12/22/2007 10:46:00 AM House candidate rolls growing
(Left to Right) Rep. Mark Olson, Steve Andrews, Mark Lumley and Corinne Gintz
By Jennifer Edwards Contributing Writer
Two Republican candidates have joined Big Lake DFLer Steve Andrews in declaring their intent to run for the Dist. 16B House seat currently held by Mark Olson.
Mark Lumley of Becker intends to hold a public press conference at Salida Depot Thursday (Dec. 27), at 6 p.m. to announce his intentions.
"It is something I've always wanted to do," said Lumley, a licensed building contractor who is completing his degree at St. Cloud State University to become a high school social studies and history teacher.
"I don't think things are being run in the way our Founding Fathers intended," Lumley said. "I believe if you are not happy with something, you should do something about it."
Lumley was born and raised in the Becker area. He said he sees education as the primary tool to get students on the right road in life.
"I object to schools that look like the Taj Mahal but don't do the job of educating students," he said.
Transportation is also an issue for Lumley.
"This is a growing area. We need to see adequate roads being built. We also need more local industry and businesses so people don't have to drive to St. Cloud to buy a suit," Lumley said. "Growth is going to happen and it will bring more jobs to the area."
Corinne Gintz of Elk River says she is running for the office to work for fair funding for schools, reduce the cost of healthcare while maintaining freedom of choice for consumers, and to provide property tax relief for Sherburne County residents across the board.
"There are many challenges facing families today and I believe Minnesota needs a new generation of leaders who are ready to bring a fresh perspective and a positive approach to work together to get the job done," said Gintz, a lifelong Republican.
"I have seen the repercussions of an unfair state funding system which penalizes suburban and exurban schools," she said. "A student is a student no matter where they live and our current system in which schools are funded by regional favoritism must end."
Gintz is opposed to a government-run healthcare system and any efforts to raise income, sales or property taxes.
"If we need to raise revenue, it should be done by expanding jobs and nurturing small business, not by raising taxes on middle class families," she said.
Lumley and Gintz will attend the Republican precinct caucuses in March. The endorsing convention takes place March 22.
Rep. Olson intends to fight for his seat. Sherburne County Republican Chair Paul Vollkommer says he may get the endorsement of the Sherburne County GOP, in spite of political troubles at the Capital.
"Mark has served this district for 16 years," Vollkommer said. "He still seems to have a lot of support in the community."
