Patrick J. Zurick
Name: Patrick J. Zurick
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 51A
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (952) 374 - 8044
Campaign website: zurick4house.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: elect.patrickj.zurick
Candidate Bio
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Making sure that the next generation has the opportunity for success. This includes school choice for all. This would ultimately lead to smaller class size and a better educational environment. Supporting trades being taught in high school so that we have a higher standard of hirable graduates either from high school or college. College needs to be affordable. We need to work with colleges and Universities to make sure college tuition is in line with the opportunities that are afforded to graduates.
Affordable Health Care – Currently Medicare pays health care providers at about 12% below cost, versus private insurance that pays providers at about 45% above cost. Medicare for all cannot be the answer because of the substantial burden that would be placed on the industry financially. However, making sure that health care is available at an affordable rate needs to be a priority. We need to make sure that those that need care the most get that care. Currently the Medicare system is very effective at caring for the older adult population. We cannot risk moving forward with a Medicare for all plan that could jeopardize the welfare of our aging population and the financial stability of our healthcare facilities. We are the party that will protect our elderly and not vote to remove $68,000,000 from nursing home funding as our current Democratic led party did.
Economic growth – with the inevitable fall out from corona virus we must work with small businesses and lenders to expedite loans to ensure that all businesses are given every opportunity for success. We will also see an increase in unemployment and a longer time horizon for getting people back to work. We need to work with businesses and those out of work to match those seeking work with opportunities that are available through private enterprise. We must protect the taxpayer and weigh the needs of those that have become unemployed through no fault of their own, with protecting every individuals money and treating it as their money and not the governments.
It is time to make public safety priority one. Defunding the police is not offering the protection that everyone deserves. Police need to be respected and they will be proud to represent the community they have chosen to serve.
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?
Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area is in the lowest 40% in economic growth projections for the next ten years based on department of Labor statistics. It is unacceptable. We have some of the greatest colleges and universities in the metro area. We need to do a better job of utilizing that talent, Particularly in areas of communications, electronics, health care and pharmaceuticals where we can utilize the expertise at Mayo clinic and the University of Minnesota to open business opportunities in the metro area.
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 state needs to provide tax opportunities and back low interest loans to bring well paying jobs to the metro area. The loans need to go through the SBA (Small Business Association) and be managed through the local banking system. We need to develop programs to provide a network of Angel investors to encourage their investment in the Minneapolis metro area. This is extremely important moving forward. Minnesota currently has a black eye because of the recent riots. We must become proactive in bringing the right businesses to the state.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am a small business owner. I have been able to maintain high quality employees by offering fair wages, 401k, generous vacation, and sick leave etc. My point in bringing this up is businesses attract employees through whatever works best within their business structure. It needs to be up to the business owner to determine what they need to do to be profitable and not be held to a government created standard.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
I am not in favor of defunding the police. Police and first responders need to be respected and they will be proud of the communities they have chosen to serve. Transportation needs to be judged on a case by case basis. There is no blank check, however, if ridership proves that there will be adequate usage then having public transportation is part of being a world class city. The first choice would be economic development that would minimize the need for public housing. It is overly concerning when Public Subsidized Housing is listed as one of the top ten career opportunities over the next ten years (nationally). We must look at development in two ways, bringing well paying jobs and career opportunities and secondly providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business development.
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?
Right now we are looking at a budget short fall between $2.5 and $10 billion (most likely to come in around $4.7 and $5 billion deficit) we have to look at anywhere that there is a duplication or where there can be a rotation of service into another department. The Democratic Party voted to raise taxes by $12 billion when there was a surplus, it is overly concerning what their leadership will bring when trying to close the gap based on the above-mentioned deficits. The Democratic Party likes to think they can narrow the gap by taxing upper income individuals, but what we know is that the upper income entities will move out of state to avoid taxation. Thus, the Democratic Party taxation platform ends up hurting the middle class and the poor the most because that is where they can bring in the revenues. We also know that there was a substantial pay increase for state employees. Everyone has to have skin in the game when looking at what needs to be done to reduce the budget deficit and that includes reevaluating the pay increase. Bottom line is, the taxpayers’ money is their money and it needs to be treated with sanctity.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Economic Development is what is needed. It has been neglected under the current Democratic leadership. We need to look at economic development in two ways; one is brining jobs that require highly skilled workers and secondly develop entrepreneurship and small business. We have the university system in place to bring those types of jobs to the Twin cities market. We have to put together programs through tax incentives and low interest loans that will bring the jobs necessary to the Twin Cities market.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I was on the Board at Hennepin County votech when it transitioned into the University system. I bring that up because a strong vocational structure beginning in high school is extremely important. For those individuals that will take advantage of those educational opportunities, they need to be given access to those career opportunities. We also need to work with colleges and Universities to keep costs within reason so that students are not graduating with mounds of debt that inhibits their ability to start their independent lives in a strong financial situation.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The state needs to be welcoming to all business opportunities. We can not differentiate business to business, but we need to welcome every viable opportunity. The Twin Cities has the resources to be a leader in economic development unlike being in the lower half as we are today. Coming out of the COVID environment there will be prime opportunities to take advantage of the new business environment. The Twin Cities needs to be a leader in the New Economy. As I mentioned above the Twin Cities has the resources available, we need the leadership to make it happen.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The economy needs to open. States are given Federal money based on failure and not success. States are given money based on the number of Medicare cases they have and the number of unemployed they have. Thus, running over a 20% false positive rate and keeping a higher unemployment rate means the states gain additional funding. It must change. We can open the economy and do it safely. There are several individuals that need to take full precautions to protect themselves from getting the virus. As a society we need to also take those precautions, but we can open business while at the same time practicing the necessary precautions. The PPP program needs to become a grant to those that have utilized the funds as they were intended. We need develop ways to encourage people to utilize local businesses. It can be done through
Coupon programs for using local businesses. Potential tax incentives for purchasing from local businesses. The sooner we get the economy open the better. People have changed their buying habits away from local business. It will be difficult to get those buying habits to change back. Businesses have lost revenue through no fault of their own, we must do everything possible to give them the opportunity to get that business back. Shutting down small business at the beginning of the pandemic is exactly the opposite of what should have happened. It is much easier for small business to track who has been in their business location at any time then it is for Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Target etc. Small business must open at full capacity.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
It is time to elect the candidate that will provide leadership in Economic Development.
It is time to elect the candidate that will provide leadership in protecting our elderly and the Medicare system they have payed into during there entire lives, so that it is available now that it is necessary to provide them the quality of life they deserve.
It is time to elect the candidate that will make smaller classrooms a priority and the economic base that will make it possible.
It is time to elect the candidate that will make sure that public safety is a priority. That police and first responders are given the respect they deserve so they can be proud to represent the community they have chosen to serve.
It is time to elect Patrick J. Zurick to the Minnesota State House of Representative in District 51A.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 51A
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (952) 374 - 8044
Campaign website: zurick4house.com
Twitter handle:
Facebook page: elect.patrickj.zurick
Candidate Bio
- Small business owner with wife (Marie) Miss Marie’s Learning Center (MML Academy) for 12 years.
- Two children -has his Masters in Sports Psychology from Minnesota State – Mankato and daughter works with stallions in the thoroughbred industry and is currently living in Lexington, KY after getting her start at Canterbury Park.
- Worked in New Product Development and Marketing in construction, landscape, automotive, and small engine. Operationally worked in plumbing, HVAC, and distribution.
- Youth are extremely important
- Six year football commissioner
- Six year Hockey Association board member
- Four year Athletic Association board member
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Making sure that the next generation has the opportunity for success. This includes school choice for all. This would ultimately lead to smaller class size and a better educational environment. Supporting trades being taught in high school so that we have a higher standard of hirable graduates either from high school or college. College needs to be affordable. We need to work with colleges and Universities to make sure college tuition is in line with the opportunities that are afforded to graduates.
Affordable Health Care – Currently Medicare pays health care providers at about 12% below cost, versus private insurance that pays providers at about 45% above cost. Medicare for all cannot be the answer because of the substantial burden that would be placed on the industry financially. However, making sure that health care is available at an affordable rate needs to be a priority. We need to make sure that those that need care the most get that care. Currently the Medicare system is very effective at caring for the older adult population. We cannot risk moving forward with a Medicare for all plan that could jeopardize the welfare of our aging population and the financial stability of our healthcare facilities. We are the party that will protect our elderly and not vote to remove $68,000,000 from nursing home funding as our current Democratic led party did.
Economic growth – with the inevitable fall out from corona virus we must work with small businesses and lenders to expedite loans to ensure that all businesses are given every opportunity for success. We will also see an increase in unemployment and a longer time horizon for getting people back to work. We need to work with businesses and those out of work to match those seeking work with opportunities that are available through private enterprise. We must protect the taxpayer and weigh the needs of those that have become unemployed through no fault of their own, with protecting every individuals money and treating it as their money and not the governments.
It is time to make public safety priority one. Defunding the police is not offering the protection that everyone deserves. Police need to be respected and they will be proud to represent the community they have chosen to serve.
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?
Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area is in the lowest 40% in economic growth projections for the next ten years based on department of Labor statistics. It is unacceptable. We have some of the greatest colleges and universities in the metro area. We need to do a better job of utilizing that talent, Particularly in areas of communications, electronics, health care and pharmaceuticals where we can utilize the expertise at Mayo clinic and the University of Minnesota to open business opportunities in the metro area.
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 state needs to provide tax opportunities and back low interest loans to bring well paying jobs to the metro area. The loans need to go through the SBA (Small Business Association) and be managed through the local banking system. We need to develop programs to provide a network of Angel investors to encourage their investment in the Minneapolis metro area. This is extremely important moving forward. Minnesota currently has a black eye because of the recent riots. We must become proactive in bringing the right businesses to the state.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I am a small business owner. I have been able to maintain high quality employees by offering fair wages, 401k, generous vacation, and sick leave etc. My point in bringing this up is businesses attract employees through whatever works best within their business structure. It needs to be up to the business owner to determine what they need to do to be profitable and not be held to a government created standard.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
I am not in favor of defunding the police. Police and first responders need to be respected and they will be proud of the communities they have chosen to serve. Transportation needs to be judged on a case by case basis. There is no blank check, however, if ridership proves that there will be adequate usage then having public transportation is part of being a world class city. The first choice would be economic development that would minimize the need for public housing. It is overly concerning when Public Subsidized Housing is listed as one of the top ten career opportunities over the next ten years (nationally). We must look at development in two ways, bringing well paying jobs and career opportunities and secondly providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business development.
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?
Right now we are looking at a budget short fall between $2.5 and $10 billion (most likely to come in around $4.7 and $5 billion deficit) we have to look at anywhere that there is a duplication or where there can be a rotation of service into another department. The Democratic Party voted to raise taxes by $12 billion when there was a surplus, it is overly concerning what their leadership will bring when trying to close the gap based on the above-mentioned deficits. The Democratic Party likes to think they can narrow the gap by taxing upper income individuals, but what we know is that the upper income entities will move out of state to avoid taxation. Thus, the Democratic Party taxation platform ends up hurting the middle class and the poor the most because that is where they can bring in the revenues. We also know that there was a substantial pay increase for state employees. Everyone has to have skin in the game when looking at what needs to be done to reduce the budget deficit and that includes reevaluating the pay increase. Bottom line is, the taxpayers’ money is their money and it needs to be treated with sanctity.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Economic Development is what is needed. It has been neglected under the current Democratic leadership. We need to look at economic development in two ways; one is brining jobs that require highly skilled workers and secondly develop entrepreneurship and small business. We have the university system in place to bring those types of jobs to the Twin cities market. We have to put together programs through tax incentives and low interest loans that will bring the jobs necessary to the Twin Cities market.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
I was on the Board at Hennepin County votech when it transitioned into the University system. I bring that up because a strong vocational structure beginning in high school is extremely important. For those individuals that will take advantage of those educational opportunities, they need to be given access to those career opportunities. We also need to work with colleges and Universities to keep costs within reason so that students are not graduating with mounds of debt that inhibits their ability to start their independent lives in a strong financial situation.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
The state needs to be welcoming to all business opportunities. We can not differentiate business to business, but we need to welcome every viable opportunity. The Twin Cities has the resources to be a leader in economic development unlike being in the lower half as we are today. Coming out of the COVID environment there will be prime opportunities to take advantage of the new business environment. The Twin Cities needs to be a leader in the New Economy. As I mentioned above the Twin Cities has the resources available, we need the leadership to make it happen.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The economy needs to open. States are given Federal money based on failure and not success. States are given money based on the number of Medicare cases they have and the number of unemployed they have. Thus, running over a 20% false positive rate and keeping a higher unemployment rate means the states gain additional funding. It must change. We can open the economy and do it safely. There are several individuals that need to take full precautions to protect themselves from getting the virus. As a society we need to also take those precautions, but we can open business while at the same time practicing the necessary precautions. The PPP program needs to become a grant to those that have utilized the funds as they were intended. We need develop ways to encourage people to utilize local businesses. It can be done through
Coupon programs for using local businesses. Potential tax incentives for purchasing from local businesses. The sooner we get the economy open the better. People have changed their buying habits away from local business. It will be difficult to get those buying habits to change back. Businesses have lost revenue through no fault of their own, we must do everything possible to give them the opportunity to get that business back. Shutting down small business at the beginning of the pandemic is exactly the opposite of what should have happened. It is much easier for small business to track who has been in their business location at any time then it is for Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Target etc. Small business must open at full capacity.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
It is time to elect the candidate that will provide leadership in Economic Development.
It is time to elect the candidate that will provide leadership in protecting our elderly and the Medicare system they have payed into during there entire lives, so that it is available now that it is necessary to provide them the quality of life they deserve.
It is time to elect the candidate that will make smaller classrooms a priority and the economic base that will make it possible.
It is time to elect the candidate that will make sure that public safety is a priority. That police and first responders are given the respect they deserve so they can be proud to represent the community they have chosen to serve.
It is time to elect Patrick J. Zurick to the Minnesota State House of Representative in District 51A.