity by perpetuating a lifestyle of unnecessary dependency. It is apparent that the system needs to be rebuilt, encouraging and supporting personal responsibility and a sense of self-worth while still addressing legitimate needs.

Of particular concern are families with small children. Although Minnesota welfare subsidies have increased, the number of children living in poverty increased by 20% between 2000 and 2008. We are not addressing the causes of poverty. Clearly, spending more is not achieving the desired goal of reducing poverty. Until trigger factors are identified and state spending redirected to be more effective, the problem will only increase over time.

It is imperative that fraud and ineffective, duplicate and unnecessary programs be eliminated.

Social Issues

On social issues, Carolyn is an unwavering conservative. Believing that human life is precious and that it begins at fertilization, she is an active worker in the defense of life at all stages and in all conditions. In 2008 she received the endorsement of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL).

There is a push to socialize medicine in our own state. With close family ties in the United Kingdom, Carolyn has observed first hand the end result of government cost containment: rationing. The elderly and disabled are always hardest hit. She firmly opposes government takeover of health care.

Recognizing the psychological advantages for children who are raised by their two biological parents, she would support legislation that values, reinforces and protects traditional marriage and family.

Second Amendment rights

Gun ownership is the right of the American individual and no government shall infringe upon that right. Carolyn is a proud member of the NRA.

Recreation and conservation

Our public lands and waters belong to all Minnesotans, not to just a few. These resources must be managed in such a way that they can be enjoyed in many ways by various interest groups With good conservation and public input these lands can be passed on in excellent condition to those who follow in perpetuity.