| By the age of 28, Nick Thomley has served in the Marine Corps, achieved a college degree in the process, started a successful business, and started a family.
Running for State Representative is his next challenge.
 Thomley is running against entrenched Republican incumbent Steve Smith in district 33A, which covers a swath of the West Metro including Mound, Minnetrista, and Independence. The task before him is a tall one: Smith faced no opposition in 2006, and the DFL index in 33A is about 39% -- not exactly encouraging numbers.
Thomley is confident nonetheless: "I can engage people and persuade them that it's time for new leadership. I'm a former Marine, and I'm looking forward to serving again. I'm a small business owner who believes in public service."
More after the break |
| Thomley started Pinnacle Services several years ago to provide services to disabled individuals, and it's been a successful venture for him. Although he's received support from organizations like Progressive Majority in his first run for public office, Thomley struck a somewhat moderate tone on the issues -- on single-payer health care, he said that although he would not oppose it, he thinks it probably won't work, but some form of universal health care needs to happen. On energy, he said that while wind power might work in some areas of the state, it wouldn't be a silver bullet for every area. He noted incentives for businesses and individuals to make energy-conscious decisions with facilities and vehicles, but clearly focused on the investment frame: "we have to be able to tell people that investments in energy and education cost more up front, but they pay off in the long run."
Thomley's answer to a mass transit question interested me -- although he says he was happy to see the Central Corridor Rail project get added back into the budget bill, he sees limits to the applicability of light or commuter rail in the West Metro due to population density concerns.
He's been knocking on doors, attending screenings, and doing what it takes to run a successful campaign (also noting that while his wife generally leans Republican, he's fairly confident he'll get her vote in November). With a blue trend in the West Metro, a high-profile congressional race, a rather notable presidential race, and good conditions for DFLers up and down the ticket, Nick Thomley might just be able to add State Representative to his already lengthy resume next January.
Nick Thomley can be found on the web at http://www.thomleyformn.org |
