I'm running for Minnesota Senate District 5. I'm not a politician and I don't aspire to be. The reason I'm running is because as a firefighter I took an oath to protect the people of Minnesota, and like many of you, I feel the need for representation that's willing to work hard to make sure the work done in St. Paul comes back home to us in rural Minnesota. That's why I'm filing on May 19th.
I grew up here in SD-5. I left to attend Perpich Center for the Arts, and it gave me a unique perspective on the differences between our rural communities and metro communities. That perspective, layered with my experience in first response and IT, isn't one I see in the legislative body despite it covering some of the issues most directly affecting our communities across Minnesota.
I saw how affordability in the metro is pricing people out of the cities, and how that's pushing pressure onto our rural housing markets. I saw how healthcare needs and resources across the state are different, and how what works in the metro doesn't work for us in rural Minnesota. What I've learned in continuing education is that the environmental actions we take here at home in Minnesota can make us good neighbors to everyone in our watershed, from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.
While some in St. Paul may not see this seat as one worth fighting for, I do. The values that my Republican, Independent, and DFL neighbors care about need to be heard. While a politician may rely on party politics, culture wars, or other rhetoric, that's not the voice I believe this district needs, and it's not the one I lead with. With Medicare and Medicaid cuts hitting our rural communities and more federal pressure on the way, we need legislators willing to put the people ahead of party and personal gain.
Working in EMS gave me an immense respect for informed consent across the board. So I ask: even if you disagree with me, my beliefs, or my party, check out my website, follow my social media, send me an email, or invite me to a social. I want to hear from all my neighbors, and I want to be an advocate for all of us. Senator Utke has done some good work for our communities and I appreciate that work. But there's a lot more work to do for our communities' long-term success, work that gives the next generation of Minnesotans the gifts we grew up with and ensures they have a better future than the one we're living in now.
Where I stand
The positions I'm running on are detailed on the issues page. Rural healthcare, public education, clean water, agriculture, and the rest of the platform each have a dedicated page with sources. I'll be writing blog posts on every issue listed there in the weeks ahead, walking through what's happening in this district, what's been tried at the Capitol, and what I'd push for in St. Paul.
How to help
If you want to volunteer time, request a yard sign, or share this with someone who should see it, everything is on the campaign site.
Skylar Fynboh
DFL-endorsed candidate for SD-5