DCI election series is back

The Dodge County election series is back. As voters get ready to vote on crucial local races the DCI will be asking candidates for local, county, school district, and state house seats a question each week leading up to the Nov. 3 election. The goal of the series is for voters to understand where candidates stand on various issues. Dodge County Attorney, and County Commissioner candidates will answer questions on opposite weeks to accommodate space. Unopposed candidates will not be participating in the weekly series. Suggestions on questions can be submitted to dcielections@gmail.com

This week’s question: Why should voters vote for you in November? (Maximum of 200 words)

Next week’s question for legislative candidates: When the legislature convenes in January, what would be the first piece of legislation you would put forward if elected? (Maximum 200 words)
Next week County Commissioner candidates will answer why voters should vote for them in November.

Senate District 24
Simon Glaser – DFL
Life keeps getting more expensive, no matter your party. That’s why we need to send an advocate, not a politician, to the state senate. My campaign is fighting to bring down costs, invest in rural communities, and take on fraud so we can have a government that we can trust to work for us.
As a public school teacher, I understand the struggles of working people. That’s why I have dedicated years of my life to fighting for working people as a union leader. I want to take that work to the next level, and I see this state senate seat as a way to serve and fight for even more people. I’m not running for the title, or to level up my career, I’m running to deliver real results.
Whether it’s working to bring down the cost of housing, helping struggling farmers, or investing in rural emergency medical services, we have an opportunity to make life a little bit easier for the people of this state.
This is a campaign to put people first. Together, let’s make Minnesota work for us.
 

Nels Pierson – GOP
Did not respond.
House District 24A
Heather Holmes – DFL
As a Byron resident of nearly 20 years, mom of a BHS graduate, and former school board member, I saw firsthand how decisions in St. Paul impact our communities through cost-sharing. Whether it’s our schools, cities, counties, or townships, someone has to pay the bill, and too often it’s local taxpayers. When we lack effective representation in St. Paul, we pay the price through higher property taxes, rising costs, and fewer services.
As a scientist, I follow the data and adjust when something isn’t working. We need more of that approach in St. Paul. I will meet with community members affected by legislation before voting, and that door remains open to improve laws that aren’t working instead of letting them quietly hurt the people they were meant to help. Representing District 24A means representing everyone who lives here and treating them with respect, regardless of political differences. The best solutions come from listening, working together, and solving problems—not playing politics.
This is my second time running because real change takes persistence, and I am not walking away from this district. I would be honored to earn your vote this November.
 

Duane Quam Incumbent – GOP
I have extensive experience in the private sector, from managing large scale projects, developing new innovations, fixing issues, and planning ahead to prevent unintended consequences.
I’ve been a legislator that has been able to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, to fix issues and achieve positive change for Minnesotans. Vanderbilt University’s Center for Effective Lawmaking has consistently ranked me as one of the top five Republicans in the Minnesota House for effectiveness. In the last released ranking I was tied with Lisa Demuth, the 2023-24 term. During which, my anti-swatting bill passed early 2023. In the historic tied house, the first bill to pass was mine, 133-0. We demonstrated bipartisanship this year, passing significant anti-fraud legislation: the Office of the Inspector General Bill and the Take It Back Act. Even with the progress made, I’m concerned for our economic future. Minnesota isn’t an island, and we need to have a competitive business environment, in both regulatory and taxation policies. I focus on the issues that need to be addressed, and have a history of asking the hard questions that need answering.

Dodge County Attorney
Crysta Parkin
Dodge County continues to grow and our office needs to meet the county’s growing legal needs. It is crucial that the elected county attorney have experience in a wide array of practice areas as well as the leadership and supervisory experience to guide a growing office.
I grew up in Dodge County, graduating from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1995, and much of my and my husband’s family lives in Dodge County. I have almost 20 years of practice in and around Dodge County and have developed strong working relationships with schools, community providers, and justice partners in Dodge County and across our judicial district.
I supervised family law staff for 5 years at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services before coming to Dodge County. In my 10 years as an Assistant County Attorney, I have handled the county’s civil caseload and assisted with criminal case work as needed. I was appointed to the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board from 2017-2024, and served as Board Chair for 7 years. As Board Chair I oversaw the program budget, advocated at the legislature, and ran board meetings.
I have the proven skills and experience to serve the citizens of Dodge County as County Attorney.
 

Kailee Thompson
I am a leader, hard worker, and possess the qualities necessary to be County Attorney.
I have worked in the criminal law field for most of my career. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, I worked as a criminal defense attorney and clerked for the Honorable Robert Friday in Virginia, Minnesota. My experience has given me a well-rounded perspective and experience on a variety of issues.
As the current Assistant Dodge County Attorney prosecuting criminal offenses, I will continue to hold offenders accountable, fight for victims, and promote safety. I have prosecuted everything from petty traffic offenses to juvenile delinquency to major felonies. I have a strong relationship with law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations and continuing education as laws and technology change.
I worked with the county, Workforce Development, and CEDA to bring the Big Ideas mobile learning lab to students and to individuals on probation, allowing them to gain “hands on” experience in trade jobs through virtual reality, as well as connect with local employers. I want to continue to bring more resources and open avenues to provide a better transition for those on probation to become productive members of the community.