Jobs
As a product of the middle-class, I have a special place in my heart for all families working their hardest and providing the best possible life for themselves and their children. I want to you to be able keep as much of your hard-earned money as possible. Under the current leadership, and during a period of time of economic struggles for the vast majority of Minnesotans, we have witnessed increases in our taxes across the board. It is time to tell government to tighten its belt and live within its means. As your family has to budget, so should your government.

I support the entrepreneur looking to open a new business; the union worker; as well as the company determining if it is viable to begin or expand their operations and services in Eagan or Burnsville. We must encourage growth and reward success, not punish it. An environment where small businesses can thrive and flourish is imperative for the future of our district and state. It is vital to increase job opportunities inside our district, as well as throughout all of Minnesota. There is a critical need for new jobs and opportunities for those residing inside Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Growing up in the East Side, I know first-hand the challenges those in the inner-city face. I bring to the table new ideas and experiences that have brought Republicans and Democrats together for positive change in Saint Paul. The fact that we doubled votes for a Republican House candidate in 2008 endorses that fact. Having a diverse background with roots in Saint Paul and Eagan; the Twin Cities and Southern California; the Marines and the United Kingdom, all have taught me to listen to all perspectives, carefully making the best decisions and taking into consideration all perspectives and ideas.

By lowering taxes and giving businesses an incentive to relocate or stay here in Minnesota, we will be able to create new jobs for Minnesotans, getting folks back to work and alleviating the tax burden placed on those residing in Burnsville or Eagan. With innovation and new ideas, we can help create a new era of economic prosperity for our district and state. All hard-working taxpayers of our district will be in my thoughts with every vote I cast. I oppose cap and trade as well as man-made global warming, and will fight the redistribution of wealth that some are proposing in our government.

Health Care
Like most things in life, health care could use some improvement. However, taking a wrecking ball to the world’s best health care system is not the answer. We must increase access for all Minnesotans by eliminating barriers placed on whether you can buy out-of-state health insurance. Increasing competition will lower overall costs and keep quality high. Mandating single-payer government health care as the only available option for Americans to choose from has had disastrous consequences for many families and bankrupted nations. One must only examine Hawaii, Canada, Sweden or the United Kingdom to see what a new, socialized medical system will mean for individual Minnesotans and their families. Rationing health care means someone is choosing what procedures or treatment you should receive based on a variety of factors, taking the power out of doctors and patients, putting your fate in the hands of government bureaucrats. Allowing government to decide whether saving your life is worth it is a bridge - once we cross - we may never be able to cross back over

Another consequence for a new government-run health care program will be the loss of medical students who want to become doctors, particularly primary care doctors. They will be, essentially, forced to become a specialist which is the only viable way to pay back all of their massive student loans. Medical students at our best institutions are racking up debt in excess of $300,000 for their medical degree, and similarly to Canada and Britain, there will be less and less overall doctors, and more and more patients burdening the system. This will undoubtedly lead to a system of rationing of care. In this type of system, second opinions will be difficult to attain as many routine waits push well past six months for appointments. For many Minnesotans, a second opinion has saved their lives. If the government decides that you don’t need a second opinion, what are your options?

Some politicians point to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) as the model for public health care. However, as a veteran who has dealt in great depth with many aspects of the VA, I can not say that I, nor any friend of mine who is a veteran, chooses VA care over private doctors and hospitals. It seems those who have not served in the Armed Forces nor have been a patient in the VA system are the biggest advocates for its care.

Transportation
There needs to be more attention paid to the interstate highways in the Eagan/Burnsville area as well as the South metro as a whole.  It is a direct slap in the face to not review old arrangements put into motion in the 1970's with Saint Paul and the state that addressed Dakota County traffic concerns compared to the realities of 2009.  Speed limits from the 494 Junction through Downtown Saint Paul should be raised just as they have in other areas across the Twin Cities Metropolitan area; the speed limit is 5 miles per hour faster on parts of Yankee Doodle Road compared to sections of Interstate 35 to the city.  I will fight for the taxpayers of Dakota County who's concerns are being ignored in our state government.  Everyday families are driving and in jeopardy as they travel on this dangerous stretch.  If some complain in the city about noise, I contend it's not quite as loud as the planes flying over our district daily.  It is also critical to develop the land the State of Minnesota purchased around Ayd Mill Road in Saint Paul and finally connect Interstates 35E and 94.  The transportation needs of the South metro have been ignored long enough by our senator who even sit as Vice Chair of the Transportation Budget and Policy Division, enough is enough- it's time for a change.

I feel too much emphasis is being placed on mass transit and not enough on roads and bridges.  Carpooling lanes are common in many parts of the country, and I would like to see a re-emphasis into our infrastructure before any more "feel good" mass transit projects tear up a road where a plethora of buses are already constantly servicing those with a desire to utilize public transportation in the city also known as the Central Corridor.

Education
Our children and grandchildren are the future. The primary goal for our education system should be to provide the best quality education for all Minnesota’s youth. We have arguably one of the best-performing and most-respected school districts in the state here in Independent School District 196. Even so, and as with anything, there is always room for improvement and we should aim even higher each school year. I will fight to set the bar even higher. We must provide all the tools necessary to excel and to continue our reputation as being among the best school districts in the state. We must also address the disproportionate funding allocated by the state for students in ISD 196 versus students in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Introducing new innovations in education that work with the needs of parents, teachers and most importantly, the students is also important to me.
I believe parents who cannot afford to send their children to private schools should be eligible to receive a tax credit for tuition assistance, alleviating some of the financial burden on families paying both for public and private education. Accountability and innovation: two values I will fight for within the entire state education system.

Public Safety & Security
I believe in the enforcement of our laws. We must have adequate funding for essential services including our police and fire departments. I oppose sanctuary cities and would work hard to introduce new legislation for protecting our children from predators in our communities. Protecting Minnesota’s youth should be a priority for our legislators. If elected next November, I will do all within my power to ensure we have the toughest laws in the nation for sexual predators. We must enforce immigration laws and protect our borders, both North and South. We need new leadership that understands what leads those in our cities towards a life of gangs, crime and much too often, prison. We must encourage service to our nation, albeit the military or civilian service organizations. I sincerely hope to provide new opportunities to our youth across the state, new alternatives and a reinvestment in our youth programs and mentoring, showing kids the right way, not the wrong way. Together we can make a difference.

Family Values
I believe that parents – not schools or government - are primarily responsible for the growth and development of their children. We live in one of the very best environments in all of America to raise children. Eagan has been voted the “Best Place in Minnesota to Raise a Family in Minnesota” but we shouldn’t gloat or become content with the status quo. We must continue to strive for new heights that improve the overall quality of life for all of our residents, providing a safe and positive environment for future generations of Minnesotans. Receiving these types of honors is a testament to the residents’ character and values. If elected, I will provide leadership to take what has worked in cities similar to Eagan, and push for new reforms and accountability within Saint Paul and Minneapolis that will make Minnesota an example of what other states should do.

Growing up in an area that is known for crime, I can say from first-hand experience that community and neighborhood associations, lead by concerned neighbors, are the best way to help law enforcement fight crime and it shows in both Eagan and Burnsville.

As your Senator, I will work hard to provide the best possible environment for you to raise your family. By applying my experiences and working hard for all of the people of Minnesota - most importantly the residents of Senate District 38 - I will be able to effectively fight for reform and accountability across our entire state. Protecting our families and punishing those who commit crimes against innocent Minnesotans will be a top priority for me, whether it be murder or identity theft, you can count on me to stand up for you.

I pledge to not only legislate for today, but also keep in mind what is going to be best for future generations of Minnesotans.

 

Click here for David's Keynote Address at the City of Rosemount's Memorial Cermony, 2009.