Carla Nelson: Times like these call for leaders who know how to get things done

2020 has been a difficult year, to put it mildly. Pandemic and protest, riots and resistance, both economic downturn and political upheaval. We all want to put his year behind us. But as we face the election of 2020, we must ask ourselves how we are going to rebuild and who is the best choice for guiding that recovery?

It has been my privilege and honor to serve the people of Olmsted County in the Senate of our great state for the last decade. In times like these we need experienced leaders who understand how to bring people together to get things done. In my years at the capital, I have carved out a reputation as someone who will do the hard work needed to find real solutions to complex problems even when the votes might have been unpopular with many.

I have delivered for this area by prioritizing education funding and many projects to improve our communities such as the Rochester International Airport, The Reading Center, PTech and Be the Match. I’ve worked to find common sense police reform that respects those who truly protect and serve while making the rare bad apple even rarer still.

Unfortunately, instead of having honest discussions about the challenges we face, this campaign has been overrun by false attack ads funded by billionaires from the Left Coast and the Big Apple that seek to distort my record and attack my character. Let me be clear — I have always taken COVID-19 seriously by listening to the experts at the number one hospital in the world right here in my district and I’ve long supported providing coverage for those with pre-existing conditions through our state programs and not by Federal takeover of health care. I will always support our police, while continuing to find common sense reform that will allow every Minnesotan to feel safe.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training or a hardline partisan, activist neophyte. We need a tried and tested public servant who understands that solving problems takes compromise and cooperation for the good of all Minnesotans. It has been an honor and great responsibility to serve as your state senator for the past ten years. We have accomplished much, yet there is much more to do. That is why I humbly ask for your vote so we can continue to make Minnesota a great place to live, work, play and raise a family with equity and justice for all.

Carla Nelson is seeking re-election to the Minnesota Senate, Seat 26.