Candidate's view: Life experiences will serve 6A well

I am running in the Aug. 9 primary to serve District 6A in the Minnesota House of Representatives because the Iron Range is my home and it means everything to me. I have deep roots in our community, and I am confident I have the experience necessary to work with all of you in a bipartisan manner at the state Capitol.
My first exposure to government was at Hibbing High School when I participated in Close Up, which encourages young people to be informed and involved citizens. I grew up in a family that valued civic engagement, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn at a young age how to be involved in government to make a difference in people’s lives.My husband, Evan, and I are instilling in our three children the same ideals my parents instilled in me about giving back to our community. I believe in leading by example, and I am involved with a number of area organizations. I am the conductor for the Hibbing City Band, play in the Hibbing Alumni Band and Mesabi Symphony Orchestra, volunteer at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and am a volunteer first responder. My family attends the Chisholm Baptist Church where I serve as choir director and as the primary education director and teacher.I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in music education and later earned a graduate degree through St. Mary’s University. I have taught for 22 years.The strength of our families and communities depends on educated citizens. Our businesses depend on educated workers. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure all Iron Range school districts can continue a tradition of excellence.As a union leader in the Virginia Education Association Local 1281 and Education Minnesota, two of the many areas I advocate for are workers’ rights and health care. I am extremely honored to be endorsed by Education Minnesota, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and the United Steelworkers. Union members know I am the candidate who will work to diversify and create jobs on the Iron Range and protect workers’ pensions.Six years ago I was approached to run for office, but I had a lot of work to do in my community; now I am ready to work for our community in St. Paul.I appreciate Rep. Carly Melin’s service. I believe the Legislature needs more women’s voices and people willing to work in a bipartisan manner to get the work done. I believe my life experiences make me the best candidate to build on Rep. Melin’s achievements to secure a bright future for the Iron Range. I would appreciate your vote Aug. 9. Julie Sandstede of Hibbing is one of four DFL candidates for Minnesota House District 6A. She wrote this at the invitation of the News Tribune. For more information, go to juliesandstede.com.I am running in the Aug. 9 primary to serve District 6A in the Minnesota House of Representatives because the Iron Range is my home and it means everything to me. I have deep roots in our community, and I am confident I have the experience necessary to work with all of you in a bipartisan manner at the state Capitol.
My first exposure to government was at Hibbing High School when I participated in Close Up, which encourages young people to be informed and involved citizens. I grew up in a family that valued civic engagement, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn at a young age how to be involved in government to make a difference in people’s lives.My husband, Evan, and I are instilling in our three children the same ideals my parents instilled in me about giving back to our community. I believe in leading by example, and I am involved with a number of area organizations. I am the conductor for the Hibbing City Band, play in the Hibbing Alumni Band and Mesabi Symphony Orchestra, volunteer at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and am a volunteer first responder. My family attends the Chisholm Baptist Church where I serve as choir director and as the primary education director and teacher.I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in music education and later earned a graduate degree through St. Mary’s University. I have taught for 22 years.The strength of our families and communities depends on educated citizens. Our businesses depend on educated workers. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure all Iron Range school districts can continue a tradition of excellence.As a union leader in the Virginia Education Association Local 1281 and Education Minnesota, two of the many areas I advocate for are workers’ rights and health care. I am extremely honored to be endorsed by Education Minnesota, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and the United Steelworkers. Union members know I am the candidate who will work to diversify and create jobs on the Iron Range and protect workers’ pensions.Six years ago I was approached to run for office, but I had a lot of work to do in my community; now I am ready to work for our community in St. Paul.I appreciate Rep. Carly Melin’s service. I believe the Legislature needs more women’s voices and people willing to work in a bipartisan manner to get the work done. I believe my life experiences make me the best candidate to build on Rep. Melin’s achievements to secure a bright future for the Iron Range. I would appreciate your vote Aug. 9.Julie Sandstede of Hibbing is one of four DFL candidates for Minnesota House District 6A. She wrote this at the invitation of the News Tribune. For more information, go to juliesandstede.com.