- Bill Lieske (incumbent)
- Mark Legvold
Bill Lieske
Please list any previous political office you’ve held. (if any)
Currently State Senator for SD 58
Please list any civic, community, or professional organizations/clubs you’re a part of. (if any)
NPHA, District 6 youth hockey board, Governing board of SFHS
What qualifies you for the office you’re running for?
The importance of being a state legislator is that it shouldn’t take any specific qualifications, we are supposed to be citizen legislators who are just every day people working for the people. The qualities I bring as a father of a young family, husband, small business owner, and healthcare provider give me perspectives to excel within what people are experiencing.
What inspired you to run for office? If you are running for re-election why do you want to stay in office?
I want to continue working for the people to make their pocketbook a priority over the state budget. I specifically have proposed legislation to try and reduce the cost of healthcare and health insurance whilst also increasing accessibility.
What is something that you would like to accomplish while in office?
I would like to accomplish reducing the cost of healthcare, This can be done in many ways but one of the leading costs in health insurance and there are a few different bills I have co-authored that would succeed in this area.
What does being a leader mean to you?
Being a leader is not a title. It is the habit of taking responsibility when it would be easier to wait for someone else. It means showing up, listening first, and then making a call you can live with. You do not get to hide behind process, staff, or a caucus talking point when the decision lands on a family in Lonsdale, a clinic, a township board, or a kid’s school. A leader tells people the truth even when it costs votes. You say what you will do, you do it, and you own the result. If you were wrong, you say so and fix it. If you were right and it is still hard, you stay with it. It also means knowing the limit of your own power. Government is not supposed to run people’s lives. Leadership in public office is restraining the state, protecting people who play by the rules, and getting out of the way of work, family, and community.
Why is your political party best suited to serve Minnesotans in the State Government?
This question baffles me, I don’t think this seat is about party its about representing the people of the district. I know that we have many who are team red and team blue but at the end of the day we need to lead for what is best for the people. I serve as a Republican because that is the party who has lead towards accountability and fiscal responsibility.
What is one bill that you would like to pass if you’re elected?
I want to see the universal access plan passed because it would have a significant impact on access and affordability of healthcare.
Campaign Website & Social media
lieske4senate.com, https://www.facebook.com/LieskeforSenate, @BillLieske
