DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The publication of the candidates statements therein do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members.
District 25A
Kim Hicks (I) (DFL)
Candidate has not yet submitted responses.
Brad Trahan (R)
Why are you running for State Representative, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I am running for State Representative because I believe Minnesota needs leaders who put people before politics, listen to their communities, and hold the government accountable. I believe the government should live within its means, protect taxpayers, improve public safety, support strong schools with a strong student return on investment, and make Minnesota more affordable for families and businesses. I will bring an "action orientated – results driven" mindset to St. Paul where I have a history of producing results with a collaborative approach.
While I am not a career politician, I have spent nearly 15 years as a professional search recruiter, helping businesses find skilled employees that they need to succeed.
I have spent years volunteering and serving in leadership roles locally and state-wide, organizing community events, and serving on boards and commissions; Police Civil Service Commission, Damascus Way, Rochester Area Builders, and Project Lifesaver Board. I am the past chair of the 2012 Minnesota Autism Task Force and was involved in six legislative changes. Currently, I am the creator of Rochester’s Downtown Dazzle, winter-lighted parade.
These experiences have taught me how to listen, bring people together, solve problems, and get things done.
I will bring a common-sense approach, and make sure we are good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars, to St. Paul and work hard to represent the people of District 25A.
What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for the legislature?
Stop Fraud - Our state government should serve hardworking Minnesotans, not those who take advantage of the system. I will be committed to strengthening accountability and restoring trust in how tax dollars are spent. We will work hard to stop waste, fraud, and abuse so that resources go where they are truly needed. It’s time for a government that is transparent, responsible, and worthy of the public’s trust. As your State Representative, I will call out fraud committed within our state government.
Cost of Living, Affordability, Taxes - Minnesota is a great place to live, but for many families the cost of living has been rising fast, making it harder to stay ahead. Minnesotans deserve more control over their own paychecks, not more growth in government spending or unnecessary projects. Minnesota can no longer afford to just tax and spend. It’s not sustainable.
I will focus on priorities that reflect Minnesotan’s concerns, making the state more affordable, and restoring practical, common-sense leadership in St. Paul, while strongly supporting public safety to keep our communities safe.
What can the state legislature do to improve Minnesota's business climate and make the state more competitive for business and job growth?
Economic growth is one way to solve the affordability issue. I talk with employers and employees every day, giving me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing Minnesota’s workforce, including labor shortages, rising costs, healthcare, regulations, and the difficulty of finding and retaining good employees.
Minnesota has made it too expensive to do business here. Minnesota ranks 44th nationally in overall tax competitiveness, with the 2nd highest corporate tax rate at 9.8%.
The recent Paid Family Medical Leave legislation is crushing businesses. One local business has seen their quarterly taxes double, and they have yet to have one employee utilize PFML.
We must have a pro-business mindset, where Minnesota welcomes businesses and where families can afford to live. Bordering states are intriguing for businesses and families to relocate to, because they do not have a state corporate income tax on businesses, and their state sales tax is much less than Minnesota’s. Minnesota must be more competitive in reducing taxes, and labor mandates.
I will also support aligning Minnesota’s tax code with the federal “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime”. Minnesotans should keep more of what they earn. People who work more or earn their income through tips should be able to keep more of their hard-earned money, not send more of it to government bureaucracy.