Marla Helseth, a new voice for Eden Prairie (Senate District 49)

If there ever was a time for new voices in Minnesota state government, it’s now. 

Violent crime is up and has spread to the suburbs. Since summer of 2021, three people I know personally and their families have been impacted by violent crimes — armed home invasion, armed theft while getting into an Uber (Uber was carjacked, too), and shot and killed while driving (the “youth baseball coach”). Lives have been changed forever. Crime has been increasing in Minnesota for the past few years. In the past two, it exploded. Source: Minnesota Crime Data Explorer (mn.gov). 

At a town hall meeting last January at city hall, our EP state representatives and senator said crime was the No. 1 issue for Minnesota voters. After a quick huddle, they never said a word about what they were going to do. 

The cost of living is skyrocketing and shows no sign of slowing down. Inflation is at levels we haven’t seen in many decades. It’s not transitory. I see it in my grocery, gas, and energy bills. Additionally, stocks and mutual funds are tumbling along with our retirement savings plans. We have less now and less for the future. Source: 71% of workers say their pay isn’t keeping up with inflation/CNN Business.

That is why I’m enthusiastically supporting Marla Helseth for state senate. Marla is a hard-working, common-sense candidate who will bring new energy and ideas to the challenges facing our state. 

Marla grew up with five siblings in a single-parent home after her dad died at a young age. She entered the workforce at age 16, worked in a variety of jobs, including modeling, restaurant management and as a teacher, and has now stepped forward to serve Eden Prairie and Minnetonka in the state senate. 

I invite you to get to know Marla like I do. You can learn more at marlaforminnesota.com, or you can expect to see Marla at your door or in your neighborhood during her door-to-door campaign. She’s the breath of fresh air our state needs!

Linda Lonn, Eden Prairie