We need to get our economy moving again and keep our kids, families, and coworkers safe during COVID. We can and need to do both simultaneously. We can create new jobs right here by investing 
in roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects. At the same time, by working together and following commonsense and flexible guidelines, we can rebuild together and better.
In January of this year, I attended a “Legislative Breakfast” with Sherburne County Commissioners. The breakfast was held before the Special Election February 4th and before the regular legislative session. The Commissioners presented several bonding bill priorities for Sherburne County. All the legislators and candidates attending pledged to support these priorities to invest in local roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
Sherburne County Commissioner’s Bonding Bill Priorities
- Number 1: seeking $24.76 million in bonding money for the Becker Business Park to help the energy industry redefine itself in and around the Sherco Power Plant in Becker.
- Number 2: was to seek bonding money for an overpass at County Road 4 in Zimmerman, which once the Elk River freeway project is complete will be the last remaining stoplight on a 75-mile stretch between I-94 and Mille Lacs (Jim Boyle, Monticello Times, Becker Business Park at the very top on the priority list of Sherburne County, January 17, 2020, https://www.hometownsource.com/monticello_times/community/big_lake/becker-business-park-at-very-top-on-priority-list-of-sherburne-county/article_e272c3f0-398a-11ea-b8aa-cfbde5d25c37.html).
- Number 3: Allocating resources to fix local roads.
Chad Hobot speaks with Sherco workers about creating local jobs at the Boiler Makers 647 Union Hall, Ramsey MN. January 2020.
Paul Novotny Voted Against Investing in Local Roads and Infrastructure
My opponent in the election, Paul Novotny, after not one, or two, but three Special Legislative Sessions this year, voted against shovel ready economic stimulus projects for Sherburne County. COVID has crippled our economy. One way to get the economy moving again is a stimulus package, and the Bonding Bill was it. Instead, Paul Novotny and his caucus decided to pick fights with the Governor’s efforts to keep us safe during COVID.
We need an Independent Leader, not a Party-Liner
Party-line legislators only score points for those they huddle with, but independent leaders do what is right by putting points on the board for everyone to win. The Bonding Bill is a good example of what I talking about. We need commonsense leadership more than ever. Working together we can get our economy moving again while keeping our kids, families, and co-workers safe from COVID. I keep my word. I believe in calling balls and strikes, it doesn’t matter to me if the pitcher of a good idea is wearing a Republican or Democrat jersey. If it is good for Elk River, Big Lake, and Otsego, I’m going to take a swing at it.
We Need Strong Leadership Willing to Do What is Right
We can rebuild our economy by focusing on where we need to go, working together, and thinking outside the box. By following commonsense and flexible guidelines, like wearing face covers and social distancing in public, we can help keep our families, children, and co-workers safe.
