Each year, we meet with another crop of candidates and are reminded that they work extremely hard; that they care about the future of our city, state and nation; and that they deserve our thanks. It’s a lot to ask of anyone to offer themselves up to the scrutiny and criticism that a run for office brings.
In making our endorsements, members of our editorial board met with candidates, we considered what was said at debates, in answers to questionnaires and in campaign literature. There is no set system or complicated grading process. We discussed the candidates’ take on the issues, experience and commitment to the community.
We’d like you to consider our endorsements as another piece of information for you to use as you make your decision on who to vote for on Nov. 4.
City Council – Butcher, Case
All Eden Prairie City Council candidates encouraged trimming the city’s budget by finding efficiencies. With the state of the economy, we hope that the candidates selected by the voters pursue that goal.
Our first endorsement goes to Sherry Butcher. She has long been an outstanding leader, serving on the council since 1996. Butcher not only has a vision for Eden Prairie, she also has a vision for how Eden Prairie should be governed. She proposes a “lean government” for Eden Prairie, making sure waste is eliminated from city processes. Her leadership will be vital as Eden Prairie’s growth slows and the community prepares for the future, while preserving its past.
Also receiving our endorsement is Ron Case. Case joins Butcher to support preserving the capital improvements program levy, which will be needed to fund future city infrastructure projects. A former longtime council member, Case in particular has proposed saving money by finding energy efficient solutions for the city. He wants to bring the community together, through balanced decision making. We challenge him to follow through on that.
City Council Member Brad Aho is also an excellent candidate. For those whose primary focus is on keeping the tax burden in check, Aho is the right choice. His service on the City Council has been commendable. Newcomer Jeffrey Meyerhofer is a good candidate as well, with new ideas and a focus on accountability and reducing taxes. He could benefit from more community involvement and experience, like service on a board or commission.
House District 42A – Ruud
You can’t find common ground if you don’t look for it. In House District 42A, which covers Minnetonka and part of Eden Prairie, Republican Shari May has stated that she is not one that compromises. Compromise is necessary to get things done in the Legislature.
Rep. Maria Ruud, the DFL candidate, receives our nod in this race. Beyond her campaign slogan, of “finding common ground,” she has a strong track record in her four years at the Legislature. Ruud also keeps in close contact with constituents, with regular meetings in the community. She deserves a chance to continue her work on education, common-sense health care initiatives, transportation and clean energy.
May would be a good choice for those chiefly focused on fiscal discipline and reducing the cost of government. She would also be an unwavering advocate for issues she believes in.
House District 42B – Loon
In Eden Prairie’s District 42B, Jerry Pitzrick and Jenifer Loon are battling for the seat being vacated by Rep. Erik Paulsen, who is running for Congress. Jerry Pitzrick, the DFL candidate, brings an engineer’s perspective, in addition to his experience on the Eden Prairie Planning Commission. His job has been building consensus among groups.
Jenifer Loon gets the nod in this race, based on her concrete ideas supporting small businesses, including support of tax cuts for start-up businesses. She is articulate and has experience in the halls of government, as well as a history of service to the community in her work with the Eden Prairie School District. She has discussed the need for funding special education mandates.
Third District – Paulsen
In the Third District, Independence Party candidate David Dillon and DFL candidate Ashwin Madia both offer good ideas and are excellent candidates, but Erik Paulsen gets the nod, for his consistent service to the community, his 14 years of experience and his record. Paulsen has spearheaded initiatives supporting doing business with India and encouraging the study of Mandarin Chinese in Minnesota school districts, showing a global focus. He has pledged to work in a bipartisan way.
Dillon raises the hope that reform could come to Washington in the form of independent voices not beholden to a party or lobby. We hope to hear more from him, especially on solutions for economic and immigration issues. All candidates should have a “humor” section on their Web sites, as he does.