MPR: Campaign 2004: Lauri Winterfeldt-Shanks

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Lauri Winterfeldt-Shanks

District:		9A
Party:		DFL
Residence:		Moorhead, MN
Web site:		laurifor9A.com

Statement from the candidate:
There are three reasons I've decided to run for the Minnesota House of Representative in District 9A: my commitment to service to my community, my strong qualifications and experiences, and my disappointment with our current representative.

The citizens of District 9A are proud of our communities and our educational systems. We believe in taking care of our elderly with care and compassion. Charging additional fees for private pay nursing home residents, just to benefit the state's general fund, does not reflect the hopes, or the needs, of the people in this part of Minnesota. It's just not right.

I can't just sit back and watch this happen to the people of District 9A. I want to restore local government aid, build a strong educational system, and care for our elderly with compassion and dignity. I want to be the independent voice people can count on to represent them in St. Paul.

Biography:
I grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in a family that valued citizen involvement. My father served as Social Services Director of Otter Tail County for more than 20 years, my grandfather was a long-time school board member, and my great grandfather served on his township board and school board. I learned from them that if you're fortunate enough to live in this wonderful state, you're expected to help make it even better. My husband and I are now passing that value on to my two children.

I've been active in my community of Moorhead for many years. I currently serve on the Moorhead City Council, representing the people of the third ward. I'm active in my Church and Moorhead Rotary. I serve on the board of directors for the Moorhead Healthy Community Initiative and on the Public Affairs Committee for the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo/Moorhead.

I have worked as a teacher, Early Childhood Program Manager, and currently serve as the Community Education director for the Moorhead Area Public Schools. My professional career and my many years of community service have allowed me to develop strong, effective skills in administration, budgeting, team building, and public relations. Because of my experience, I know the people of this area, I understand the issues that face us all, and I am committed to be an independent voice in St. Paul, to fight for the things that are important to the people of District 9A.

On the Issues:

Should increased taxes be considered as part of a solution to a projected budget deficit?		Yes
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?		Undecided
Do you support Gov Pawlenty's JOBZ zones program?		Yes
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?		Yes
Should there be additional restrictions on abortion in Minnesota?		Yes
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?		Undecided
Should the state's subsidized health care program be trimmed in order to reduce a projected budget deficit?		No

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