My name is Representative Erin Koegel, and I am a life-long resident of Minnesota. I was born in Duluth, and grew up in Maple Grove. My parents grew up in Silver Bay where both of my grandfathers worked at the taconite plant there. Mining employees were represented by the Steelworkers Union and the company provided jobs that allowed families to thrive.
Most of my childhood summers were spent with my grandparents on the North Shore. We hiked the Superior trails, explored Palisade Head and Shovel Point, and took family camping trips to surrounding state parks. I love this state and its natural beauty.
My husband Steve, and I have lived in Spring Lake Park for over ten years. We have a three-year-old crazy and adorable daughter named Clara and an old man laborador named Spud. I have been so lucky to have served as the State Representative from House District 37A for the past six years and I’m running for the newly formed House District 39A including the communities of Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park.
Currently, I am the Vice Chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy committee. This has allowed me to highlight your needs in the north metro. Last year I played a vital role in securing enough funding to complete the E Line Bus Rapid Transit route and get us most of the way on the F Line, which will run from Minneapolis on Central and University Avenues, terminating at the Northtown Transit station.
I have also been a very loud voice for safety on University Ave. I live near University and 85th and see accidents way too often. By being an advocate for our community, I was able to get MNDOT to increase lighting at intersections along the corridor and make bus stops safer. Through the legislative process, I passed legislation directing MNDOT to engage the communities along Highway 47 and Highway 65 in a study to better understand the needs of the many different users of these two roads, and what kinds of future improvements will help make conditions safer for all. And we finally got sidewalks connecting the Northtown Transit to the intersection of University and 85th!
My philosophy around this position is that it is my job to be your voice at the Capitol and to hear from you about the issues you care about. I am running for the Minnesota House to help ensure all Minnesotans can have have similar opportunities and successes. We have beautiful state and municipal parks, amazing cultural diversity and experiences, and great schools and universities. It’s our responsibility to make them even better. I hope to continue to be an advocate for you in St. Paul.