by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Phil Jones, the police chief for Cold Spring, recently announced he is seeking the Republican endorsement for Minnesota House of Representatives District 13A.
The City of St. Joseph is within District 13A, which used to be District 14A until the recent redistricting process. Larry Hosch (D-St. Joseph) is now serving his fourth term as representative for District 14A. He recently announced he will not file for re-election. So far, no democrat has filed to run in newly created District 13A.
Jones announced his bid for the position last week.
“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives,” Jones said. “I will work hard to represent our communities and the people who call them home. I want to make Minnesota competitive again. Creating a strong economy that fosters job growth is my number-one priority. We need to reform government, control state spending and reduce the burdensome regulations that hinder economic development and job creation in our state.”
Jones is the police chief for the cities of Cold Spring, Richmond and Wakefield Township. He has been with the Department for 22 years, serving 18 years as chief. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Minnesota Army National Guard. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in criminal justice from Mankato State University, earning a minor in political science. He completed the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s police-management series and completed training in programs at the Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, D.C.
In 2010, Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Jones to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board, on which he currently serves. He was also appointed to serve on the Minnesota School All Hazards Task Force.
Jones is the past president of the Stearns County Chiefs of Police Association and has served on the Stearns County Mental Health Advisory Task Force. He is also an instructor for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and teaches leadership and media relations.
Jones lives with his wife, Vikki, and three daughters in Cold Spring.
“I look forward to spending time in the months ahead with the citizens of District 13A, listening to their concerns and sharing ideas for how we can move Minnesota forward,” Jones said.
Minnesota House District 13A encompasses most of the former district 14B, which includes the cities of St. Joseph, Collegeville, Cold Spring, Richmond, Roscoe, Rockville, Kimball, Paynesville and Fairhaven.