State Representative - District 12A Candidate: Dave Holman, Independence

Q: Please list your background and specific qualifications for this position.

A: I am a retired educator that has lived in the district for more than 50 years. I’ve been active politically for most of that time, even being a county chairman. At that time, I pointed out that a bird with only wing cannot fly. The same is true of political parties.

I am the son of Swedish parents, so I am a first-generation American, educated in our American public school system, graduated from Bemidji with both graduate and under-graduate degrees. Most of my career was with the Morris public schools, where my wife and I raised our family.

Q: The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

A: I am the endorsed candidate of the Independence Party. The party is independent, not a compromise between the other parties. We have our own agendas, but do not walk in lock-step. The candidate can be more of an individual.

All parties need to get out of the lock-step mentality.

The voters in House District 12A have another choice this year, rather than the standard two. Remember, if you vote the same way you did in the past, you will get the same results in the present.

Q: Many people saw significant increases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

A: Yes, taxes have gone upwards. The problems are in part due to the national economy, population increase, increase in state mandates and protection of the environment. I will try to keep all increases reasonable and moderate, if needed.

Q: Is the state taking the right approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done?

A: Yes, it will be costly. Prevention and education are the keys. New rules and regulations have to be made as to not be a hindrance to property owners and sportsmen. This will be a difficult issue.

Q: What priority will you give to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

A: This is a very high priority of mine. Energy, in the past, wasted fuels. We need to educate people on how to use our natural resources wisely, including in farming, forestry, water, etc.

The future can have less waste through more efficiency, and there is also a great need for education of the upcoming generations.

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