Local Entrepreneur and Philanthropic Leader Kevin Burkart Announces Candidacy for MN House of Representatives
St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) March 04, 2014 -- Kevin Burkart has officially announced his campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives for District 55B representing the people of Prior Lake, Jordan, and Credit River, Spring Lake, Sand Creek and St. Lawrence townships.
Kevin is motivated to run by his dedication to the community and his desire to see Scott County become a leading economic engine for the state and have the most livable communities. In order to do that Kevin realizes that a new type of leadership is needed in St. Paul; a leadership built on collaboration and compromise.
Kevin will seek the DFL endorsement at the March 15, 2014 DFL Senate District convention in Shakopee.
“I’m not big on party politics and I am disappointed that so many legislators take office with a winner-takes-all mentality,” said Kevin. “They go into office with a hardened list of positions and quickly fall in-line with their party leaders on every important issue. There isn’t real collaboration and compromise to make sure we are doing our best for the people of Minnesota. Politics has become a game of ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ and that isn’t helping the businesses and people of Scott County. It’s time for the people in this area to have representation in St. Paul that doesn’t just follow a party platform.”
Having aligned himself with the Republican Party for much of his life, over the last 20 years Kevin recognized a major shift in the party’s philosophy. “The Republican Party used to be a party of limited government and fiscal restraint. Unfortunately, over the past 20+ years, the party has not maintained fiscally conservative principles and has become more focused on legislating people’s personal lives.”
This shift in the party philosophy led Kevin to realign himself with the Democratic Party, but that doesn’t mean he agrees with all Democratic positions. As a former CPA and current business owner, he maintains a dedication to fiscally conservative principles and limited government.
“It’s important for us to make sure that government maintains its focus on providing the common resources we all need while allowing us to pursue the American Dream in the way we see best,” Kevin added. “I consider myself fiscally conservative and socially progressive. For the most part the government should stay out of our business and our businesses.”
In deciding to run for office, Kevin had many discussions with people throughout the leadership of the Democratic Party. The dialogue was both constructive and optimistic. “Where the Republican Party has been largely focused on ensuring all candidates are 100% aligned with the party, it was impressed on me that the Democratic Party welcomes my fresh perspective and willingness to discuss the issues.”
“I see no value in electing someone to go to St. Paul, and paying them nearly $40,000, so they can represent only their party. If elected I intend to work hard to represent the people and it’s time the people were represented again. It’s time to put people over party.”
“I believe the DFL is the party of ideas. In my discussions I made it clear that my goal was to bring new ideas and represent the people of Scott County. I strongly believe in entrepreneurship and the opportunities therein represent the most efficient and productive way to distribute wealth. Minnesota needs to make it easier for people to thrive by simplifying and lowering the tax burden while ensuring tax revenues are invested in infrastructure and business development opportunities.”
Kevin's diverse background and broad skill set includes business, philanthropy, and community involvement, which make him uniquely qualified for office. "Much of what I do is about finding new solutions and building consensus to move things forward," said Kevin. "I am confident, based on my experience and resume, that an overwhelming majority of voters will find me to be the best representative for their ideas. I am ready to serve and give back to a community that has been good to me.”
Katie Kunz, StepStoneGroup, +1 9522331474, [email protected]
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