Brainerd native Taylor Stevenson, 24, announced plans to run for the Minnesota Senate District 10 seat.
A formal announcement is expected Tuesday.
Stevenson was the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota Senate District 12 in 2010.
“The last campaign really gave me a deeper appreciation of my community and what this community is about,” Stevenson said. He said his experience during the last couple of years helped him to gain more understanding of the issues and the personal effects of issues like homelessness that go beyond the statistics.
“It’s not real until you see the face of it,” Stevenson said, adding now that he’s gained more life experience those are issues driving him to run for office.
Stevenson said such issues of people without jobs or homes, or seniors facing high health care costs drive a need to begin a policy discussion earlier. He counts education as one of those conversation starters.
Stevenson said he’s been humbled by supporters. support“They believe in me and what I have to offer and they are willing to be part of a larger conversation of how we bring our community together and move it forward,” he said.
Stevenson said he wants to talk about the underlying causes of unemployment. People are working multiple minimum wage jobs just to make ends meet.
“We need to broaden that conversation out a little bit and talk about how we can make this economy sustainable,” Stevenson said. “What is the next industry? What could Brainerd do better than anybody else?”
Topics include looking at jobs of the future and how to finance schools, Stevenson said.
“That’s what I am interested in,” he said.
Focusing on education is a key piece of the campaign for Stevenson. He said that is how students will be able to compete in the global economy and having those jobs here will allow young people to remain in the lakes area. But how can that be done from a seat in the state senate? “I think we need to see a senator who is going to take a personal responsibility to be an advocate for this area,” Stevenson said. “I don’t think we’ve had that for a couple of years.”
Stevenson said he has the passion to reach out for nontraditional and innovative sources for funding, including the federal government, nonprofits and public/private partnerships. The lakes area needs someone who is going to be an advocate for the area not for a personal agenda, Stevenson said.
Beyond political parties or divisions, Stevenson said he is looking to bridge that gap and speak to the center.
“I think there is a lot of common ground and common sense solutions that get pushed to the side while the conversation happens at the margins with the extremes taking control.
“Why not talk about things where we can make progress and move forward.”
Stevenson said he is looking for the best ideas out there whether that’s liberal or conservative or not even on the spectrum.
“I think we need someone who is focused on good ideas,” along with rigourous public service, he said.
“I think that’s the difference,” Stevenson said. “I’m interested in doing what’s best for this whole community not what’s in my personal best interest or a certain party’s best interest.”
He described himself as a longtime citizen activist with leadership involvement in the Brainerd School District levy referendums and in “Poverty Bound,” an initiative to raise awareness of poverty in the Brainerd lakes area.
Stevenson is making a formal announcement Tuesday with the public invited to parties at three homes in the area: 2 p.m. at Paul and Carol Bailey’s home, 20938 280th Place, Isle; 6 p.m. at Kathy Meyer’s home at 206 Fifth St., Crosby; 8 p.m. at Andrea Holmes’ house at 8451 Greenwood Road in Baxter.
Stevenson said he expects to receive the party’s endorsement at the March 24 at the convention at the Crosby High School.
Comments (50)
Add commentSo, Taylor...
“I think there is a lot of common ground and common sense solutions that get pushed to the side while the conversation happens at the margins with the extremes taking control."
Give us two solutions that have been pushed to the side, one by the left and one by the right. If you can't do that, these are nothing but meaningless talking points.
The 2 year experiment with Amendment King Gazelka has to end
And follow the accepted legislative process of discussion, dialogue, and approvals by legislative and executive branches in the State of Minnesota.
Can't sleep, huh, dutchman?
I agree with your point. The current crop reminds me of the Star Wars bar scene.
rantings as usual, no facts
First of all I would like to say it's nice to see younger candidates finally. Too many of my friends have left the area.
2nd. Stevenson has worked the last two years and he has volunteered in the community but I'm sure that does not matter to the trolls. Facts always get in the way.
3rd. Bullys? Let's talk about Ken & Barbie who followed Taylor around with their cell phones and taped him. This couple went on the HRC with the sole purpose to take it down. I guess they need credit for that. Last but not least- they are members of Paul Gazelka's campaign committee and local GOP directors. Tay ran against Gazelka in 2010.
Now, let's talk about the real issues.
BULLIES?
Bullies are also included in those who disparage others as their first point of debate. If you have something to say, bring some thoughtful points to the table. I'm not sure I am happy about Mr. STevenson's candidacy, but I don't care if you think he slithered from under a rock, or whatever epithet you have for him or any other politician or fellow participant in this forum. Say something substantive. Say something thoughtful and insightful. If you have nothing more to say than clever epithets like a shock-media radio personality, save the wear and tear on your keyboard.
marsbar..where does he work?
Most, if not all, the articles in the BDD when a candidate announces include personal facts. Where the candidate lives, works, single/married, etc. According to this article he is, I guess, a "longtime citizen activist". Mars..you claim "2nd. Stevenson has worked the last two years". Where? "Citizen activist" isnt work. If he brings in a paycheck..where from? Easy question, easy answer. And why doesnt the BDD include where he lives like they do in every other article about candidates? It says "Brainerd native". That doesnt tell us anything. Could it be, and Im just speculating here, that someone is unemployed and living in moms basement? Another speculation: If a young Republican were running and he were unemployed and living in moms basement the Dems might be inclined to refer to him as a "slacker" or worse? Just a hunch..I may be wrong.
incompwetant
he needs experiance locally like school board or city gov't-he is still wet behind the ears and is NOT ready to be a senator! is he going to call people if you don't vote for him?that poverty council was a self promoting scam. get a real job before the taxpayers support you for life!
Too much speculating!
I support someone so young wanting to get involved in politics. As you have all proven it isn't easy to impress others in this field. I support his efforts and look forward to hearing more about his political agenda. I may not support his beliefs but I will determine that with time. Stop speculating so much and just let the facts reveal themselves.
I would like to see the
I would like to see the democrats nominate someone who
has not been a teacher or associated with the school district.
How about some variety in your candidates? Not the same
old, same old fair wages, education, and reaching out to
the middle.
Seriously, I would like to see this young man accomplish
something somewhere outside of the public sector and
somewhere other than his hometown. It is called broadening
your horizons and staying in Brainerd does not do that.
Of course, he is looking out for his own interest as he has
had this goal for many years. It is just that he brings nothing
new to the table and experience in the private sector on
his own would really help him.
johngalt
Loved your quotes above.
Here's one for Gazelka:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m6lymJy57E
And this is Stevenson in thirty years
after the realities of political life have set in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpTWkg4YsGc&feature=related
'Stevenson said he has the
'Stevenson said he has the passion to reach out for nontraditional and innovative sources for funding, including the federal government." The federal government is an inovative source? Next thing you know is he'll want to tax the "rich ". This guy is the master of passion and inovation. Why not save us all some real money by abolishing the Department of Education and the IRS.
Tay is a fine young man, I've
Tay is a fine young man, I've know him for years. But he sincerely needs to get a REAL job and find out what it's like to work for a living before he is qualified to represent the voting public that has to do the same. Running for public office with no real world experience looks like the easy way out and start a life of a professional politician.
thewop
I think that is because he's spent so much time with people of his own ilk, aka Ward! And while he may live with mommy and no job, hey, at least he's eating well. Want fries with that?
Famous quotes in history: "Ah
Famous quotes in history: "Ah did not have sex with that woman, Miss Lewinski." Der schlickmeister
"Why did this have to happen to me?" Ted Kennedy on the bridge while Mary Joe Kopechne was suffocating in the back seat of Teddy's submerged Olds.
" I could have had her out of that car twenty-five minutes after I got the call. But he [Ted Kennedy] didn't call." John Farrar, the diver who recovered Kopechne's body and captain of the Edgartown Fire Rescue unit.
"The {DFL}party announced BarneyFrank as the keynote speaker on Sept. 11 — three days after the U.S. government took control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, costing taxpayers untold billions. " The New Hampshire Union Leader, September, 2010
"I got a really great price on renting this plane ." Unknown Wellstone staffer, October,2002.
More famous quotes
George Bush:
"We spent a lot of time talking about Africa, as we should. Africa is a nation that suffers from incredible disease." --Gothenburg, Sweden, June 14, 2001
You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test." -Townsend, Tenn., Feb. 21, 2001
"Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter." --in parting words to world leaders at his final G-8 Summit, punching the air and grinning widely as those present looked on in shock, Rusutsu, Japan, July 10, 2008
Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?" --Florence, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2000
Sarah 'Game Change" Palin
He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed." --Sarah Palin, botching the history of Paul Revere's midnight ride, June 3, 2011
"But obviously, we've got to stand with our North Korean allies." --Sarah Palin, after being asked how she would handle the current hostilities between the two Koreas, interview on Glenn Beck's radio show, Nov. 24, 2010
"As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border." --Sarah Palin, explaining why Alaska's proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy experience, interview with CBS's Katie Couric, Sept. 24, 2008
"All of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years." --Sarah Palin, unable to name a single newspaper or magazine she reads, interview with Katie Couric, CBS News, Oct. 1, 2008 (Watch video clip)
Michele Bachman
"Carbon dioxide is portrayed as harmful. But there isn't even one study that can be produced that shows that carbon dioxide is a harmful gas." -Rep. Michelle Bachmann, April, 2009
Before we get started, let's all say 'Happy Birthday' to Elvis Presley today." -Rep. Michele Bachmann, while campaigning for president in South Carolina on what was actually the anniversary of Elvis's death, Aug. 16, 2011 (Elvis was born on January 8)
"I find it interesting that it was back in the 1970s that the swine flu broke out under another, then under another Democrat president, Jimmy Carter. I'm not blaming this on President Obama, I just think it's an interesting coincidence." -Rep. Michele Bachmann, on the 1976 Swine Flu outbreak that happened when Gerald Ford, a Republican, was president, April 28, 2009
The G.O.P., just keep talking........
Instead of posting quotes
Why not look at the facts. A 24 year old college graduate is running for public office as an obvious career choice as opposed to finding Gov't or Public employment to contribute. I seriously have reservations supporting a candidate that cannot demonstrate real world practical experience outside of student activist or otherwise. Let him run, fail and eventually come to grip with the fact he will have to find meaningful paid employment before he throws on his cape and takes on the world.
Wow. why all the negativity on this board?
I'm not sure why the Dispatch didn't include his employment history. But I know he is working as a long-term substitute teacher with the school district. He does live in this area and specifically returned home because he wants to serve the people of this legislative district. His living arrangment? Why does it matter? The economic reality is that there are darn few professional jobs with decent wages in this area, and he's managed just fine. Would you rather have a senator so out of touch with the local population that it's no big deal to own a house, rent a second on Gull Lake all for the convenience of running for office? I'm sorry, but that just doesn't speak to or connect w my values.
Stevenson could have moved on, taken a political or other job on the East Coast or down in the metro for a lucrative salary. No doubt he has the diploma, credentials, talent and resume for that. But he specifically bypassed those routes because he wants to work and serve his hometown. If he had gone elsewhere and then come home to run, some of the same critics on this page would be attacking him as someone out of touch w Brainerd because he'd lived and worked elsewhere. He worked full-time hours on the school levy. He did organize the poverty forum. He served on the Human Rights Commission until it was sabotaged by its own board members, and he fought to keep it going. He serves on the Blandin board. These are activities that have benefited our community.
Yes, he is young. But I have found him to be hard-working, a good listener, and willing to jump into issues, do the research, and produce good results for the community. I don't get the negativity on these boards for a young man who wants to work his tail off for the citizens of this district.
Let's be intelligent
Folks,
Let's give the candidates a chance to have an intelligent dialog about the issues. The comments here, in large part, seem to be related to bitter little sound bites.
I, for one, am very interested in a discourse about the important issues that face our state and how the candidates feel about the issues. I am not interested in snipping at a candidate about his age, his workplace or his parents.
Times are tough, young folks are coming back home. Statistically, we know that the folks coming out of college are struggling to find work in their fields. TS is no different. I honor his parents for helping out as many of us have done in the past. I know that Tay is a contributing member of our society and I will bet that he pays taxes, too.
Some of those young people are just hanging out. Tay is different. He is working as much as he can and doing community service. I like that.
If only this forum could be about issues and not snide remarks and cheap shots, it would truly be worth reading.
I find it remarkable that so many of you seem embittered. I recommend stepping up and taking the steps to make a difference in your community. Volunteer - maybe even stick your neck out. It might feel better than sniping at others here.
Nice game of one-up
How about this itterditter: Democrat Hank Johnson of GA when questioning a Navy Admiral about US base at Guam..an island ""My fear is that the whole island will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize." How about sticking to the topic..everyone..that the democrats are running a kid who has never held a job in his life, and they think its GREAT! Wouldnt you at least hope that a major political party would tell him to get some life experience and see ya next time? No..but someone who thinks "innovative" funding is federal tax dollars? Thats outside the box thinking Tay...Get a job, kid. Get some life experience.
Let me try this again.
"If only this forum could be about issues..."
That's exactly what we are doing! And the issue is: is he really qualified to be public servant when he hasn't proven that he understands all that public service entails?
So far, the "no's" have it...convincingly.
Serve?
In my opinion, "he wants to serve this community" is only
a political statement. How can a person "serve" if they
haven't had a job to set aside. The idea of "serving"
is not just to get a job in government I believe it was meant
for the citizen to leave their job and be a representative, then
return to their job. Not to make a career of it.
If you have a college degree, you can get a job, but you
have to relocate and may have to work in another field.
If you personally go through the process, you can be of
help to the "community". You can't just be handed jobs
from the teachers union or the college and count that
as work.
People complain about the
People complain about the "same old same old" and the lifetime politicians. Now we have some younger folks interested in running representing us and it's complain complain complain.
I personally am glad to see some faces that are not in the "good old boys club". Maybe they can go in with an open mind and get some things done. Maybe younger blood will help get rid of the partisan bickering and back stabbing. Maybe we'll get some folks in there who can compromise and work together regardless of party affiliation.
And really, knocking his funding ideas? Government funding comes from taxes; sales, property, state and federal. There are only so many sources available. Before I judge, I want to know what he meant by "federal sources." What's the substance behind the one line quote.
The goal is a good quality of life for all of our citizens. Maybe these younger guys have some ideas for how to get us there that the old boys in their party-line lockdown couldn't come up with.
People Complain
People have a right to complain as much as "Tay" has a right to run for public office. Anyone opposed to the concern that "Tay" is unqualified as a candidate based on his employment history is completely blinded by their own personal opinion of "Tay". I don't know "Tay" therefore I have no opinion of him as a person, but as an elected official I have plenty skepticism. Just because I admire someone’s personal values and beliefs does not justify they are worthy of support. Either way, let the voters decide.
Loveanimals, I find it ironic you defend "Tay" as a champion of education when he graduated from an East Coast school and has not found employment. Perhaps it's a personal choice however that is the last person I want invovled in determining my childrens future.
I'm not saying people don't
I'm not saying people don't have a right to complain. I just find it ironic that they do. Constantly. About everything.
They could complain one day that it's too dry and complain the next day that it's raining. Never satisfied.
Complain about lifetime politicians, but then when obvious new people express interest, then complain about how they are not lifetime politicians.
Make up your mind folks. For the record, I don't know "Tay" personally either. But I'm still interested in hearing what he has to say before I judge AND I've given him some respect for even stepping up and running. At least he's not an arm-chair quarterback.
One for Gazelka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_77cqu86BU
Youtube links
"I completely lack intelligence and wit therefore I will post lame youtube videos in hope someone with equal said wit and intelligence chuckles. Maybe they will even respond or give me the thumbs up. Oh the thrill of this internet!"
C'mon sharedtroll
Can't have fun anymore??? At least Taylor has a full thick head of hair.... these days, that counts big time...too many baldies running around
How about a little "Minnesota nice"?
As a recent participant in this blog, I enjoy the wit and humor with which some people participate, but I also wonder about what and how we are expressing our views. Is it not possible to state opinions and give back-up data without insulting anyone? Can we not state our views without being cruel? We have young people running for office. How wonderful that they think they can and want to make a difference. I believe our country would be a better place if there were more idealists out there who were willing to put careers on hold while they found ways to serve their country.
I know Rush Limbaugh has some influence in the country, but at least here in the Lakes Area can we not practice at least a little bit of "Minnesota Nice"?
Shadrack
" I believe our country would be a better place if there were more idealists out there who were willing to put careers on hold while they found ways to serve their country."
There are more idealists putting life on hold; soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors.