Dwight Dorau
Name: Dwight Dorau
Public Office Sought: Minnesota Senate District 47
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (651) 494-4009
Campaign website: DwightDorauforMN.com
Twitter handle: @DwightDorauMN
Facebook page: Dwight Dorau For MN
Candidate Bio
As a retired Air Force colonel, I have nearly 27 years of experience working with an incredibly diverse group of people from all branches of the military, various federal and state agencies, and international organizations. Working with others has been the great pleasure of my career, and I know I can effectively work with all sides in the legislature to ensure common-sense solutions to Minnesota’s problems.
During my military career, I’ve had many leadership experiences. I’ve been a three-time commander, including leading a squadron of aerial refueling airplanes in combat sorties over the skies of Afghanistan, as well as leading all airfield support operations at a large and busy airbase in England. I am now working at Johnson High School in St Paul as the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for the Air Force Junior ROTC program, developing citizens of character dedicated to serving their country and community.
I am a 100% product of the Minnesota public education system. I attended Finlayson High School, Brainerd Community College, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth, culminating with a Master of Education degree.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My top priority is public safety and combating violent crime in the East Metro and all of Minnesota—this is job #1. I will draft legislation to help strengthen criminal laws, and I will always vote to fully fund our law enforcement agencies. Second to providing safety for all of our citizens is the economy. Rampant inflation is severely hurting businesses and hardworking Minnesotans, and they need relief now. The record surplus should indicate to all that we have been significantly overtaxed. Therefore, I support permanent tax cuts for businesses and individual tax payers, as well as helping those who are struggling and on fixed incomes by repealing the tax on social security benefits. Finally, as an educator in an inner-city public school, I want to ensure all public schools are staffed with the best teachers who are well-paid for their important jobs of educating our children. Minnesota public schools have a long legacy of excellence, and I will work to ensure we maintain that edge going forward, while also realizing that public schools may not be right for all parents or children. In those cases, the money should follow the students, creating an environment of innovation and competition to help Minnesota maintain excellence in education.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Nearly 100 years ago during the Roaring Twenties, President Calvin Coolidge said, “The business of America is business.” Here in the East Metro, Coolidge’s sentiment rings true today. There are many opportunities for businesses and individuals in our thriving community, and with great employment opportunities comes greater quality of life.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
The best way to attract businesses and jobs is to keep taxes as low as possible to compete with surrounding states. This has become especially important in the past year as we now have the added “tax” of the worst inflation in over 40 years. New and existing businesses will naturally gravitate toward the best tax climates.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Business and individual tax relief is the key component to addressing labor shortages. Setting the right tax environment unleashes the power of the free market, and that positively impacts businesses and workers. If businesses have more capital due to reduced taxes, they can invest in existing and new workforce training as well as increased wages and benefits packages to attract new labor.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I do not have any specific proposals, however, that doesn’t mean that I am opposed to them because I will approach all issues with an open mind and with the intent to pursue common-sense legislation in coordination with other legislators and local officials. This would involve including all affected parties to determine the pros and cons to employers, employees, and the general population.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you use to address public safety issues?
Since retiring from the Air Force and moving back home to Minnesota, a close family member was the victim of a violent car-jacking very close to Woodbury. This issue is very personal to me, and it is my top priority. I am currently doing research with law enforcement professionals to find specific ways to help curb crime in our state and communities and I expect to roll out specific proposals in the coming months. In general, I will ensure all state law enforcement agencies receive full funding. At the local level, I’m very proud of Woodbury’s Police force, and I’m happy to see they just hired another four outstanding officers.
What strategies or policies would you use to address transportation issues? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
Roads, bridges and upgraded safety enhancements are key to Minnesota’s transportation system, and far outweigh all other transportation modes. Looking at MNDOT’s list of upcoming repair projects, their priorities are spot on and we need to continue to fund them in a robust, bipartisan fashion. My views have not changed on transportation as a result of the pandemic, but I welcome the reduction of traffic with many continuing to choose to work at home. In the East Metro, I also support adequate bus routes as a relatively cost-effective transit system for those who rely on it.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
Inflation and rising interest rates, along with the corresponding rapid increase of home values has made home ownership more challenging, especially among younger families. Reducing the tax burden on our citizens is a strong strategy that I fully support and which would help many in their search for affordable housing.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
My spending priorities mirror my overall priorities. We must fully fund our law enforcement agencies, and we must continue our legacy of outstanding education for our public schools as well as alternate school choices for parents. With regard to specific state agencies, services, and programs, we must be vigilant of fraud, waste, and abuse. As taxpayers, it’s our money, and we must ensure it is being spent wisely.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As Woodbury grows, the tax base will naturally grow. My job as a legislator will be to set the right conditions for success and to work with city councils, mayors, and county commissioners to assist them in bonding measures and other infrastructure spending. Helping to create an environment of positive economic growth is the key to district tax base expansion.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce, and address the achievement gap?
Minnesota’s educational institutions are crucial to building an educated workforce, and as one of my top three priorities I will strive to help our region maintain an educated, well-trained workforce. High schools, trade and technical schools, community colleges and our university system must always strive to align with evolving employer requirements to maintain their edge. I’m impressed with some of the outreach programs I’ve seen by private businesses (such as summer programs for high school students sponsored by 3M), as well as state agency internships for college students (for example, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension hosts students). These and many other opportunities certainly help our region and help to close any achievement gaps.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Helping businesses through permanent tax relief is key for all businesses, including minority- and women- owned businesses, and I will focus on setting the right conditions to support all businesses as a senator.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Unfortunately, the state cannot wave a magic wand and revive the small businesses that were forced to close. Small businesses value and thrive with a certain degree of stability, and we can provide that stability by creating a favorable business climate with low tax rates to help the business community recover.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a little about myself in this survey. In addition to providing my thoughts on these various topics, I look forward to hearing from readers regarding their concerns so I can better serve them as District 47 Senator.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota Senate District 47
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (651) 494-4009
Campaign website: DwightDorauforMN.com
Twitter handle: @DwightDorauMN
Facebook page: Dwight Dorau For MN
Candidate Bio
As a retired Air Force colonel, I have nearly 27 years of experience working with an incredibly diverse group of people from all branches of the military, various federal and state agencies, and international organizations. Working with others has been the great pleasure of my career, and I know I can effectively work with all sides in the legislature to ensure common-sense solutions to Minnesota’s problems.
During my military career, I’ve had many leadership experiences. I’ve been a three-time commander, including leading a squadron of aerial refueling airplanes in combat sorties over the skies of Afghanistan, as well as leading all airfield support operations at a large and busy airbase in England. I am now working at Johnson High School in St Paul as the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for the Air Force Junior ROTC program, developing citizens of character dedicated to serving their country and community.
I am a 100% product of the Minnesota public education system. I attended Finlayson High School, Brainerd Community College, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth, culminating with a Master of Education degree.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My top priority is public safety and combating violent crime in the East Metro and all of Minnesota—this is job #1. I will draft legislation to help strengthen criminal laws, and I will always vote to fully fund our law enforcement agencies. Second to providing safety for all of our citizens is the economy. Rampant inflation is severely hurting businesses and hardworking Minnesotans, and they need relief now. The record surplus should indicate to all that we have been significantly overtaxed. Therefore, I support permanent tax cuts for businesses and individual tax payers, as well as helping those who are struggling and on fixed incomes by repealing the tax on social security benefits. Finally, as an educator in an inner-city public school, I want to ensure all public schools are staffed with the best teachers who are well-paid for their important jobs of educating our children. Minnesota public schools have a long legacy of excellence, and I will work to ensure we maintain that edge going forward, while also realizing that public schools may not be right for all parents or children. In those cases, the money should follow the students, creating an environment of innovation and competition to help Minnesota maintain excellence in education.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro and what role do businesses play in supporting quality of life issues in East Metro communities?
Nearly 100 years ago during the Roaring Twenties, President Calvin Coolidge said, “The business of America is business.” Here in the East Metro, Coolidge’s sentiment rings true today. There are many opportunities for businesses and individuals in our thriving community, and with great employment opportunities comes greater quality of life.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
The best way to attract businesses and jobs is to keep taxes as low as possible to compete with surrounding states. This has become especially important in the past year as we now have the added “tax” of the worst inflation in over 40 years. New and existing businesses will naturally gravitate toward the best tax climates.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Business and individual tax relief is the key component to addressing labor shortages. Setting the right tax environment unleashes the power of the free market, and that positively impacts businesses and workers. If businesses have more capital due to reduced taxes, they can invest in existing and new workforce training as well as increased wages and benefits packages to attract new labor.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I do not have any specific proposals, however, that doesn’t mean that I am opposed to them because I will approach all issues with an open mind and with the intent to pursue common-sense legislation in coordination with other legislators and local officials. This would involve including all affected parties to determine the pros and cons to employers, employees, and the general population.
Public safety and rising crime rates are of serious concern to the business community and residents. What strategies or policies would you use to address public safety issues?
Since retiring from the Air Force and moving back home to Minnesota, a close family member was the victim of a violent car-jacking very close to Woodbury. This issue is very personal to me, and it is my top priority. I am currently doing research with law enforcement professionals to find specific ways to help curb crime in our state and communities and I expect to roll out specific proposals in the coming months. In general, I will ensure all state law enforcement agencies receive full funding. At the local level, I’m very proud of Woodbury’s Police force, and I’m happy to see they just hired another four outstanding officers.
What strategies or policies would you use to address transportation issues? Have your strategies or views changed on transportation since we’ve seen shifts in road use, public transportation use, work from home models, etc. due to the pandemic?
Roads, bridges and upgraded safety enhancements are key to Minnesota’s transportation system, and far outweigh all other transportation modes. Looking at MNDOT’s list of upcoming repair projects, their priorities are spot on and we need to continue to fund them in a robust, bipartisan fashion. My views have not changed on transportation as a result of the pandemic, but I welcome the reduction of traffic with many continuing to choose to work at home. In the East Metro, I also support adequate bus routes as a relatively cost-effective transit system for those who rely on it.
What strategies or policies would you use to address housing issues?
Inflation and rising interest rates, along with the corresponding rapid increase of home values has made home ownership more challenging, especially among younger families. Reducing the tax burden on our citizens is a strong strategy that I fully support and which would help many in their search for affordable housing.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
My spending priorities mirror my overall priorities. We must fully fund our law enforcement agencies, and we must continue our legacy of outstanding education for our public schools as well as alternate school choices for parents. With regard to specific state agencies, services, and programs, we must be vigilant of fraud, waste, and abuse. As taxpayers, it’s our money, and we must ensure it is being spent wisely.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
As Woodbury grows, the tax base will naturally grow. My job as a legislator will be to set the right conditions for success and to work with city councils, mayors, and county commissioners to assist them in bonding measures and other infrastructure spending. Helping to create an environment of positive economic growth is the key to district tax base expansion.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce, and address the achievement gap?
Minnesota’s educational institutions are crucial to building an educated workforce, and as one of my top three priorities I will strive to help our region maintain an educated, well-trained workforce. High schools, trade and technical schools, community colleges and our university system must always strive to align with evolving employer requirements to maintain their edge. I’m impressed with some of the outreach programs I’ve seen by private businesses (such as summer programs for high school students sponsored by 3M), as well as state agency internships for college students (for example, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension hosts students). These and many other opportunities certainly help our region and help to close any achievement gaps.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Helping businesses through permanent tax relief is key for all businesses, including minority- and women- owned businesses, and I will focus on setting the right conditions to support all businesses as a senator.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Unfortunately, the state cannot wave a magic wand and revive the small businesses that were forced to close. Small businesses value and thrive with a certain degree of stability, and we can provide that stability by creating a favorable business climate with low tax rates to help the business community recover.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a little about myself in this survey. In addition to providing my thoughts on these various topics, I look forward to hearing from readers regarding their concerns so I can better serve them as District 47 Senator.