Kircher files for Otremba House seat
Todd County Board member Dave Kircher, 55, announced his candidacy for the House District 11B seat now held by Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie.
Kircher, a former Todd County sheriff, will seek the Republican Party endorsement. He said he'll emphasize the need to cut government and cut government spending. He said local government has to pay the price for the state's unfunded mandates.
"It may be possible some services may have to be cut," he said.
The Republican candidate criticized the incumbent for voting a straight party line when it came to attempts to override gubernatorial vetoes and for supporting an education bill that provides greater per-pupil funding for the metro area.
He also said he would do a better job speaking up for the area and conduct more town hall meetings.
Dave Kircher
Kircher, who lives near Burtrum, has served on a variety of boards including service as past president of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association, the Todd County Victim's Resource Center, the Long Prairie Jaycees, a past member of the Long Prairie Rotary and the Minnesota North District Missouri Synod Board of Directors.
He is currently president of the Todd County Pheasants Forever Chapter and serves as an elder for St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Swanville.
Kircher and his wife, Kathy, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
The district includes Long Prairie and Staples.
Otremba was elected to the post in 1997.
MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.