Elected Officials
Senator Gretchen Hoffman, SD 10
Gretchen's main job has been that of wife and mother. Gretchen believes it is our moral obligation that, for our kids and grandkids, we must leave this state and country better than we found it. Out of control government spending has endangered that future for our kids. Many in our government have forgotten about the personal responsibility needed for success and that more government programs encourage dependence, which is the polar opposite of what is needed to restore our state and country to greatness.
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Representative Bud Nornes, HD 10A
Nornes make notes about progress as of May 27, 2008: A lot of legislative wrangling took place the last week of session and when all was said and done, the final product turned out pretty well.
A provision I crafted to help re-use the soon-to-be vacant Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls passed as part of the Tax Bill; this provision is critical for the preservation of this historic campus. The plan is to convert the RTC into a cross-cultural college campus focusing on international business. Hunan Normal University in China will act as a sister campus to Fergus Falls.
It was crucial that we eliminated our $935 million budget deficit and improved the health care market for our small business owners this session. We made progress on both accounts when the House, the Senate and Gov. Pawlenty found common ground.
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Representative Mark Murdock, HD 10B
Mark and his wife, Pat, have successfully run the Ace Hardware store in Perham for the past 12 years.
In addition to his 25 years of retail experience, Murdock cites his marriage as an example of his dedication and character. "This October, we'll have been married for 34 years," he says with a smile.
Together, the couple has two children, sons Adam and Nicholas. They live on Round Lake, near Ottertail city.
Although Murdock hasn't been involved in the political arena up until this point, he has held leadership positions in several community organizations. Prior to moving to the Perham area, he was parish council president in Dodge Center, Minn.
Murdock is the first one to admit that he might not fit the typical politician stereotype. "I don't want to be a politician," he comments. "I want to be a representative."
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