The morning of the Homecoming parade was beautiful. The sun was out and there was a crisp fall breeze. In the center of the parade was a group of students with green campaign signs behind a bright yellow convertible. In that convertible was Jack Considine.
Considine is currently running for Minnesota House of Representatives in district 19B, with the Democratic/Farmer/Laborer (DFL) party, against Republican, Adam Isakson.
There were many Minnesota State University, Mankato students marching with Considine in the parade. Nick Frentz, who is currently running for the District 19 state Senate seat, and Considine’s wife Kris walked alongside the yellow convertible with students and community members, talking to voters and handing out stickers.
“Hopeful,” is what Considine replied when asked how it felt being surrounded by eager college students. “I am not planning on being around forever so it is great that young people are stepping up to get involved.”
Considine said, “MSU is near and dear to my heart. We have had four different generations graduate, starting with my grandmother in 1918.”
Before this campaign, Considine spent 6.5 years as a behavior analyst at the state security hospital, 21 years as Councilor Program Director in the Blue Earth County jail and 16 years on the Mankato City Council.
“In general I would say I work for working people and small businesses,” said Considine. He said his priorities for the year are the MNSU Bonding Bill and getting raises for personal care attendants to home health aides.
With all the noise surrounding the presidential election, it is nice to see local politicians making an impact on the next generation.