As a write-in candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 7B, I'd like to take a moment to share with you why I'm running, my background in the fire service and why I believe I can step in and make an immediate difference for Duluth at the Capitol.
Currently, I serve as an assistant chief for the Duluth Fire Department and as president of the local firefighters union. I love these jobs because both are service-oriented and both have helped me build a bond with the city and community.
People ask, why me? Why now?
I tell them I'm running because it's important to have an effective legislator representing us in our time of recovery. I was on duty when the June floods hit. I helped manage the disaster and saw first-hand the destruction our region suffered. Rest assured I will fight tooth and nail to make sure we get all the resources we need to recover and to make Duluth even stronger.
I tell them that as a firefighter, I've seen this city from the inside and from every corner. I know the underrepresented deserve the same help, care and support as a millionaire. I am committed to making a difference, and I believe I will be a strong partner in helping our community move forward.
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I tell them I grew up here. My kids are in school here. My wife and I want to grow old here. I am fully committed, therefore, to improving our children's education, to promoting living wages, and to taking care of our seniors.
The issues that are important to me are the issues that are important to our community: the future of local government aid, which makes up nearly 40 percent of our city's general fund budget yet is controlled by the state Legislature; the concept of shared-source regional centers, which I support wholeheartedly as a way to promote efficiency and service; and the loss of the Homestead Tax Credit, which has proven to be nothing more than a tax increase by another name.
It is for all these reasons and more that I am running for the House of Representatives. I am ready to serve the citizens and am ready give to back to this great community. I ask for and welcome your support.
Erik Simonson of Duluth is an assistant fire chief, is president of International Association of Firefighters Local 101, and is a write-in candidate on Nov. 6 to represent District 7B in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
