Kevin Staunton

A little politics at the parade.  Here are the photos:  2010 July 4th Edina Parade.

Kevin talks to voters about possible solutions.

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak Endorses Kevin.

Support Early Childhood Education:

Response to June 10, 2010 Sun Current Letter to the Editor

A recent letter defending Keith Downey’s vote against this year’s early childhood education legislation claims that Downey was “on the right track” in voting against the bill (“Early education bill is not the right fix,” June 10).  It’s a puzzling claim given the bipartisan support the bill received.  Edina Republican Senator Geoff Michel authored a portion of the bill and he and Democratic Representative Paul Rosenthal (Edina-West Bloomington) both voted for the bill.  It passed by a margin of 103-30 (with 15 Republicans among those voting in favor) and was signed it into law by Governor Pawlenty.

 An objective review of the bill makes it easy to see why it received such bipartisan support.  The legislation takes steps to improve screening and assessment to help parents identify their kids’ needs as early as possible.  It also supports ongoing efforts to develop a quality rating system and school readiness “report card” that will help parents choose the right early childhood development resources for their kids.  As scholarships are distributed in the future, these advances will be critical tools to ensure that those with the greatest need will be the first to receive funds and can invest them in the most cost-effective resources.  The legislation also empowers the Early Childhood Advisory Council (whose members were appointed by Governor Pawlenty) to explore the creation of a state Office of Early Learning to coordinate policy development now split between at least 3 separate state agencies.  It does all this without expending state money we do not have by utilizing private and federal funds to move improvements forward. 

 The 2010 Early Childhood bill is just the kind of creative and effective legislation our state leaders should be pursuing in this day and age.  I am pleased to see that it received such broad, bipartisan support and would have voted with Senator Michel and Representative Rosenthal in favor of the bill.

“Democratic Visions” June, 2010

AM 950’s “Quick On The Uptake” discuss the House race in 41a with Kevin. 

Wed., June 2

MN Progressive Project June 2

Contact:          Jennifer Hovelsrud

Phone:             612-518-8159

Email:             jen.hovelsrud@stauntonforhouse.org

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DFL-Endorsed Kevin Staunton Files Candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives

Edina 41(a) has two endorsed candidates running in 2010 following former Representative Ron Erhardt’s decision not to run.   

Edina, Minn., June 2, 2010 – June 1 marked the filing deadline to run for the Minnesota House of Representatives.  As expected, DFL-endorsed Kevin Staunton is among two choices for the office in November this year.  Former Edina Representative Ron Erhardt has decided not to run.

Erhardt’s Withdrawal

“Ron deserves our thanks for his 18 years of service.  I look forward to continuing his legacy as Edina’s next moderate voice in the state legislature,” said Kevin Staunton.

Staunton’s Focus

Staunton will work to ensure Minnesota’s longstanding leadership in education, economic development, healthcare, and the environment. 

“This campaign is about whether we are going to dismantle the Minnesota Miracle and give up on our future or take responsibility for making the tough decisions today that will bring the next generation of Edina and Minnesota citizens the quality of life we have been so fortunate to enjoy,” said Staunton. 

Staunton says we need to look for opportunities to cut costs and create efficiencies in state government without sacrificing vital infrastructure.  “Of course we have to tighten our belts,” says Staunton, “but we can’t sacrifice the keys to our quality of life – our education, transportation infrastructure, and environment – in the process.”

“We’ll have to make some painful spending cuts, but pretending we can solve the state budget crisis with cuts alone will do nothing but drive up property taxes and force big cuts in funding for our schools.  We need a more balanced approach than what we’ve seen from Rep. Keith Downey and Governor Pawlenty if we are going to make responsible decisions about state priorities and return on tax-payer investment.”

About Kevin Staunton
Kevin and his family have been a part of the Edina community for more than 11 years.  He has lived in Minnesota since the age of 17 when he moved here to attend the University of Minnesota.  He and his wife, Maria Christu, have three boys attending the Edina Public Schools.  Kevin has worked with state and local government for more than 20 years, serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General, a City Attorney, and a private lawyer representing individuals and businesses working with government. He is vice chairman of the Edina Planning Commission, sits on the Edina Public Schools Innovation Team and has served as a youth sports coach, Cub Scout leader and PTA president.

Additional Information:

Website–http://stauntonforhouse.org/

Photos–http://www.flickr.com/photos/43061224@N08/?saved=1 

Face book–www.facebook.com/kevinstaunton41A

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Letter from Edina teacher Katie Mahoney on conservative Downey vote.

Sun Current, May 27th

Volunteers gathered in April to kickoff the campaign season.  See the photos!