LETTER: It's Time for 'Moderate, Pragmatic Voice' in Senate

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Melisa Franzen, DFL candidate for State Senate District 49. The views expressed are solely hers and do not reflect those of Patch.

My name is Melisa Franzen and I am a candidate for Senate District 49, which includes Edina, West Bloomington, southeast Minnetonka and northeast Eden Prairie.  I believe it’s time for a moderate and pragmatic voice in our state senate. As a community we believe in the common good and that we are all in this together, but we also understand that tough choices will have to be made.

I am running for the Minnesota Senate to bring sensible solutions to the most pressing problems facing our district and our state. As your state senator I will work to create jobs, make smart investments in our schools, and improve the infrastructure and regulatory environment that our businesses need to grow and prosper.  More importantly, your priorities will be my priorities.

I am a first-time candidate for the senate at a time when we desperately need new energy and new ideas in the legislature.  I pledge to you that I will work tirelessly to represent your interests in the senate. I am currently an attorney working in government affairs for one of Minnesota’s largest employers, Target Corporation. My professional experience in a Fortune 50 company and as a small business owner has taught me the value of compromise to get things done. I understand that we cannot move forward without working together.

We face serious challenges as a community and a state. Unemployment is still dragging at 5.8 percent and the skills gap continues to be a challenge for our schools. However, instead of creating jobs and balancing the budget we are focusing on whether to limit the right to marriage and insert divisiveness into the fabric of our state constitution. Our community deserves much more from our elected leaders. I ask for your support and your vote on November 6. Let’s get to work. 

Sincerely,

Melisa Franzen
Candidate Senate District 49

Have something of your own to say? Send us a letter by emailing ryan.gauthier@patch.com.

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