House District 54A candidate viewpoint: Ron Lischeid

Talk about it

My name is Ron Lischeid. I live in Saint Paul Park.

In poll after poll, 40 percent or more of eligible voters identify themselves as independents. In most elections, voters are only given the option of choosing between candidates who have been endorsed by the DFL and Republican parties. This fall I have decided to seek no party’s endorsement and to run as a true independent candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 54A. My name is on the ballot so that voters will have a third qualified candidate to vote for on Nov 6.

The primary difference between me and my two opponents is the fact that I can make a promise that neither of my opponents can keep. I can promise voters that I will never be pressured by any political party or by any special interest groups to vote in a particular way. As an independent candidate, I have pledged to never accept any PAC, lobbyist or special interest contributions. When I am elected, I will have the political freedom to represent your issues and not the special interests. I believe in the old-fashioned idea that elected public officials are public servants who work for those people that they are elected to represent. I can assure you that I will work for all of the residents in our district specifically and for the greater good of all Minnesotans in general. No other candidate will provide you with better constituent service than I will.

Like many of you, I am disappointed and frustrated by the political gridlock that has sucked the productive life out of our Legislature. It is not surprising that most issues are settled along strict party line votes. Compromise and working for the greater good of all Minnesotans has disappeared. Statesmanship has been replaced by gamesmanship. I hope that you will give me the opportunity to help correct what is wrong with our current two-party system.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I have spent the past 40 years working in the private sector, owning, managing and working for small, independent businesses in the auto repair, vehicle rental and food and beverage industries. I am currently semi-retired, operating a small auto repair business year-round and a food catering business in the summer months.

My main legislative goal is to work with others to stimulate job growth in our state. I want to help make Minnesota become the best state to own and operate a business in the entire country. Providing people with jobs that can support middle class families would go a long way toward providing the revenue needed to solve our state’s ailing economy.

Many of our children and grandchildren have continued their education past high school and now have degrees and job skills that they are unable to use. They are burdened with huge student loan bills that they struggle to pay. We have a moral obligation to provide them with the same opportunities for success that we had.

At various candidate forums this fall, both of my opponents have pledged to reach across the aisle and to work with members of the other party. Since I am already situated politically in the middle, it will be easier for me to motivate both the DFL and the Republicans to achieve the compromises that are necessary to move Minnesota forward.

I can’t get elected this November unless all independent-minded voters support me. In a competitive three-candidate race, 40 percent of the vote can win the election. I have provided all voters an opportunity to vote their conscience and to select the most qualified candidate without regard to political party. I ask that you utilize that opportunity on Election Day.

I ask that you visit my website at www.mn54a.com to view all of my campaign literature. Once again, my name is Ron Lischeid and I would appreciate your support and vote on Nov. 6.

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