Anderson joins the GOP list of candidates for governor
Former State Auditor Pat Anderson says she's a candidate for governor. Anderson says an official statewide announcement will come after Labor Day, but she sent out the following news release today.
(Saint Paul, MN) -- Former State Auditor and Commissioner of the state Department of Employee Relations, Pat Anderson, 43, today officially entered the Minnesota governor's race, pledging an administration of common sense and reform.
"The next governor of the Minnesota will face a $6-7 billion structural deficit," said Anderson. "That's a problem that can no longer be solved through temporary accounting shifts and unallotment. Arbitrarily cutting a little spending here and there won't get the job done. There are only two alternatives - the DFL approach of tax
increases, which will permanently make Minnesota a high-tax state at a competitive disadvantage in national and global economies, or making real, dramatic public sector reform. My approach to governance is all about reform."
Anderson served as Minnesota's State Auditor from 2003-2007 where her insistence that local governments focus on "essential services" changed the way cities and counties managed their budgets. Appointed commissioner of the Department of Employee Relations by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2008, Anderson managed its merger with the Department of Finance and Administration, eliminating many unnecessary positions, including her own.
"Others may talk about reform," said Anderson, "I have actually accomplished reform in state government. It can be done, but it requires vision, leadership, trust and above all, the will to get the job accomplished."
A successful businessperson, Anderson created two innovative businesses that she managed until her election as Auditor. Following her career from Mayor of Eagan to the auditor's office, the Business Journal named Anderson one of the state's "Most Influential Women to Watch," as well as one of Minnesota's "Top 40 Business and
Community Leaders Under 40."
"My administration will be based on individual liberty and a state government that is limited in scope, acts smartly and is transparent in its exercise of power. My belief in these principles is not just an ideological faith; I have and will continue to govern by these principles because they work," Anderson said.
Anderson is a fourth generation Minnesotan. She grew up in Forest Lake and lived, until recently, in Eagan where she served as Mayor and councilmember for 12 years from 1991 - 2002. She and her husband, Doug Gallwas, currently live in Dellwood with their four teenage children. Anderson also has two college-age sons, one of whom
is scheduled to be deployed with the MN National Guard in 2010. She earned a Bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of Minnesota and later earned a Master's degree in public administration from Hamline University in St. Paul. She is currently the President of the Minnesota Free Market Institute.
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