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Carl Samuelson
Carl Samuelson
District: 4B
Party: DFL
Residence: Pequot Lakes, MN
Web site: www.carlsamuelson.com



Statement from the candidate:
The cover of Time magazine on August 13, 1973 depicted then Governor Wendell Anderson hoisting a small northern pike in the air alongside the words "The Good Life in Minnesota." The article within, titled "Minnesota: A State That Works," lauded our natural resources, our hard-working people, our clean government, and our charitable spirit. Minnesota was at the forefront of a long list of virtues and was a model for progressive government and social/fiscal balance.

But times have changed. Our once working state has had its foundation decimated in almost every facet of society. From falling performance in education to the loss of living-wage jobs, from soaring healthcare costs to an erosion in environmental protectionist policies, I have watched this state slide behind many others in the nation. Our pride has dimmed with that slide.

Watching the acceleration of this trend over the past 4 years under the guidance of our Republican brethren has brought a groundswell of outrage and a demand for some accountability. I always considered myself politically savvy, an armchair activist and pundit, but the reality of our current situation has beckoned me to do more. As a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing district 4B, I will work to return our pride and reverse the erosion of our society.


Biography:
Born February 2, 1968 in Waukegan, IL to Harold and Maxine Samuelson.

Grew up in the small town of Bristol, WI, a farming community of 2000 people in Kenosha county.

Moved to Minneapolis, MN in September 1986 to attend the University of Minnesota.

Graduated from the University of Minnesota and became a founding member of the Twin Cities Student Union Alumni Association.

Built a career in information technology and business operations in the high-tech and publishing industries spanning 15 years in the Twin Cities metro area.

Founded Aegis Management Consulting in November of 2001 and moved to the Brainerd lakes area in May of 2002.

Active Democrat working in local politics and helping with campaigns since 1988.

Married Melissa Lynn Brawley, a resident of Pequot Lakes, on December 5, 2003.

Currently on the Board of Directors for the Crow Wing County DFL Party, DFL Precinct Chair for the city of Pequot Lakes, and a delegate to the State DFL convention.

On the Issues:

Should increased taxes be considered as part of a solution to a projected budget deficit?

Undecided
Should gambling be expanded in Minnesota to generate new revenue for the state?

No
Should state funds — directly or indirectly — be used to build new sports facilities for the Twins and Vikings?

No
Do you support Gov Pawlenty's JOBZ zones program?

Undecided
Should K-12 spending in Minnesota be curtailed in order to balance a projected budget deficit?

No
Should a constitutional amendment be presented to voters that would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota?

No
Should the state spend money for expanding mass transit options in Minnesota?

Undecided
Should there be additional restrictions on abortion in Minnesota?

Undecided
Should the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which seeks to protect wildlife habitat and wetlands by paying farmers for taking marginal lands out of agriculture production, be supported?

Yes
Should the state's subsidized health care program be trimmed in order to reduce a projected budget deficit?

No