Bernardy, Helm Vie to Represent Fridley
Candidates win endorsements for new House district that encompasses all of Fridley
Connie Bernardy is a former State Representative who built her public profile as a champion for schools. Dale Helm is a 21-year military veteran who served in Desert Storm.
Each wants to serve as the state representative of Minnesota House District 41A, which, after redistricting, will unite Fridley after years of disparate representation. Each also received their party’s endorsement on March 31.
Bernardy beat fellow DFL member and incumbent Rep. Tom Tillberry for Saturday’s party endorsement, while Helm won the Republican nod*. Speaking with Patch on Tuesday, the endorsed candidates said they were excited by the prospect of representing a united Fridley and identified education as a key issue in their campaigns.
Bernardy, who served in the House between 2000 and 2006, said she hoped voters would recognize her community-building efforts, including the Save Our Schools campaign, which fought for more public funding of education. Bernardy also fought for the restoration of wetlands at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley.
She said she decided to re-enter the public arena because she is dissatisfied with the division at the Capitol, and because she has a “deep love” for the community.
“I’m frustrated with the extremely divisive politics at the Capitol,” Bernardy said. “People are not being heard. I would like to go down and represent our community and put working families first again.”
Helm, a 17-year Fridley resident, ran against Tillberry in 2010, garnering 46 percent of the vote in an unsuccessful bid for office. He said he was motivated to run again because he believes residents in the district need someone who understands their concerns. As a parent and business owner, he said he has a vested interest in the community’s success.
“I’m invested in wanting to see the district do well, and of course as a Minnesotan I want to see the state do well,” he said.
Bernardy said she did not know enough about Helm to comment on their differences, but Helm said he favored more local control. He also questioned Bernardy’s commitment to the job since she left the position in 2006.
Tillberry could not be immediately reached for comment.
* Brian Gordon ran against Helm for the endorsement, but withdrew after delegates voted for Helm by a ratio of 9 to 1.
John Haluska
11:42 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Connie Bernardy has tremendous record of service to the community and accomplishment both inside and outside of the legislature. She won the endorsement because of her dedication and the energy and enthusiasm she brings to everything she's involved in. She is focused on the issues that mean something to the district, real jobs, education, healthcare, the elderly, and the environment. Connie is a tireless and effective worker and will be the best possible representative for the entire district, including New Brighton, Fridley and those parts of Spring Lake Park that are part of the new HD 41A. Her gaining the DFL endorsement demonstrates that the DFL in this district is a party of open debate and opportunity for all who want to serve.
Tammy
1:13 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I think someone claiming that education is a key issue in his campaign would realize the importance of proper grammar and editing when posting a comment online for his potential voters to read.
Chris Steller
4:17 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Earlier this post had two comments that disappeared for reasons that aren't completely clear. One of the commenters, Dale Helm, brought this to my attention today (June 19, 2012). The first comment was from a commenter identified only as "Fridley Resident" and said the following: "All of Connie's Life she has been committed to her community and state. Connie is committed to severing [sic] our New House District of 41A at the state capital. If Helm had really done some research he would have been informed that Connie Bernardy left the house to spend time with her family as her kids were growing up. Now that her children have all grown up, Connie is looking forward to going back to serve the people of the area. Connie is looking forward to severing [sic] her community and making sure things are getting done at the capital." I let Dale Helm know that I would try to re-post this comment, which I still had access to although it no longer appeared on this post. I invited him to re-post his original comment, which I do not have access to.
Dale Helm
3:14 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Reposted Comment (with) Update Link
Dear Fridley Resident,
I have done my research as to why Connie Bernardy left office before the end of her term. I am very aware that her website and literature claims she served a full six years and retired to become a fulltime mom.
This simply is not true. First: Connie did not "retire" she "resigned". Second: Connie did not serve a full six years - she resigned before the end of her term. Third: Connie did not leave to become a "fulltime mom" - she left to become a "fulltime lobbyist" for Education Minneosta (The Teachers Union).
This is a matter of public record and you can see the truth here on the government website.
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/legdb/fulldetail.aspx?id=10051
It lists her resignation - unfinished term - and the reason for her resignation as the acceptance of her lobbyist job with Education Minnesota (The Teachers Union).
This position was unsuccessful and lasted only a year. Connie even lists this position on her linkedin profile - though the dates are "questionable".
So I would like to encourage you to do some research of your own rather than just read what Connie has on her website or go by what you have been told. Connie is busy trying to "spin" what actually happened rather than tell the truth.
I ask the voters - "Do we want to re-elect someone who left us for personal gain? (and) Do we want someone who has been caught lying?"
Dale Helm
Candidate for MN House
District 41A
Dale Helm
9:37 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aNYmND75T40?feature=player_embedded"; frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Here is the video of Connie Bernardy being asked directly on this question - which she does not deny. But she never answered the question because she would have to openly admit that she lied. The videopage link at my website is below.
http://www.helmforhouse.com/media.html
Dale Helm
Candidate for MN House
District 41A