Christopher Kartschoke

Christopher Kartschoke earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse in 1993 and a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse in 1996. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a widower with three somewhat grown children who has lived in my district for over 25 years. I have worked for some of the largest companies in the world, and for the past eight years, I have owned my own business, which has been voted best in the state in our industry by the readers of the Star Tribune. I am also very involved with the community through a variety of volunteer efforts including serving on the board of directors for a national organization.

I have lived the American dream, but it seems like that dream is becoming more and more difficult for people to achieve. I want to be a part of the solution in changing that dynamic. Finally, I just want to make district 54b the premier place to live in Minnesota and Minnesota the premier place to live in the United States.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am laser focused on improving affordability. I have very specific ideas related to healthcare, education, and housing that would definitely improve affordability in all three of those domains.I am a huge supporter of education. While working in corporate America, I created and led a mentoring program that paired at risk high school students at Roosevelt High School with business professionals. Typically those relationships lasted throughout high school and often beyond because I created a guided curriculum featuring both email communication and in person events. For the past several years, my business has donated many thousands of dollars to the Prior Lake School District. I also, personally, have donated hundreds, if not thousands, of hours volunteering in the school district. I am actually trying to do what I can to improve local education because I believe it is the most reliable way of guaranteeing successful outcomes.I am a huge ally of business. I have worked for some of the world’s largest companies and I have also owned my own small business. I understand how businesses work, and how know all about reading financial statements, auditing, and financial planning. In every business I have worked for, I have seen first hand how government has come in and institutes mandated changes that negatively impact the business. I do believe that we need some regulation so that businesses do not denigrate the environment or take advantage of employees or customers, but beyond that I am typically skeptical of regulation. For any new regulation being proposed, I would be very rigorous in evaluating the cost versus the benefit of the proposal.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about government, through public policy, serving its constituents. I want to see government that helps people and does so with a high level of transparency and integrity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Environmental Caucus, Education Minnesota, Moms Demand Action, Planned Parenthood