Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My name is Barry Hickethier, and I am seeking to earn your support for Minnesota State Senate, District 59. I am running because, like so many people I have talked with, I have become frustrated with the current state of government. A government that is more beholden than ever to special interest, while becoming less responsive to the needs of the average citizen. A government which is inserting itself more and more into our personal lives, and which is eroding our personal freedom.

As your senator I pledge to bring back a government that works for the people, rather than one that expects the reverse. I pledge to restore faith in government by performing honestly, openly and ethically and by putting the needs of those whom I represent ahead of the whim of special interests. I pledge to work towards real, innovative reforms, rather than changes on the margin that do nothing but preserve the status quo.

I believe that laws should stem from the basic principle of respecting and protecting individual rights and liberties, not limiting them. I believe in a government that puts its faith in its citizens rather than demand that its citizens put their faith in it. I believe people are at their best when allowed to pursue their own happiness. The role of government is not to limit this pursuit, but instead to remove obstacles along the way. One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Einstein, “Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.”

Sincerely,

Barry Hickethier,
Candidate, Senate District 59