Cold Spring resident Cindy Aho announced today that she is running for the Minnesota House District 13A seat, covering small town and rural Stearns County.
Aho aims to bring to the position her expertise in social work and taxes, a commitment to listen to all perspectives, and a focus on solutions.
“I am seeking this position,” Aho said, “because I feel I can better represent all interests. I also feel that it is time for new leadership and I am willing and able to step into this role with new energy, positive outlooks and with much support.”
Aho spent the last 26 years of her career working for the Minnesota Department of Revenue, retiring in 2021. She notes, “My work there included a lot of contact with the public, other agency contacts, policymakers and taxpayer advocates such as accountants and others who represented taxpayers.” Earlier in her career, Aho recalls a supervisor’s statement that has always stuck with her: “Do not come to me with a problem and without any ideas for solutions.”
Aho notes that her early training and seven years work experience in Social Work in hospital and long-term care “focused very much on communication, listening, breaking down the problem to steps toward a solution. I will listen to constituents, policymakers and others to learn and make decisions.”
Here are a few issues Aho seeks to work on:
• Housing Access: Greater Minnesota simply does not have enough housing stock to accommodate workers and their families, or independent living options for seniors. We need more affordable housing, workforce housing, senior housing and starter homes.
• Health Care Access: This is a big issue in all rural areas as we see hospitals closing or specialty units such as labor and delivery or emergency rooms closing. No one should have to travel more than 30 minutes for health care — especially in an emergency.
• High-Speed Internet (Broadband) Access: Internet is a necessity for everyone from school kids to businesses. Unfortunately, too many people and businesses in Greater Minnesota lack access to high-speed internet service. We need access to high-speed internet for all households and businesses in Minnesota.
• Worker Rights and Supporting Small Businesses, Small Manufacturers, and Entrepreneurs: Economic growth and workforce recruitment and productivity depend on fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers. Small businesses are the engines of the economy. Expand access to capital and level the playing field for small business owners by reforming the tax code.
• Property Taxes: Make sure citizens and businesses throughout Minnesota have access to the core services they need without paying exorbitant property taxes.
Aho is committed to “listening, learning, and working with affected, interested, involved and invested parties to develop strategies and solutions” to problems. She says she “will not just come to the table with issues or problems, but with ideas to make things better. I want to work with other policymakers and share ideas, solutions, knowledge and hope.”
She has a favorite quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.” Aho concludes: “I can make a difference. I listen to all sides and make educated and caring decisions. I can work across the aisle and negotiate as well as remain true to my values
