David Azcona
Name: David Azcona
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-408-5963
Campaign Website: azconaformnhouse.com
Twitter handle: azconaformn
Instagram Page: davidazconaformnhouse
Candidate Bio
My name is David Azcona, and I have been a lifelong resident of Woodbury. I have a track record of advocating for Minnesotans. I have lobbied on behalf of Minnesota college students to continue to receive state grant funding. I am running because I believe that the American Dream is under threat, as life is becoming unaffordable for most Minnesotans due to the Trump Administration, and because of the corporate capture of our government. As your next representative, I will be able to fight against entrenched corporate interests effectively because I do not accept PAC or Lobbyist contributions, which have bought favors and influence at the expense of hardworking Minnesotans.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My first priority, if elected, would be to guarantee healthcare as a right for all Minnesotans, because the current system is failing them. Employer-subsidized insurance premiums are up 25 percent from 5 years ago, and the Trump Administration's decision to allow the ACA tax credits to expire will cause premiums for 90,000 Minnesotans in the MNsure exchanges to increase by 50 percent next year. To add to that, the Trump administration's Medicaid cuts will kick 140,000 Minnesotans off their Medicaid coverage, which will decimate rural hospitals. This is why David supports the Minnesota Health Plan by Senator Marty to address these urgent problems. The Minnesota Health plan is a small-business empowerment program, as more people will be able to take the risk of starting their own business without worrying about losing their healthcare coverage.
My second priority would be to create a universal childcare program because child care in Minnesota costs more than in almost every other state. Some of the reasons for this are the arduous licensing process and the private equity takeover of major day care companies, which increases tuition and cuts costs. A universal childcare program would be a key to solving Minnesota's critical labor shortage.
My third priority would be to work to reduce corruption by getting money out of politics. Big money is swallowing up our democracy because corporate interests and other special interests are buying our electoral process. This is due to a slew of disastrous Supreme Court rulings, such as Buckley v. Valeo, First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti, and SpeechNow.org v. FEC, culminating in the shameful Citizens United ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. To counter this influx of big money, David will introduce a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to propose a constitutional amendment to get money out of politics and reclaim our democracy. David will also introduce bills to create a robust public financing system with matching funds, giving grassroots candidates a chance to compete against unlimited special-interest spending.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The East Metro has a strong history of investment and innovation in part due to the high high school and college graduation rates. Still, I am concerned that AI automation will lead to mass layoffs and economic hardship. An internal Amazon document outlined a long-term plan to replace 500,000 jobs by 2033 with AI automation, and I am concerned that workers at the Amazon distribution center in Woodbury will be negatively affected. I am also troubled by the fact that the top 10 percent of earners account for nearly 50 percent of all consumer spending, and what it would mean for District 47A businesses if the top 10 percent cut back on their spending. As your representative, I will be transparent and open about the current situation and will try to ensure that middle-class families are not left behind.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges such as education, housing, workforce development, or other priority areas.
Working together and listening to the perspectives of all stakeholders is the key to tackling the critical issues facing our community, and this involves including all voices, even those with less power and influence in the decision-making process.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
A universal childcare program, which I support, would have a significant impact on addressing our state's critical labor shortage by increasing parental employment, especially among lower-income families, by reducing the financial burden of work, and by creating greater economic opportunities as businesses become more productive.
The Legislature passed several new mandates on employers in recent years, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. If elected, how would you evaluate the impact of such proposals on East Metro employers, and what principles would guide your approach to exemptions or modifications?
I strongly support the enactment of these pro-worker and pro-family policies. If elected, I would take an objective look at the data to determine whether we need to fine-tune the legislation or make adjustments based on it. I am glad to see these new mandates being implemented because they will lead to a more productive and efficient workforce. My approach to exemptions and modifications would be based on the data and my firmly held principles of fairness to workers and to business owners.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategies would include working with local law enforcement, community leaders, and crime victims to address issues and challenges swiftly and effectively. I will work with law enforcement agencies at the local and state levels to combat and prosecute the alarming increase in cybercrime across the state.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
The Gold line is a significant step forward, and I will seek funding to fully electrify the fleet and meet with transportation experts to increase ridership on the Gold line. The Woodbury Metro Micro transit line is a significant step forward for accessible local transportation options for our elderly community members and our neighbors with disabilities, which is why I look forward to tracking its impacts to see if any modifications are needed.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Home ownership for many younger Minnesotans is becoming more out of reach, which is why I will look to expand the current down payment assistant programs for first-time home buyers. Another challenge to housing affordability is that high interest rates are preventing many Minnesotans from upsizing or downsizing their homes, which is why I have an idea where, if you like your mortgage rate, you can keep it when you sell your home and buy a new one. Another obstacle to building more affordable housing is restrictive zoning laws and ordinances, which is why I will work with fellow lawmakers to change zoning laws. A less discussed reason for the housing shortage is that institutional investors, such as private equity firms, are buying up large swaths of single-family homes and turning them into rentals. I believe that this practice is unacceptable and will work to ban private equity from buying up single-family homes.
Minnesota’s upcoming budget deficit presents a significant challenge in the years ahead. What steps would you take to bring the budget into balance? Please include specific ideas for reducing spending, increasing revenue, or reforming state programs.
I would prioritize raising revenue, and my specific ideas would be an increase in the estate tax, an increase in the capital gains surcharge tax, a luxury goods and services tax, and a vacancy tax.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-408-5963
Campaign Website: azconaformnhouse.com
Twitter handle: azconaformn
Instagram Page: davidazconaformnhouse
Candidate Bio
My name is David Azcona, and I have been a lifelong resident of Woodbury. I have a track record of advocating for Minnesotans. I have lobbied on behalf of Minnesota college students to continue to receive state grant funding. I am running because I believe that the American Dream is under threat, as life is becoming unaffordable for most Minnesotans due to the Trump Administration, and because of the corporate capture of our government. As your next representative, I will be able to fight against entrenched corporate interests effectively because I do not accept PAC or Lobbyist contributions, which have bought favors and influence at the expense of hardworking Minnesotans.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
My first priority, if elected, would be to guarantee healthcare as a right for all Minnesotans, because the current system is failing them. Employer-subsidized insurance premiums are up 25 percent from 5 years ago, and the Trump Administration's decision to allow the ACA tax credits to expire will cause premiums for 90,000 Minnesotans in the MNsure exchanges to increase by 50 percent next year. To add to that, the Trump administration's Medicaid cuts will kick 140,000 Minnesotans off their Medicaid coverage, which will decimate rural hospitals. This is why David supports the Minnesota Health Plan by Senator Marty to address these urgent problems. The Minnesota Health plan is a small-business empowerment program, as more people will be able to take the risk of starting their own business without worrying about losing their healthcare coverage.
My second priority would be to create a universal childcare program because child care in Minnesota costs more than in almost every other state. Some of the reasons for this are the arduous licensing process and the private equity takeover of major day care companies, which increases tuition and cuts costs. A universal childcare program would be a key to solving Minnesota's critical labor shortage.
My third priority would be to work to reduce corruption by getting money out of politics. Big money is swallowing up our democracy because corporate interests and other special interests are buying our electoral process. This is due to a slew of disastrous Supreme Court rulings, such as Buckley v. Valeo, First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti, and SpeechNow.org v. FEC, culminating in the shameful Citizens United ruling that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. To counter this influx of big money, David will introduce a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to propose a constitutional amendment to get money out of politics and reclaim our democracy. David will also introduce bills to create a robust public financing system with matching funds, giving grassroots candidates a chance to compete against unlimited special-interest spending.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
The East Metro has a strong history of investment and innovation in part due to the high high school and college graduation rates. Still, I am concerned that AI automation will lead to mass layoffs and economic hardship. An internal Amazon document outlined a long-term plan to replace 500,000 jobs by 2033 with AI automation, and I am concerned that workers at the Amazon distribution center in Woodbury will be negatively affected. I am also troubled by the fact that the top 10 percent of earners account for nearly 50 percent of all consumer spending, and what it would mean for District 47A businesses if the top 10 percent cut back on their spending. As your representative, I will be transparent and open about the current situation and will try to ensure that middle-class families are not left behind.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges such as education, housing, workforce development, or other priority areas.
Working together and listening to the perspectives of all stakeholders is the key to tackling the critical issues facing our community, and this involves including all voices, even those with less power and influence in the decision-making process.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
A universal childcare program, which I support, would have a significant impact on addressing our state's critical labor shortage by increasing parental employment, especially among lower-income families, by reducing the financial burden of work, and by creating greater economic opportunities as businesses become more productive.
The Legislature passed several new mandates on employers in recent years, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. If elected, how would you evaluate the impact of such proposals on East Metro employers, and what principles would guide your approach to exemptions or modifications?
I strongly support the enactment of these pro-worker and pro-family policies. If elected, I would take an objective look at the data to determine whether we need to fine-tune the legislation or make adjustments based on it. I am glad to see these new mandates being implemented because they will lead to a more productive and efficient workforce. My approach to exemptions and modifications would be based on the data and my firmly held principles of fairness to workers and to business owners.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
My strategies would include working with local law enforcement, community leaders, and crime victims to address issues and challenges swiftly and effectively. I will work with law enforcement agencies at the local and state levels to combat and prosecute the alarming increase in cybercrime across the state.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
The Gold line is a significant step forward, and I will seek funding to fully electrify the fleet and meet with transportation experts to increase ridership on the Gold line. The Woodbury Metro Micro transit line is a significant step forward for accessible local transportation options for our elderly community members and our neighbors with disabilities, which is why I look forward to tracking its impacts to see if any modifications are needed.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
Home ownership for many younger Minnesotans is becoming more out of reach, which is why I will look to expand the current down payment assistant programs for first-time home buyers. Another challenge to housing affordability is that high interest rates are preventing many Minnesotans from upsizing or downsizing their homes, which is why I have an idea where, if you like your mortgage rate, you can keep it when you sell your home and buy a new one. Another obstacle to building more affordable housing is restrictive zoning laws and ordinances, which is why I will work with fellow lawmakers to change zoning laws. A less discussed reason for the housing shortage is that institutional investors, such as private equity firms, are buying up large swaths of single-family homes and turning them into rentals. I believe that this practice is unacceptable and will work to ban private equity from buying up single-family homes.
Minnesota’s upcoming budget deficit presents a significant challenge in the years ahead. What steps would you take to bring the budget into balance? Please include specific ideas for reducing spending, increasing revenue, or reforming state programs.
I would prioritize raising revenue, and my specific ideas would be an increase in the estate tax, an increase in the capital gains surcharge tax, a luxury goods and services tax, and a vacancy tax.