Anne Buckvold, St. Joseph
I am Catholic. I don’t have any illusions I can make a perfect world. The world, similar to my home with four young children, is mysterious and messy. I like it this way. It leaves plenty of room for joy and wonder, and work is always readily available.
Our community and country is split. Our politics are deeply divided and in many ways void of faith. I have faith in the whole, which is why I am running to represent District 13A.
Recently in preparation for an education forum, I called all superintendents of the seven school districts in my legislative district. Many were surprised by the call. One exclaimed, “I’ve never had a legislator or candidate call me before. Thank you!”
If elected, I will continue to ensure the experiences of community members and leaders are considered when shaping policy. My consistent promise to residents of 13A is I will do everything I can to get elected officials working together. This last session, virtually nothing happened.
Nearly 10 years ago, the 35W bridge collapsed and 12 people died. All candidates of SD 13 and 14 just learned another one of Minnesota’s more than 22,000 bridges collapsed. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
I won’t make everyone happy if I’m elected. I’m OK with that. Much like serving dinner every night to four kids; someone is usually unhappy. I have a responsibility to put dinner on the table, to ensure basic needs are met.
Residents of Minnesota need to stand together on issues central to the overall health of our state: transportation, education, jobs, health care. This is the only reliable antidote to the partisan politics that have overtaken our state and stalled all efforts of reasonable governance.
To those residing in legislative District 13A, I ask for your vote on Nov. 8. Let’s “Buck the System” and get our state government working again.