Communication with District Citizens

A central, basic tenet of democracy is that the will of citizens must be reflected in how the country is run. Being elected to Congress begins a series of responsibilities that I will assume thoughtfully and seriously - promise to all the residents of the 3rd Congressional District. I also ask you to do your part. It is appropriate to ask your Congressperson to support your position on issues but you have to understand that, as a democracy, all voices and all viewpoints need to be heard and considered.

You are a diverse people: different personalities, different socio-economic status, different views about religion, differences in perceptions about what America needs to do to continue to be the 'beacon of democracy' and successful culture that it has been. Because of these differences it gets a bit complicated when we work together to make representative democracy work. I will work hard to hear and understand your voices as you communicate to me, as we gather to discuss the issues when I'm back in the district, and through unbiased surveys through which I will genuinely seek your input rather than try to 'herd you into party philosophy'. You need to be honestly informed of the results so that you understand how people in the 3rd District think.

Fortunately, our differences are dwarfed in numbers by the many ways we are alike. It is basic to human nature to strive to be safe, happy, economically secure, wanting our children to develop into success stories, to prepare for and feel secure about leisure and retirement phases in our lives. We also want to leave a positive legacy of who we are and how we strive to create a positive future for our families and neighbors. There are studies that report lists of values that Americans share, in common, as important to themselves and their communities. As I meet with you in home parties and other gatherings, I will get your input about the values you believe are important and work to promote. The values that citizens of Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District agree on are the values that will guide my votes in Washington D.C.

My pledge to you is that I will place the needs of you and the 3rd District ahead of "party unity" or special interests or personal biases to which many politicians in the Democratic and Republican parties are often bound.