Helmer a Voice for Veterans

As long as Veterans know that there is someone in their corner who has their back, they will keep up the good fight for those they volunteered to protect. Senate District 34 needs a new voice for this area’s Veterans. Too many times politicians get hung up worrying about their own agenda and have little time or energy for the ones who matter, their constituents in their district. 

I want to praise Laura Helmer for her efforts to reach out to our Veterans, to listen to the issues that they’re facing, to hear what keeps them up at night, and to plan a course for facing those concerns in St. Paul as our next State Senator.

As we get ready to celebrate our nation’s birthday, keep in mind the challenges that those who came before us went through and who we want representing us in St. Paul going forward. I support Laura Helmer for State Senate, Senate District 34.

Glenn Kaufmann, USAF (retired)
Chanhassen

Understand Needs of Working Folks

I support DFL-endorsed candidate Laura Helmer for state senator in Minnesota Senate District 34.

Laura Helmer is committed to solving the daunting challenges Minnesota is facing with pragmatic, long-term solutions. As state senator, Laura will help pass a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that delivers on her commitment to help create jobs while protecting education, health care and public safety. 

Laura is keenly aware that the state cannot just tax or cut its way out of a budget deficit, and that’s one of the many reasons I support her.  We need a state senator who will invest in small businesses, Minnesota industries and support quality, affordable, cost-effective health care, a state senator such as Laura Helmer, who will fight for the things Minnesotans care about– good jobs, strong schools, and public safety. 

At a time when many workers are struggling to make ends meet, I’m grateful that we have a DFL-endorsed candidate for state senator in Senate District 34 who understands the needs of working folks. We need balanced leadership that will help make Minnesota more competitive. Laura will be an honest, open leader for our community.  That’s why I’m voting for Laura.

Jodi Holden
Chanhassen, MN

Will Make Small Business a Priority

Big businesses have many ways to be heard at our State Legislature. Small businesses do not have the time to spend in St. Paul or money for lobbyists.   We need a State Senator that understands and will act for small businesses. I was impressed to hear that Laura Helmer plans to form a bi-partisan small business caucus when she is elected to the Minnesota Senate.

Laura understands that helping small businesses grow, prosper and hire new workers is important to reviving our economy.  Laura also understands that this is not a partisan issue, but rather an issue important to everyone in our community. Laura is not your typical politician that talks about helping small business during election campaigns, she and her husband, Bruce, have founded small businesses. They recently joined a group of investors that helped the Chanhassen Dinner Theater stay in Chanhassen. This local business landmark employs approximately 300 people and is a vital part of our community, and it would have been gone if local people like Laura and Bruce would not have stepped up to make sure it stayed. 

Laura Helmer gets it — she understands the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and wants to help shape policies that will make Minnesota an even better place to start and grow small businesses. We plan to vote for Laura.

Jay Johnson

Chanhassen, MN

Helmer Caring and Intelligent

I’m a local mom with two daughters in their teens and twenties. Those can be dangerous ages for young women. I have concerns and I'm not alone. When I talk with friends about issues that affect us, we seem to focus on common problems: the frightening growth of drug use and availability in Carver County, health care costs that seem to go nowhere but up, high property taxes and elected officials who don't listen to our problems. I think it’s time for a new voice.   

I met Laura Helmer when she was President of the Friends of the Chanhassen Library, during the time the new library in Chanhassen was built. Laura is a caring and intelligent person. She works very hard and is tireless when she wants to accomplish something. She volunteers many hours to causes she believes in, and I’ve seen her many times get a diverse group of people to work together with positive results. Laura is able to set aside personal differences and convince others to do the same to achieve a common goal.

I want a leader who listens thoughtfully to others and is dedicated to doing what’s best for our community. Laura has the communication skills, passion and ideas we need to represent us and make our community a safer place to call home.  I plan to vote for Laura Helmer on November 2.

Nadia Janson
Chanhassen, MN

Clear Thinking Voice of Reason

I have been privileged to work with Laura Helmer as a fellow member of League of Women Voters — Eastern Carver County and support her for Minnesota State Senate in Senate District 34.

Over the past several years, I've come to appreciate her sharp intellect and clear thinking. She has a limber mind that sees all sides of issues and can brainstorm alternatives. She has exhibited the ability to lead non-partisan meetings, respectfully navigating sensitive topics while helping members clarify their thoughts about those topics. She also has the skills and willingness to work hard, and always is well-prepared. I've always found her to be tactful and easy to work with.  

These all sound like the attributes for an exceptional State Senate candidate, and I most sincerely endorse Laura Helmer's candidacy and encourage your vote on Nov. 2.  She will be the voice of intelligence and reason that our State Senate needs.

Lynn Osborn
Waconia

Will Defend Our Environment

I would like to address a topic that seems to have been sidelined in this uncertain economic atmosphere, but should not be forgotten. This topic is the environment. We are told to be worried about global warming, species loss and habitat destruction. All of these things seem so far away, so outside our reach, affected by politicians that are somewhere “out there.” But there are aspects of the environment which are quite local, where our elected officials can contribute to policies which benefit our health — such as improving the quality of water.

Because environmental issues are important to me, I support Laura Helmer for Minnesota State Senator in District 34. She will act to improve natural resources, such as water quality and the health of our lakes, on a local scale. Improving water quality has a direct impact on our local quality of life ─ whether in drinking water, in recreational fishing and boating, or just being able to swim freely in our local lakes.

I have known Laura for more than ten years, and I admire her ability to actively listen to people and to understand their perspectives. Her endorsements from Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club reflect her interest in working to improve our natural world. Her agricultural roots and business experience will help create consensus and collaboration. 

I am grateful to live in Minnesota, in Carver County, where we have a wealth of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Having Laura Helmer in the State Senate means we will all have someone to defend our environment, and will help all of us know that our waters, air and other natural resources will continue to be protected for us and for our families.

Tracy Tupper-Looney
Victoria, MN

Put Aside Petty Partisan Politics

What values or qualities do you want from our elected officials? The attributes that I look for include intelligence, integrity, strong work ethic, honesty, fiscal responsibility, open-mindedness, good listening skills and great communication skills.  My wife, Laura Helmer, has all of these attributes and she is running for the State Senate in District 34.

Just ask anyone who has met Laura through the years: her classmates at St. Catherine University, where she earned degrees in Economics and Spanish; her fellow MBA students at Carlson School of Management, where she achieved her Master’s degree in Strategic Management; her work colleagues when she was an international human resources consultant; those who served with her when she was President of Friends of the Chanhassen Library;  fellow stakeholders in our various business ventures she helped found and manage; and most importantly, our children, whom she chose to become primary caregiver and stay-at-home for. 

Some may suggest I lack objectivity regarding Laura since she is my wife. I understand that sentiment. But I recognized these qualities in Laura long before we married. Don’t take my word about Laura’s character. Talk to her. Ask her questions. She will respond honestly and openly. Or talk to any of her classmates, colleagues, stakeholders or anyone who knows her. They will tell you the same thing.

Historically, District 34 leans to the right. If you, the voters, just vote straight party lines, Laura may not win. But, if you ignore party affiliation and vote for the best candidate, Laura cannot lose. And all the citizens of District 34 will benefit. That is why I ask you to put aside petty partisan politics, change the status quo and join me in voting for the best candidate, my wife, Laura Helmer, for Senator in District 34 on November 2.

Bruce Helmer

Chanhassen, MN

Will Protect 2nd Amendment

I live in a semi-rural part of Carver County because I enjoy the outdoors.

I have hunted and fished since I was a kid. I own guns as a hobby, for hunting and for my family’s protection. I am a defender of the Second Amendment. I also support legislative candidates who are responsive to my views and will be responsive to me as a constituent. Accordingly, I will be voting for Laura Helmer, the Senate District 34 DFL candidate for the Minnesota Senate.

I want a state senator who responds when a constituent has a question about a state agency, pending bill or policy.

Only twice in the last several years have I addressed questions and concerns to the incumbent, Julianne Ortman. On both occasions I received no response and was treated as if I didn’t exist. Ortman seems to presume that her re-election is bagged without much effort in this election cycle because of her GOP affiliation. That’s not good enough for me.

As one who has invested in and founded small businesses, Helmer understands the struggles and challenges of staying afloat in the current economy. Important to me, however, is that she understands my perspective as a sportsman and will protect my constitutional rights, including my Second Amendment rights.

Helmer supports the policies embedded in the Legacy Amendment which restores, protects and enhances wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for game, fish, and wildlife. Ortman was one of only 13 state senators who voted against it.

This election, the candidate who works the hardest, best reflects my views and is most responsive to my concerns, even if we don’t agree on all of them, will get my vote. That’s why I’m voting for Helmer. 

Phil Benson
Watertown