Dear Friends, Family, and Neighbors,
This week, I officially filed to run for state representative to serve White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and North Oaks. I am running to get things done at the State Capitol. For too long, the difficult issues have been put off. I look forward to working with all side and being a strong advocate for our communities.
With the beautiful weather upon us, our volunteers and I are knocking on hundreds of doors each week. Meeting people in our communities and having genuine conversations is the single most effective action that we can take to be successful in the November election. More importantly, this is also the best way to understand and represent the views, concerns, and aspirations of those who live in our communities.
Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with friends and loved ones. Please remember to observe a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. on Monday to commemorate those who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Thank you for your continued support.
Please contact me at 651-999-9565 at christopher.knopf@gmail.com, if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the campaign.
All the best,
Chris Knopf for State Representative
White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and North Oaks
651.999.9565
The idealism that spawned Earth Day with its roots in community pride is still there. Nature center will host events for children. Civic organizations and local chambers of commerce will sponsor cleanups along highways.
The cultural divisions in the movement are there as well. This is evident in the suspicion with which granola-eating vegetarians and gun-toting hunters sometimes view one another. Nevertheless, vegetarians and sportsmen have much in common and were able to join forces in Minnesota in 2008 to support passage of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment that provides long-term funding for a range of projects to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. This common ground has always been there: Aldo Leopold, one of the greatest environmentalists of the 20th century and author of the Sand County Almanac, was an avid hunter.
One of the most dramatic changes since the first Earth Day is the institutionalization of environmental protection both within government and in corporate America. Large government agencies enforce a myriad of laws to protect our land, water, and air. The impetus for the federal laws was often a dramatic event that galvanized attention on a particular problem. A river burning in Cleveland led to the passage of the Clean Water Act. Choking smog in Los Angeles and other major cities gave rise to the Clean Air Act. A toxic stew of chemicals dumped in the ironically named Love Canal near Buffalo, New York led to the Superfund law to clean up contaminated sites.
To comply with environmental laws, corporate America has its own army of environmental experts and consultants. What results in a sometimes uneasy dance between the regulators and the regulated. However awkward this dance, at this 40th birthday of Earth Day, environmental compliance is a routine fixture in corporate America. Environmental protection is no longer an afterthought in corporate boardrooms.
Designing buildings for sustainability began emerging twenty years ago, most notably with the construction of the National Audubon Society's New York headquarters in the early 1990s. The "green building" movement has gained irreversible momentum and its most recent architectural masterpiece is the Twin Cities' new Target Field, certified to meet LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Silver Certification standards. LEED standards are likely to become the de facto standards for commercial and residential buildings in the years to come.
Yet this symposium is only the tip of the iceberg of the entrepreneurial energy that is occurring beneath the surface. There are literally thousands upon thousands of business people - from start-ups in garages to research scientists in corporate campuses - who are tackling the most vexing environmental challenges of our day: water conservation, energy efficiency, solar power, global warming, waste reduction.
Earth Day at 40 is idealistic enough to promote good stewardship in preschool children, yet practical enough to recognize that challenges create business opportunities. The touch of gray that Earth Day has at the age of 40 is a bit of wisdom that will serve our natural and man-made world well in the years to come.
Chris Knopf
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A leadership quality of George Washington that is underappreciated is his willingness to embrace new ideas. While built upon classical ideals, the concept of democracy was very different from the monarchies of the eighteenth century. For my children, the lesson is that true leaders recognize good ideas and adopt them. Whether in school or work or in politics, it is easier to maintain the status quo. However, a real leader is a pioneer who adopts a good idea, then brings other people along to support that idea as well.
A leader also recognizes opportunity and seizes the moment. Imagine, during the demands of the Civil War, President Lincoln signed into law legislation that established land-grant colleges. Anyone who has gone to the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin at Madison or dozens of other land-grant colleges has President Lincoln to thank. For my children, the lesson is: in the midst of the demands and immediacy of the present, recognize and seize opportunity, however unexpected.
A final leadership quality displayed by both Washington and Lincoln is humility. Confident in his abilities, Lincoln was not afraid to create a cabinet of his rivals whose previous achievements and egos easily outsized his and he benefited from their talents. Washington could have become King of the United State of America, but he declined. His act of humility, his willingness to act for the ages and not for the moment benefits each and every one of us to this day.
So for my children, although school is out of session, the learning continues. Be a leader: embrace new ideas, recognize opportunity, and be humble.
Chris Knopf
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After graduating from college, Roger joined the Air Force in 1954 and spent 20 years in military service. In Vietnam, Roger flew the F-4 Phantom on bombing missions. He also directed bombing missions with an Army combat unit that suffered over 80 percent casualties.
Roger is gentle man and I have never heard him raise his voice. He is a fighter pilot who conveys a calm sense of duty. After the war, Roger was a mailman until his retirement.
This past week, my daughter interviewed Roger for one of her high-school classes. When asked what was the lasting impact of the war on him, Roger replied that he was left with a strong feeling of what a great country we have. On the other hand, he feels that one of the lasting impacts of the Vietnam War on our country is our loss of idealism and the rise of narrow self-interest.
The values of my Uncle Roger - citizenship combined with duty, idealism coupled with service - transcend time, place, and politics. Whatever the future may hold for my daughter, I hope that she learns the importance of these values.
Chris Knopf
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As Americans, we are proud of our rugged individualism and sense of shared community values. "Don't Tread on Me" is part of the character of America as is "E pluribus unum" -- "Out of many, one." The tension between these values was present at the birth of our country and extends to present-day debates.
The United States is a country of limited government. A healthy skepticism about government is necessary. Nonetheless, government is an essential part of the civic fabric of our country. Calibrating the proper balance between individualism and social responsibility is not an easy one. Good government is more art than science. Understood as such, our national park system is a masterpiece of civic engagement.
Our national parks provide a public good that could never be delivered in the private marketplace as effectively or as broadly. To be sure, Walt Disney, other theme parks, and water parks provide recreation. To be sure, private nonprofit organizations also conserve natural resource and provide nature education. However, the Walt Disneys of the world function differently and are not available to everyone. Our national parks are egalitarian - they are available to the rich, the poor, and the middle class. Our national parks are the very embodiment of the motto, "Out of many, one."
In recent decades, there has been an erosion of confidence in the ability of government to serve the public. "Government is not the solution to our problem. It is the problem," is a statement uttered by Ronald Reagan and echoed by many conservatives. The anti-war protestors of the left of the 1960s and 1970s also attacked the ability of government to serve the public. The end result of this decades-long assault is a deep cynicism about government that goes beyond a reasonable skepticism that keeps government from overstepping its proper bounds. It is an acid that erodes the foundation of good and effective government.
Our national park system is a bold and grand American experiment that has worked and been adopted around the world. Our national parks project a forward-thinking vision and confidence in government. The values embodied in our national parks - civic purpose and public good - are timeless and provide important lessons for today. We should reflect on these values and consider where future "America's best ideas" may come from.
Chris Knopf
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I am voting for Chris Knopf for state representative. Chris gets the importance of protecting our land and water resources and educating the next generation about our natural resources.
When I think of things that make Minnesota special, the great outdoors and the people are at the top of the list.
I encourage you to vote for the outdoors and vote for Chris Knopf.
John Molkenbur
A few weeks ago Chris knocked on my daughter's door while I was visiting. She lives on the opposite side of the district. Chances are pretty good that he has knocked on your door in the past several weeks. Chris has worked very hard to earn a chance to represent you.
If you haven't met Chris, he is a thoughtful person that has the right priorities. He wants to make sure that the burden of balancing the budget doesn't fall on property owners, cutbacks in children's education or burden the people struggling to make ends meet in this tough economy.
You have the easy part. All you need to do is go out and vote for Chris Knopf. When Chris is elected, I know he will continue to work hard to represent you.
Scott Dahl
For many years now, state support for our schools has decreased substantially. The effect of this has been larger class sizes and a shift to fund more of our schools' budgets through property taxes. This trend hurts our children now, as well as the "teaching profession," and it will hurt our economy in the future as we have a less-educated workforce.
I look forward to voting for Chris Knopf for state representative. Chris will do his best to work toward educational empowerment in Minnesota. We need to get back to the days when Minnesota was at the top of the list of "best schools in the country."
Wyn Plocher
Understanding and compassionate, thoughtful and articulate, he has the drive to put this to work for us and lead our district out of the red and into the green: on energy, on job growth and educational excellence.
He's a dad with three kids in public school. He's a volunteer in the community. He's like most of us here in 53B - a hard worker who reaches out beyond his family goals to help us all achieve a better and safer world, and financial health in our personal lives and in the life of our district.
He is specific about his intentions to lead us now and into the next years, giving us back the American Dream. Join me in voting for Chris Knopf.
Edward Butler
As I look at the condition of White Bear Lake right now, I want someone who knows that protecting our water resources is important all the time. Chris Knopf is running for state representative and he works for conservation on a daily basis. Chris knows how important our lakes, rivers and groundwater are. I'm gladly voting for Chris Knopf for state representative this year.
Emily Waymire
Chris is running for state representative, and he would do a great job serving the public the same way he deals with people everyday - with energy, honesty, and bringing out the best in people.
I encourage everyone to vote for Chris Knopf for state representative.
Laurie Johnson
In the noise of political campaigns it is nice to know that someone is listening to you. Vote for Chris Knopf, who has proven by his efforts that he wants to represent our interests in the Legislature.
Dick and Judy Ottman
I graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School and have worked part time to pay my way through college. I'm glad that Chris understands the importance of keeping college education affordable for people in the middle class. I have brothers taking classes at Century College and I support Chris's idea of strengthening the connection between Century College and local businesses.
By contrast, incumbent Rep. Carol McFarlane did not offer a vision for the future and avoided specifics. During her time in the Legislature she has consistently voted for Gov. Tim Pawlenty's misguided policies that have harmed the quality and affordability of higher education in Minnesota.
We need a new voice in the Minnesota House of Representatives, one that will take a stand for higher education. That voice is Chris Knopf, and I will be proud to vote for him.
Joel Mathias
Chris knows there is no silver bullet to the challenges that we are facing, but he identified specific proposals for keeping the American Dream alive - tax incentives for investors in start- up businesses, improving the links between Century College students and local businesses, providing adequate state funding for our schools to relieve the pressure off of property taxpayers.
Incumbent Rep. McFarlane did not offer any concrete solutions. Her vague answers were very disappointing, especially since she has been in office for four years. I encourage everyone to view the debate when it is replayed on television in the upcoming weeks. After you see it, I am sure that you will agree that Chris Knopf is the clear choice for state representative for White Bear this year.
Steve Swisher
There were a couple of other things that stood out. When Chris Knopf called the General Assistance Medical Care changes a disaster, McFarlane tried to defend the vote she took heat for to uphold Pawlenty's veto of the GAMC bill, even though she previously voted for the exact same bill. I have followed this issue in our local Twin Cities newspapers and have not read a positive article after implementation of the so-called compromise forced by the upheld veto.
Chris Knopf was also the most specific on budget priorities and connecting those priorities to 53B constituents. I liked his idea on connecting Century College with businesses to help people find work.
Vote for Chris Knopf for state representative.
Lynda Dahl
From his own small business helping communities buy land for public parks, Chris has experience bringing together parties for a common goal, with parties as distinct as individuals and large corporations, local townships and the federal government. The ability to bring people together is crucial to making progress in the House.
Chris would take a balanced approach to balancing the budget, half through tax increases and half through budget cuts. This is a realistic and frank approach and not dodging specifics.
Unlike incumbent Carol McFarlane, when asked how he would raise revenue, Chris was able to list specific ideas such as creating tax credits and state sanctioned casinos or racinos. Chris called out other candidates who argued for cutting taxes, when he pointed out that the result of that policy is cutting essential services and increased property taxes.
Chris understands that increasing property taxes is extremely difficult for people on a fixed income and is not the solution. And we know that cutting services such as education, is not the answer.
A vote for Chris Knopf is a vote for working together toward the common goals of protecting jobs, protecting our environment, balancing the budget and working to improve our schools.
Sheryl Bolstad
There is still a lot more to be done. In the next few years Highway 61 through downtown will be resurfaced.
As our next state representative, Chris will work with MnDOT to make sure the job is done right. He will make sure that the improvements will benefit area businesses and ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Chad Amundson
While on the ride, I had a conversation with a fellow rider, Chris Knopf. We talked about some of the ways to make biking and walking safer in the White Bear Lake area.
Chris explained that he was part of an effort to make Highway 96 safer for biking and walking and that there are opportunities to connect to a bike trail at the south side of White Bear Lake by Maplewood.
I commend Chris and the White Bear Lake Bike/Walk Task Force for their work on behalf of all those who take public safety, an expanded transportation network and sound ecology seriously.
I had not met Chris before, but understand that he is running for state representative for the White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and North Oaks area. I was impressed with his vision, passion, and common sense about the issues and feel he is truly worthy of your vote.
Alan Hagstrom
Chris Knopf, who is running for state representative for White Bear, has a good head on his shoulders and a lot of common sense when talking about jobs and the economy.
Chris believes that we need to keep capital gains taxes low to encourage increased investment in businesses, which will encourage job growth in the private sector. Chris also understands that the state government has a role in making things work for our local business community.
For example, Chris believes that local road projects need to be done right. Chris explains how Highway 61 through downtown White Bear is slated to be repaved in 2014, but now is the time to make sure that the Department of Transportation designs the project right to enhance the business district and the quality of life.
Chris is coming to a lot of doors in White Bear himself and you may see him at your door in the upcoming weeks. Talk with him - he will listen. I'm voting for Chris Knopf for state representative in November.
Scott Dahl
The Republicans, led by Tom Emmer and Carol McFarlane, do not see the importance of early childhood education. Emmer and McFarlane are leading us down a path that will turn Minnesota into Mississippi. The elections this fall will present a stark choice on the future direction of Minnesota. I'm glad Chris Knopf is running for state representative and I will gladly vote for him in November.
Casey Green
In recent years, the quality of education has suffered as the state has decreased its financial support for schools, while the level of redundant standardized testing has increased. This just increases the stress levels of students, parents and teachers.
I am looking for leadership in the State Legislature for education and I have found that future leadership in Chris Knopf, who is running for state representative for White Bear. Chris Knopf puts the interests of students first.
Having three children in public schools means Chris has daily interaction, as a parent, with the way the current educational system works. These responsibilities have led Chris to see the needs for the future of education in Minnesota.
Chris is willing to provide schools with the necessary funds to educate students, while holding administrators and teachers accountable for the responsible use of those funds.
Tom Emmer and the Republicans talk about making cuts to the budget without providing any details. Make no mistake, these cuts will hurt White Bear schools. Fortunately, we have an alternative this fall. I will vote for Chris Knopf for state representative.
Mark Green
I was even more disappointed when Carol McFarlane, who did win, flip-flopped in her support of important legislation - all to support a governor who couldn't be more out of touch with Minnesotans if he tried (or maybe he is trying).
A couple weeks ago, I spotted Chris Knopf going door-to-door in a nearby neighborhood. I was heartened to see him back at it, bringing optimism and energy to a political climate that has become bitter, cynical, and stagnant - or worse, regressive.
This fall, let's elect Chris Knopf as our state representative. He's listening to our concerns, and I believe he can do the difficult work that so desperately needs to be done.
Linda Henry
He is intelligent and articulate, and he has listened to the concerns of our community about jobs, the economy, the need for excellent education for all of our children and grandchildren, and for the quality of life afforded us by our Minnesota and White Bear environment.
I will be voting for Chris Knopf this November, and I hope the residents of White Bear will check out his website and get to know Chris.
Roberta Freeman
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP - Walking across Highway 96 was never a big concern for me. I can dodge cars and run when I have to. Now that I have a 3-year-old, crossing the street is a big deal.
Highway 96 will be resurfaced this summer and I think that brings a perfect opportunity to fix a couple of the bad crosswalks. The lake is why we live in White Bear Lake. Getting to the lake should not be dangerous.
Chris Knopf has offered some very clever and innovative ideas for fixing crosswalks. I hope the city and Minnesota Department of Transportation take his ideas into consideration. Chris will be very effective as our next state representative.
Chad Amundson
