Integrity

I will be the best choice to serve Isanti/Chisago 28A because of my integrity and ease of connecting with people. As I was with my students and their families, I will be and have always been approachable, a listener who finds good in all. With me, it is always about unifying not dividing. I will always work for a better future for us and our children as your “Sensible Choice for Common Sense Government.”  

People

I, Tim Dummer, believe I am the best candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 28A because my focus is on the people I serve. For the past 46 years, Cambridge/Isanti County has been home for my family—my wife, Colleen, our two sons, and me. I have dedicated 38 years to teaching in the Cambridge/Isanti school system, including a stint at Neubrucke Army/Air Force Base in Germany. Additionally, I have experience working as a professional painter with St. Paul Local 61. My diverse background and commitment to the community uniquely position me to understand and address the needs of all of our residents. 

I will dig in, learn, and work hard in any way that supports our community. 

Community and Legislation

As a teacher, I have built a reputation for making connections and forming relationships. I am committed to fostering strong relationships with everyone I work with in District 28A and at the legislature. I will keep open lines of communication with residents, local county and city governments, and school districts. I plan to hold times for resident visits, drop-ins, and town hall meetings to ensure that all voices are heard. I understand that legislative committees is where the real work gets done, so I will actively seek assignments to committees focused on Children and Families Finance, Education Finance, and Environmental and Natural Resources Finance and Policy. 

Second Amendment and Gun Safety

Most satisfying has been my 43 years as a DNR Safety Instructor for Isanti County Youth Firearms, where I have instilled the importance of safety and responsibility in our youth. I also served as treasurer for 20 years of Isanti County Pheasants Forever and am an active member of the Isanti Sportsman Club. 

All of my experiences have deepened my commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and youth education. 

Working Families

1. State and Federal Grants: Advocate for increased state and federal funding to support both public and private childcare providers, ensuring families have access to affordable options.

2. Tax Incentives: Promote tax credits and incentives for families and childcare providers, helping reduce the cost of childcare for working parents while supporting small businesses.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government and businesses to create employer-supported childcare programs, leveraging resources from the private sector.

4. Reallocation of Existing Funds: Identify areas in the state budget where funds could be redirected toward childcare without raising taxes, such as reducing administrative costs or finding efficiencies in other social services programs.

5. Long-Term Investments: Push for policies that treat childcare as an essential infrastructure investment, with the understanding that supporting working families ultimately boosts the economy by enabling more people to participate in the workforce.

By combining these funding strategies, we can make affordable childcare a reality without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.

Second Amendment Rights

1. Promote firearm safety through comprehensive education programs.

2. Focus on ensuring that youth receive proper training and knowledge for responsible firearm handling.

3. Work to reduce the stigma that guns inherently kill people by emphasizing responsible ownership.

4. Encourage safety practices that help the community view firearms as tools that can be used safely and respectfully.

School Funding

1. Increase State Education Funding: Advocate for a larger share of state funding for education, ensuring that schools in our district receive adequate resources based on student needs.

2. Reform Funding Formula: Work to revise the current school funding formula to ensure it allocates resources more fairly, addressing disparities between wealthier and less affluent districts.

3. Grant Opportunities: Seek out state and federal grants specifically aimed at supporting educational equity, allowing schools to access additional funds without burdening local taxpayers.

4. Local Partnerships: Foster partnerships between schools and local businesses or organizations to secure additional funding or resources, enhancing educational programs and opportunities.

5. Community Engagement: Encourage community involvement in fundraising initiatives, such as local events and campaigns, to support schools while raising awareness of the importance of equitable funding.

6. Tax Incentives for Donations: Promote tax incentives for individuals and businesses that contribute to educational programs, encouraging more community investment in local schools.

By combining these funding approaches, we can work towards a more equitable education system that benefits all students while alleviating financial pressure on homeowners.

Environmental Conservation

We have valuable natural resources in our community, including the Rum River, lakes, open land, and forests. However, we are facing challenges such as degraded ecosystems, low water levels, poor soil health, and the loss of forests and lowlands that are vital for cleaning our air and water. To address these issues, consistent funding is essential for local environmental projects that aim to:

1. Restore and protect our natural habitats.

2. Improve water quality and manage water levels in our rivers and lakes.

3. Enhance soil health through sustainable agricultural practices.

4. Preserve forests and lowland areas that play a crucial role in maintaining our ecosystem.

5. Engage the community in conservation efforts and environmental education.

By securing ongoing funding, we can work together to ensure the health and sustainability of our natural resources for future generations.

Longtime teacher and resident,Tim Dummer is seeking election to be Minnesota State Representative for 28A. House seat 28A includes parts of Chisago and Isanti counties. People are at the core of what Tim has been about all his life.

He grew up in New Brighton, MN and attended De La Salle HS in Minneapolis. In between educational goals, Tim worked construction for six years with St. Paul Painters Union Local 61. He completed his Bachelor of Science in education at Macalester College and later obtained a Masters in Education from St. Thomas. Teaching for Cambridge-Isanti District 911 brought him here in 1978 and led to 40 years of teaching at C-I schools. This included two years of teaching our military children at Neubrucke Army/Air Force Base in Germany.  With his wife, Colleen, they have made Cambridge home for over 45 years. Sons Ben and Jon are both graduates of Cambridge-Isanti High School. 

Tim is devoted to his community at Common Ground, a United Methodist Community. He has been a 45 year instructor with Isanti County Youth Firearms. He acted as treasurer for Isanti County Pheasants Forever Chapter 334 for 20 years. He works his land up north and hunts, hikes, bikes and skis. 

As our state representative, Tim will be a practical, common sense problem solver. As he was with his students and their families, Tim will be approachable, a listener and easily make connections with people. He will be attuned to the needs of others and find potential in everyone. With people it is about unifying, not dividing for Tim. 

Tim believes government should be a place where we figure out how to build a better world together. Tim feels the people's representative should truly value all voices and needs. As District 28A Representative, Tim will uphold a better future for us and our children who will inherit it. That is why Tim asks for your support and to be your choice to represent House District 28A.