My name is Patrick Griffin and I am running to be your Representative in the Minnesota House for district 64A. I am a native and proud Minnesotan – I was raised in Minnetonka, moved to Minneapolis to study Genetics and Plant Biology at the University of Minnesota, and have now settled into my career as a Data Analyst here in the city of St. Paul. I have always believed that Minnesota has a special character, composed not just of natural beauty and ample opportunity, but also of genuine civic engagement by its citizens. There is much that I would like to tell you about who I am and what I believe, but I think that the most important place to start is to know that I am, above all else, a concerned citizen.
What Motivates Me
It feels to me as if we are at a time when our trust in our institutions has been diminished and that the hope with which Minnesotans usually look towards the future frequently gives way to frustration. I am concerned about the integrity of our state and local institutions, I am concerned about the quality and transparency of our government, and I am concerned about what will result from the inability of the citizens and politicians of Minnesota to have genuine conversations about those issues which stand to separate us along our ideological seams.
My recent time in University has given me a view into what politics in this state may be like in ten or twenty years – as my generation comes of age – and I have seen how great the gap has grown between the world-views of those in my generation and many of those in the rest of Minnesotan society. This gap must be bridged if we are to prosper; this may only be done through conversation about and the creation of a shared Minnesotan prosperity through the demonstration of the effectiveness of our ideas. We are neighbors now and will continue to be neighbors in the future, no matter what momentary partisan victory may be had.
I believe that we must work so that apathy is replaced with genuine interest and that our focus on our differences gives way to a reassertion of our common American identity and mutual commitment to the principles of Liberty, Opportunity, and Responsibility. Because of this belief, I pledge to run a campaign grounded in having conversations with as many residents of district 64A as I possibly can, especially with those who may disagree with me.
Issues
The free exchange of ideas is the only way in which truth may be discovered and advanced, and this exchange of ideas should not just stop in the usual public square, but extend also to our colleges and our halls of government. So too should the government that we have be open, honest, and transparent, in addition to efficient and effective. To this end, I see three ways in which these goals may be concretely advanced:
Restore our Single-Subject Clause
Minnesotans can lessen and even remove the ability of the legislature to pass corrupt, multi-subject Omnibus bills by advocating for the restoration of the adherence of the State Legislature to the single subject clause of the constitution. Such a change would eliminate a multitude of means by which the citizens of Minnesota are kept uniformed on the content of their laws and good legislation is manipulated. I believe fundamentally that our laws should be germane and transparent, not cryptic.
Commit to Freedom of Speech
We must move as a society for freedom of speech measures to be adopted by public universities in order to allow for the free discussion and exchange of ideas on our campuses. My own experiences at university have shown me how hard it is becoming to have an honest and productive discussion. If we cannot speak freely, we cannot think freely, and in order for a society to function properly, its students must actually be taught to think critically and be exposed to opposing viewpoints. I am convinced of the good that can come from affirming our commitment to a free society.
Invest in Local Politics and Business
I believe that Minnesotans must be invested in those affairs which most greatly impact them and in which they have the greatest power to participate. By increasing public engagement with and commitment to local politics and business, citizens can become invested in the well-being and prosperity of their communities and state and curb the influence of a growing federal government. Individuals know what is best for themselves, their families, and their communities, and our policies should reflect that.