Since I made the decision to run for state representative for House District 27A, I have been door knocking from Elkton to Alden and in between. No matter the politics or economics of the individuals, the message I’m hearing is clear — it’s even ringing in my ears at night — you are concerned about the economy.

Active interest in job growth is nothing new to me or my family. My grandfather, Clayton Wulff, owned Wulff’s Jewelery on South Broadway Avenue. He was also one of the original investors in Jobs Inc., a truly innovative solution to creating needed jobs for returning soldiers of World War II.

Hearing this message of economic distress, I decided to go right to the business community and ask them what we can do to add new jobs in our district. I spent Tuesday afternoon on an economic growth tour of our district. Joining me was Minnesota House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, who took great interest in learning about the concerns and achievements of our local business owners and leaders. We started in the downtown area where we met with several business owners on Broadway.

We then toured two of the most recent success stories in this area — Larson Manufacturing Co. and Albert Lea Select Foods. In meeting with these businesses, I asked two questions: What is the state of Minnesota doing right, and what is the state of Minnesota doing wrong? While every business had different concerns, they made it clear that state decisions in creating an overall positive business climate are of paramount concern. Also, both businesses agreed that JOBZ played a large role in their decision to locate in Albert Lea.

These meetings confirmed my belief that the lighter the hand of government, the better the job growth climate. Unfortunately, the startling tidal wave at the state Legislature is to eliminate these job-creating mechanisms.

Some politicians say that they are pro-job, but yet they are not pro-job provider. That is like saying you are pro-egg, but not pro-chicken. It can’t be both ways.

I finished my tour at the new ALEDA Industrial Park on South Margaretha Avenue. I am committed to do everything possible to give our local leaders the tools necessary to attract businesses. Albert Lea has a history of innovative job creation, and we have made great use of JOBZ, but with a business climate that is among the worst in the country we will continue to miss opportunities for job growth to our neighboring states. A vote for me in November will be a vote for job growth and economic growth.

Erik Larsen

Republican candidate for House District 27A

Albert Lea