To the editor:

It’s no secret that our state’s public schools are struggling. Even before COVID-19, many school districts had to make difficult decisions around cutting staff, programs, and activities because the funding simply isn’t there for them to thrive.

However, COVID-19 presents an even greater challenge for our school districts as they try to navigate through the ‘new normal’ of distance learning.

Unfortunately, our local representation hasn’t done much to help support public education during this crisis. In fact, Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, proposed a blanket cut of 3% across all of the state budget — a funding cut that would potentially make some sectors cease to exist. This suggestion was so horrible that even Swedzinski’s counterpart, State Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, advised against it.

This isn’t the first time Swedzinski has stabbed our public-school system in the back. Since being elected, Chris has voted against multiple pieces of legislation to support our students and our schools including funding for K-12 education, higher education, educator employment, anti-bullying measures, and more.

It’s ironic that he includes education as one of his campaign platform items considering he’s done nothing for educators nor students across Minnesota.

It is time for our district to have a new representative that is honest, hard-working and will actually get things done. As a person that has attended school in rural Minnesota, graduated from a state university, and currently works with students in our school districts, I am outraged at the utter disregard Swedzinski has shown to his constituents and to their needs.

This is why I have chosen to run against him this election and I, Doria Drost, hope to earn your vote this November. Expect More.

Doria Dorst

Marshall