State Rep. Tom Anzelc, DFL-Balsam, announced his bid for reelection in House District 3A, and Marv Ott, announced his candidacy for the seat earlier this year.
The District 3A position represents Koochiching, Lake of the Woods and Itasca counties.
“It’s been an honor to serve the people of northern Minnesota these last two years,” said Anzelc. “We got a lot done, but there’s work left and I want to finish what I started.”
Ott, a 28-year resident of District 3A and current Wabana Township supervisor, announced his candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives District 3A seat. Republican Party delegates endorsed Ott for the House 3A seat on April 19 in Effie.
Anzelc was endorsed unanimously for reelection by DFL delegates last spring. He is finishing his first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives after a career in labor advocacy, public service and teaching.
“When I first decided to run, I said I was going to stand up for the people of northern Minnesota and that I wasn’t going to be lockstep with anyone for political reasons,” said Anzelc. “I’ve been independent, but I’ve also been true to my progressive labor roots.”
Ott made the decision to seek election for the House 3A seat, because he has great concern about the current state of Minnesota and the country.
“Our dependence on government has resulted in an erosion of the values that our country and state were founded upon – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Big government has diminished these values,” said the candidate.
Anzelc said he’s running again to ensure that people in border country have a strong voice.
“We may live in a remote part of Minnesota, but we deserve to be heard and we deserve good government,” said Anzelc. “I have worked hard to be the people’s voice for border country, whether in economic development, reform for wetlands laws, tourism and resorts, or in how we care for people in need.”
Ott has a long record of public service, working for 33 years in county government — five years as a chemical dependency counselor, 18 years in child support collection and 10 years as county veterans services officer.
The candidate is a veteran who served for six years in the United States Air Force, including one year in Vietnam. He also served as American Legion district commander in 2004-2005. His education includes an associate of arts degree.
The candidate has been married to his wife, Mary, for 37 years. The couple has three grown children. Their home is in rural central Itasca County.
More information about Ott can be found on his Web site at http://www.marvott.com.
Anzelc helped secured funding to study energy creation using municipal waste in International Falls, one of many projects that have the potential to create jobs and handle important infrastructure problems.
“I like economic development that is smart and bold,” said Anzelc. “We’ve proven that we can create jobs by supporting public infrastructure and projects that make sense. I’ve made a point to build good relationships with local and county government units and business leaders like those at the Boise plant in International Falls.”
He served on the K-12 Finance committee and fought for adequate funding for Koochiching County school districts. In addition, he authored a bill that demands accountability and standards for online high school courses.
“As the son of a miner, I’ll never forget the important role public schools played in my life,” said Anzelc. “Our northern Minnesota schools must always help our kids move up in life. Lately, local schools have been struggling, but I am never going to give up on our kids and teachers.”
One of Anzelc’s priorities, highway improvements throughout District 3A, saw significant progress during his first term.
“We live in a big district with a lot of rural areas, so safe, efficient highways are very important to the people who live here,” said Anzelc. “My vote to override the governor and pass the transportation bill moved up the expansion and completion of Highways 53 and 11 by more than a decade on the MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) priority list.”
Anzelc has sought common sense policy to protect the balance between nature and the people who live here.
“I’ve advocated for public recreational land use for everyone,” said Anzelc. “At the same time I’ve looked to save our environment for future enjoyment by our kids and grandkids. And I’m proud of my support for sound forestry through the Forest Legacy Act.”
Anzelc has also maintained his support for northern Minnesota values like hunting and fishing rights, the Second Amendment and hard work.
“When I go to St. Paul, I always remember where I’m from and who I work for,” said Anzelc. “Public service is my life.”