Former Republican state representative Kirk Stensrud announced Monday that he’ll once again vie for the District 48A seat that Democrat Yvonne Selcer holds.
"Our neighbors are still working hard to make ends meet, yet government keeps getting more expensive,” a news release quoted Stensrud. “Minnesota taxpayers from every income level saw their taxes increased, and are facing higher health insurance premiums and property taxes. We can do better."
Stensrud was elected to the state House in 2010 when he beat Rep. Maria Ruud by 107 votes. He ran against Selcer in 2012 after redistricting changed the boundaries of legislative districts. District 48A comprises parts of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka.
Selcer defeated him by 202 votes in a bare-knuckles contest. Eden Prairie and Hennepin County sent Stensrud cease-and-desist letters after he included their logos on a brochure handed out during a Senior Services Expo event. Stensrud said the logos were meant to be resources seniors could use, not a sign of endorsement. Eden Prairie considered the matter resolved after Stensrud acknowledged that he shouldn’t have used their logos without permission.
Selcer also filed a complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings against the Republican Party of Minnesota over a flyer that accused her of not paying her Hennepin County taxes on time. The Hennepin County property tax department backed up Selcer’s claims that she had paid her taxes on time.
Stensrud said he didn’t know about the flyer and had nothing to do with it.
Stensrud is a graduate of Bethel University. He’s owned and operated a Fish Window Cleaning franchise for the past 10 years. He’s lived in Eden Prairie for 29 years with his wife, Wendy, and three children and is an active member of Wooddale Church.
"We
need a change from one-party control at the Capitol,” the release quoted Stensrud. “The current majority promised to
work across the aisle, but has failed to keep that promise to voters. One-party
control has resulted in higher taxes, wasteful spending. We need to hear from
all sides and be inclusive of the ideas and opinions of all of our neighbors
and businesses. Together, we can work to make government more efficient
and effective for hardworking Minnesotans.”
