By Joe Duffy
I have filed to run on the Independence Party ticket for Minnesota House seat 30A held by retiring Rep. Dave Bishop.
This decision was spurred in large part by the outcome of the Republican endorsing convention in May. But, it was the announcements in subsequent weeks by two highly respected legislators, former Congressman Tim Penny and state Sen. Sheila Kiscaden, to run on the Independence Party ticket that led me to follow suit for the following reasons.
First, it is imperative that Rochester continues to have strong, proven leadership in St. Paul. My eight years as a member of the Rochester City Council, as well as my service on local and statewide boards and committees, uniquely qualify me to provide this type of experienced leadership representing Rochester in the Legislature. This will be especially important in the budgeting process, for example, because the politically expedient choices for solving the state's projected shortfall -- exceeding $2.4 billion -- have already been made. In the next biennium, we must realistically balance expenditures and revenues by using common-sense solutions to solve the crisis.
Second, I have lived in Rochester for more than 27 years. I know this community well as a citizen, former elected official, and volunteer; its successes, welfare and quality of life have been among my top priorities almost since the day I arrived. Now, more than ever, the Legislature is making decisions that will deeply affect Rochester -- whether it is seeking feasible solutions for the state's financial crisis, funding higher education, ensuring public school academic standards, making health care accessible, funding local transportation needs, or adopting public safety measures to counter terrorism. The outcomes are critical; with my experience, background and statewide connections, I guarantee Rochester's interests will be represented with a clear, strong voice.
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Third, I am politically moderate, a person who believes in "old-fashioned Republican values," a fiscal conservative who is convinced governmental mandates and regulations are not the solutions for most of the state's problems. It became clear to me recently that I will be able to represent the centrist views of the majority in District 30A not as a Republican, but as an independent.
If elected to the House, I pledge to be accessible, be a good listener, and to fight for what I believe to be in the best interests of my district.
Duffy is a candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 30A.
