Schreyer seeks change

in politics

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Hoping to change the face of politics in Minnesota, as well as getting younger residents out to vote are the main reasons the Cody Schreyer is running as a Democrat for the House District 23A seat currently held by Republican James Clark.

Schreyer, 22, is a native of New Ulm. He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1996 and Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2000. He earned a degree in political science and law enforcement. He has worked at RPS ( package delivery service), 3M, and Target. He was also a swing manager at McDonald's.

Earlier in the year he was asked by the DFL party if he would serve its candidate in District 23A. He received the endorsement in September, but he would have considered running as an independent, he said. This race is his first try at public office.

He worked on DFL-er Mike Freeman's 1998 gubernatorial campaign. He also attended the state DFL convention that year.

"It is my goal to change politics the way they are today," he said. "Too many people are concerned with parties and don't focus enough on people. Being in office should be a full-time job."

While growing up, Schreyer always thought politicians were crooks. After he started college, he became a political science major and decided to get involved in politics.

"Change is needed at all levels of government," Schreyer said. "I want to stay in the area, and this is a job I know I could do effectively for people in the area."

One problem he sees with the Legislature is that there is too much arguing on issues along party lines, and not enough voting on personal beliefs in the issues, which is not the way government should run, he said.

"I strongly believe in term limits for that reason," he said. "It is time to stop re-electing people with the same ideas all the time. That keeps things from changing."

One of the challenges he sees in the upcoming session is getting all the legislators to agree on a single budget. Priority items are tax cuts, property tax reform, and education issues.

He would follow the Gov. Jesse Ventura's proposal regarding 100 percent funding for education, provided the proposal allows for local control, and provided a portion of property taxes are dedicated for that purpose.

"I also support the proposal provided there is equity in the way the funding is provided," Schreyer said. "Rural students deserve equal treatment like their counterparts in the metro area."

The projected state surplus could be used to support education, rather than being refunded like it has been the past couple of years, he said.

"One of my goals would be to lower taxes across the board," he said. "We should be able to provide bigger breaks in the area of income taxes. I won't sign anything that raises taxes."

Schreyer believes he would be a good representative because he is willing to work across party lines; he is open-minded about people he works with, and he is always willing to see all sides of every issue before making a decision, he said.

"People have trouble with property taxes in this area," Schreyer said. "That is something I have learned while campaigning. I will get to the needs of the people. There is too much government money being spent. A permanent tax cut would avoid a surplus."

He believes a three-party system is a good thing, and wishes there were more people in St. Paul standing with Ventura on issues.

He believes the Profiles of Learning have created problems for schools, because they are being mandated without proper funding. When the state stops wasting money, the surplus will be eliminated. All schools need an equal share of funding, he said.

"When I get in office, I would work hard to get things done right away," he said. "I wouldn't wait two years. I will be a leader. I want to help the people in this district see things getting done for them."

He believes his age is a benefit, because he can reach younger residents who tend to be forgotten in the legislative process.