A Message From Kim Norton

11/05/2006

Greetings to Voters,

As many of you know, the last weeks of the campaign have been rough. I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to you, the voter, and set the record straight.

The negative ads sent out by the Minnesota GOP and even the recent piece by my opponent, contain twisted truths, lies and misinformation that are meant to deceive the community and tarnish my reputation.

Let’s be clear about the negative advertising in the House 29B campaign: It’s ugly and it’s coming from both parties. I am disappointed in the tactics employed by the parties. I’ve written to the DFL state party chair, asking the DFL party to stop the negative ads in our race. Unfortunately no candidate can control these independent expenditures; in fact, the candidates are not even aware of them until they appear.

Visit KimNorton.org for more about Kim You should know that my campaign has not produced or distributed any negative ads; I don’t think that’s a productive way to illustrate my qualifications or disseminate my message. Being a good representative is about working for the people of Minnesota. It is the opportunity to be a voice for your concerns that drives my desire to represent you in the Minnesota House.

I believe we need outstanding public schools to produce an educated workforce. I have worked towards improvements in the under-funded No Child Left Behind mandate. I strongly support the development of the U of M Rochester with a math, science and technology focus while maintaining the excellent University Center Rochester (UCR) programs. I have a degree in Human Development/Special Education from the University of Nebraska; I’ve been elected twice to the Rochester School Board, served on various committees of the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, and am on the National PTA Board of Directors.

I believe in addressing the crisis of rising healthcare premiums that impact our families and strain small businesses. I will demand a sensible prescription drug assistance plan for seniors. I will fight to allow small businesses to pool resources to offer health care to their employees at a lower cost. I will work to maintain strong public health care programs aimed at preventive care. Currently I serve on the Olmsted County Public Health Community Advisory Committee, I’m on the State Steering Committee for MN Action for Healthy Kids, and I am a Co-Chair of Steps to a Healthier Minnesota State Leadership Team 2006.

I believe in an honest tax system, which includes closing corporate loopholes for businesses that outsource jobs to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. I will fight for stable funding for programs necessary to help Minnesota continue to prosper and for responsible funding that does not unduly burden property owners.

Sincerely,
Kim Norton

PS. Vote for Kim on November 7th