Name: MARK WIENS
Age: 59
Education: BA – History @ University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN MMAS – Theater Operations @ Command & General Staff College, Ft Leavenworth, KS
Background: I’m a retired military officer with decades of experience in leadership, policy making, and strategy. My last decade of service was spent working with diverse groups of professionals and leaders from all over the world to solve complex security and personnel issues. I have served in some of the worst places on the planet. I am ready to utilize these skills and work with stakeholders and folks of good will to make Minnesota the best it can be for all her citizens!

Relevant Information: I have served as a community council-member, block club captain, Washington County sandbagger, Red River flood fighter, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, church Sunday school, confirmation and volunteer. WW2 Round Table Executive Board Member and Student Outreach Chair at the Minnesota History Center to connect our greatest generation with a new generation of Americans, plus a member of the Minnesota Historical Society Veterans Advisory Group. I am a leader who works with all folks of good will to achieve the best possible outcomes for our citizens, environment, economy and future.

Why Mark Wiens for Minnesota House Seat 41A?
My three priority actions are our education, public safety and economy.

My mother is a retired public-school teacher with over 30 years in the classroom and been twice recognized by the Governor. I am a strong supporter of public schools, yet I am absolutely dismayed that our key data driven markers for educational success have plummeted over the past decade, and the current system is “okay” with this. Parents are not, especially parents of underserved students who need every advantage of educational success they can get. Public education must be focused on academic excellence, and good citizenship in building our future work-force.

So many of our people are concerned about increasing crime. We must support our law-enforcement and first-responders, enforce laws so that criminals and those mentally ill do not have access to guns, and make sure the most vulnerable among us can enjoy life without fear.

In meeting with our good folks, I have become more convinced than ever that we must do something to help our seniors on fixed incomes, our working poor, and those who play by the rules, work hard, pay taxes, yet can’t get ahead. We must stop taxing social security, and clear the way for folks to start-up and keep-up their businesses with government partnering in growth.

I am a believer in the high standards of our American civics by which we can have a hearty debate. I am disappointed by the unfounded name-calling and attacks that permeate our politics and frustrate our citizenry. Together, we can do better and get more accomplished through reason and respect!

I believe we are at a critical juncture, and I am willing and able to serve the people of Minnesota!

“Whatever you are, be a Good One!” Abraham Lincoln

Mark Wiens

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Name: Patricia L. Driscoll Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Master of Science from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN Education Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN Relevant Information:

I am married to Patrick W. Driscoll and we have three children and four grandchildren. I grew up in St. Paul with my four sisters and have lived in Minnesota all my life.

I taught students with learning disabilities to read for 20 years in Spring Lake Park and Sauk Centre. I was an Elementary School Principal for 19 years in the Lake Superior School District 381 on the North Shore. I won an award for closing the achievement gap in my school and was asked to testify before the Senate Education Finance I shared our strategies and data including the fact that we implemented all-day kindergarten six years ago and that the first cohort of all-day kindergarten scored the highest on the state tests than any other 5th grade in our district since testing was required. That was the year the legislature funded all-day kindergarten.

Currently, I am serving on the South Washington County School Board District 833, the 6th largest district in the state and I am the DFL endorsed candidate for the MN House Seat 41A.

Why Pat Driscoll for Minnesota House Seat 41A?

Vote for Pat Driscoll if you care about our democratic form of government. Education is the cornerstone of democracy. I will fight to fully fund our education system which has been underfunded for decades. Increasing funding will provide the resources needed so that all children learn to read and are well prepared for the workforce, trade school, or college. I will also fight for affordable healthcare for all, including prescription drugs that are affordable, and women’s reproductive rights. And I’ll support legislation that continues us on the track to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. I’ll also support research and development of alternative energy sources and technologies that use less energy. There are many other issues that I will support that improve people’s lives and protect our environment.

Pat Driscoll