A Strong Northern Minnesota Economy

We live in one of the best places in the state to work and raise a family. To keep Northern Minnesota vibrant, we have to maintain and attract good jobs.

I believe the public sector can help businesses run smoothly by providing certain infrastructure and services: namely, a well-educated workforce, good roads to get products and people where they need to go, and partnership in solving the health care crisis.

On top of working to improve these core areas, I have focused on supporting key industries for our region including tourism, natural resources, manufacturing and technology.

When we in Minnesota address energy concerns, we will provide job opportunities at the same time.  Improvements in weatherization, new energy sources and better utilization of our current energy sources can provide jobs for people here in Northern Minnesota. Let's put our own people to work.

In addition, I believe the state could help business by bringing better internet and cell phone infrastructure to rural Minnesota through incentives and tax credits. Technology has given us the ability to connect businesses and customers across the world. We need the dependable, fast, affordable internet and cell phone connections to better use these advances to benefit businesses and telecommuters in rural Minnesota.