Column: By Shannon Savick, My Point of View

This was a long and hard campaign for both the DFL and the GOP, and there will be little time to rest.

On Thursday, the DFL hosted its first caucus at the State Capitol, and on Friday all new legislators both DFL and GOP had orientation. The freshman class of 2013 will include 19 DFL House members and 15 GOP House members.

The DFL won the majority, and to maintain the majority we must prove to the citizens of Minnesota that we deserve it.

DFL goals include but are not limited to:

• Reducing spending and balancing the budget.

• Reforming Minnesota’s outdated tax system.

• Finding a way to pay the schools back.

• Supporting and growing the middle class.

• Creating jobs that pay a living wage.

• Reducing the cost of health insurance.

It is a large agenda, but critical to the state’s future prosperity, and it can only be achieved by working together with our GOP colleagues.

As your newly elected state representative, I will work to achieve the goals of the DFL caucus, always remembering that I represent District 27A. My goal is to be your representative in the Legislature; I know how important reducing property taxes is to this community and how important education is to our future and the value of making postsecondary education accessible and affordable.

As your state representative, I will fight for the needs of our district, but to do this I need your help. I need your input and your support. I promise I will make myself available to your insights, suggestions and concerns.

Finally, I want to thank you for your belief in my ability and your trust in me. It is an honor to be your elected state representative. I will work hard and do my best to maintain your support.

Thank you for supporting my campaign, with a special thanks to everyone who voted for me, wrote letters on my behalf, knocked on doors, put signs in their yards and made sure that I attended local functions. Again, thank you.

Former Wells Mayor Shannon Savick is the representative-elect for Minnesota House District 27A and a member of the DFL Party.