Jim Read, a 30-year resident of central Minnesota, announced his candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 13A on Facebook on Aug. 3.
The district includes St. Joseph, Collegeville, Avon, Cold Spring, Richmond, Paynesville, Rockville, Roscoe, Kimball, Eden Valley and surrounding communities.
“I am running because we face a number of critical decisions at a time of deepening political division,” Read said. “I believe the best way to bridge these divisions is through individual face-to-face conversations. I will aim to visit every household in the district, and talk with every voter I meet, regardless of party. I cannot guarantee we will always agree, but I promise always to listen.
“As a college teacher I encourage young men and women of all political persuasions to become active and informed citizens. In 1992, I was a candidate for the legislature in central Minnesota and came 98 votes short. I will remind myself every person I talk with might cast the deciding vote.”
Read highlighted four issues:
Health care: “Whatever happens in Washington, we in Minnesota must take responsibility for ensuring affordable health care to everyone in our state. As I go door to door, I will invite people to describe their own experiences with our health-care system.”
Economic opportunity: “We need to invest in job skills, infrastructure, high-speed internet access and other measures to provide economic opportunity to all Minnesotans. I will work to create conditions, including health-care coverage, that enable our local businesses to grow and hire, and our workers and their families to thrive.”
Environment: “Minnesota has been a national leader in protecting our environment, and I will continue in that tradition. I will work with everyone who values Minnesota’s lakes, streams and groundwater. Climate change is real and already affects our state. Clean-energy opportunity is also real and has already spurred new wind and solar businesses and jobs in our district.”
Education: “Minnesota’s economy and high quality of life depend on excellent education at all levels. I will work with K-12 teachers, principals, parents and community leaders to improve success for children of all backgrounds and incomes, and with community colleges and public and private universities to make higher education more affordable.”
Read lives in Avon. He has taught in the political science department at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University since 1988.
