This is the second in a series of getting to know non-incumbents running for the Minnesota Legislature.
In what is sure to be the most youthful house race in the state, Derrick Lindstrom, 30, will try to unseat incumbent Tara Mack, 26, in 37A.
The Minneapolis Community and Technical College professor describes himself as “a fiscally conservative, socially liberal, moderate Democrat,” and has become “increasingly disenfranchised with extreme politics.”
Though he admits it sounds cliché, Lindstrom says he never aspired to a career in politics. And, has no problem taking on his own party. “We need to raise taxes in a sustainable way…the DFL passed the tobacco (fee) increase to get people to stop smoking and to raise revenue. If people stop smoking, there is no revenue.”
Lindstrom, whose wife is a public school teacher, has a keen interest in education. “The Ventura administration started the problem, now we need to stabilize funding and close the achievement gap.” Lindstrom believes all day kindergarten is a way to solve the latter. He also wants to work toward reducing class sizes.
Additionally, Lindstrom wants to see a reduction in property taxes, “Last year my home value fell, but my property taxes rose.” He also wants to“provide financial support for families with armed service members serving overseas.”
The five-year Apple Valley resident has seen many short comings in his opponent. “There is no doubt that Tara grew up in Apple Valley. But, Tara is a career politician that is more concerned about keeping her seat than working for her constituents." First-term, Mack, is a former legislative aide.
"I am very disheartened by Tara's laissez-faire approach. Tara has introduced almost no legislation, many of those bills were duplicates or small modifications of other bills that were introduced and her attendance at key committee hearings is sometimes lacking. Tara missed 27 floor votes, that’s 27 times the people of 37A did not have a voice," Lindstrom said.
“Having children provides me a different perspective. I bring more life experience to the table,” Lindstrom said. “Being a father is important, I can understand what voters are going through.” Mack is childless.
Other Challengers:
Comments
Tara missed those votes so she could attend the funeral of a family member. For something that tries to pass himself off as a family man, that's an awfully anti-family thing to attack her for.
Plus isn't criticizing a woman for not having kids a little sexist? I have a hard time believing you'd be attacking a male candidate for not having children.
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