by Andrew Miller
Thisweek Newspapers

Though a first-time candidate for elected office, Tara Mack is no stranger to the state Capitol.

The 24-year-old Apple Valley resident works as a legislative assistant for the Minnesota House of Representatives.

"I have a passion for the political process," Mack said. As a legislative assistant, "I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge as far as how things get done. … I've had the fortune of learning what it takes to be a good legislator."

Mack is seeking the Republican endorsement to run against first-term incumbent Rep. Shelley Madore, DFL-Apple Valley, in the House District 37A race. District 37A includes the western portion of Apple Valley and part of Burnsville.

Mack decided to run because she feels the people in the district aren't being accurately represented at the Capitol.

"The way we're currently being represented tends to favor higher taxes, bigger government," she said.

"Our economy is in rough shape right now, and our community needs someone who is supporting the taxpayers and respecting their family's budget," she added.

Mack said that affordable health care, a strong local economy and quality education will be the focal points of her campaign.

Regarding health care, Mack favors reform that fosters competition and makes the patient the primary decision maker, rather than the government.

"The HMOs and our third-party payer system has really tied the hands of consumers and our doctors," she said.

With respect to strengthening the local economy, Mack supports reducing state mandates that "cripple businesses."

"Our climate (for small businesses) statewide is not great," she said. "Small business are suffering because of the tax burdens."

Regarding education, Mack favors funding that directly benefits teachers and students.

"I would love to see more money get to classrooms," she said. "There's so many teachers who, year by year, have to pay money out of pocket" for supplies and teaching tools.

Mack also supports an increased emphasis on math and the sciences, a measure that she feels would make students more competitive in the global economy.

With respect to transportation issues, Mack is in favor of more bus routes to decrease congestion, especially along the Cedar Avenue corridor.

While she acknowledges that commuter rail might be an option to consider down the road, increasing bus lines is the best solution for current transit needs, she said.

Energy policy is another issue on Mack's radar. She said the state needs to explore all its options, especially renewable energy options.

She supports looking into the possibility of nuclear energy; specifically, the state should reconsider its moratorium on nuclear energy research.

A Burnsville native, Mack is a 2002 graduate of Apple Valley High School. She earned a degree in political science and global studies at the University of Minnesota.

Mack and her husband Justin have lived in Apple Valley for two years and attend River Valley Church, where Justin is a pastor.

Mack will be seeking the Republican endorsement at the March 8 endorsing convention.

For more information about Mack, visit her Web site at www.taramack.net.

Andrew Miller can be reached at av.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.