After a lengthy public service career as a prosecutor and trial court judge (including serving as the reserve judge for Lake County) I was happily retired and enjoying traveling with my wife and spending time with our four sons and their families. But, as I watched the bitterness of current politics, I felt compelled to do more than just post on Facebook. I decided the best use of my skills as an advocate, judge, and mediator would be to try to bring back integrity and common sense to politics in our state. I’m doing this for our grandchildren: yours and mine so that they can have better lives and a better Minnesota.
I want to work on restoring civility. There’s been too much name-calling and labeling and personal attacks. I said yesterday, when asked a question at the DNT/ Duluth Chamber Forum about attack ads against my opponent, that I deplore 3rd party attack ads (which I’ve also been a target of), that I disavow them, and that my campaign will never engage in them. My opponent did not make the same condemnation or promise. In addition, I want to work on bringing economic growth to our “neck of the woods”. Lake County continues to lag in economic development and has not returned to pre-COVID levels of employment. Copper/ Nickel mining, taconite processing, helium extraction and export, and timber-based industries all need support from area politicians with the caveat that all of us also value clean air, water, a shared outdoor heritage, and a shared love of God’s creation. Finally, I’m interested in working on issues related to public education, health care, childcare, and elder care.
Our aging population, and Lake County is one of the fastest aging in the state, is a huge issue. How we treat the oldest and youngest amongst us reflects who we are as a society. Strides have been made regarding childcare, school lunches, and pre-K education but more needs to be done on the other end of the age spectrum. I also support an expansion of Minnesota Care as an option (not a mandate) for lower income folks who might have to resort to private healthcare that doesn’t provide care at an affordable price. But really, as expressed above, it’s time to get away from name-calling and roll up our collective sleeves, come together and solve problems that need solving.
I have never held partisan office but I am a trained mediator who mediated cases before I was a judge. As a judge, I urged compromise in many situations and always, (especially when a family undergoing divorce came to a settlement) applauded compromise. I have been a leader in four church congregations. I served on numerous boards and committees of both the Episcopal and ELCA churches and have been able to reach consensus when needed. I currently serve in the Scouting Advancement Committee of the Voyager’s Council where I am called upon to evaluate (with other committee members) the fitness of a Scout to attain the rank of Eagle. I currently lead (along with my wife) our ELCA congregation in Hermantown. As its Co-executive director, I lead and participate in discussions about the church, its future and its issues which require compromise.
Both my campaign manager and treasurer are retired small business owners and political independents who provide advice that might not always be in line with my personal thinking. I value what others have to say. I can reach across the aisle and find compromise where it’s possible. I’m willing to listen to innovative ideas no matter who proposes them so long as they advance the welfare of my constituents.
I believe women must have the personal freedom to make choices regarding their own bodies. Following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, conservative states have had constitutional amendments to ban abortions (Ohio and Kansas being prime examples). The results of those elections have reinforced surveys done before Roe’s reversal: The vast majority of Americans support a woman’s right to choose. Electoral realities have caused the opposition to revamp its messaging. For 50+ years, the opposition has been hell-bent-for-leather to reverse Roe. But now, as state after state passes constitutional protections for a women’s right to choose, the opposition is revising its message to claim it supports Roe. You can’t have it both ways. I’ve been clear and consistent in my support of reproductive freedom for women.
As a small business owner, husband, and father, my commitment to our community is unwavering. Serving as Mayor [International Falls], I’ve dedicated myself to enhancing the quality of life for all residents—whether that’s through advocating for vital infrastructure projects or collaborating with every member of our community, from passionate constituents to colleagues across the political aisle. It’s through this teamwork that we achieve meaningful progress.
My leadership extends beyond civic duties, having served as the VFW Commander for both International Falls and Congressional District 8. This role has deepened my dedication to supporting veterans and engaging in community service, demonstrating my belief in the power of unity and collaboration for the greater good.
I’m running for the state house because I understand the unique challenges our rural communities face. My campaign prioritizes securing necessary funding for ambulances and rural healthcare, ensuring timely access to critical services for everyone. Our rural areas have been neglected long enough, and it’s our responsibility to invest in their health and safety. By working together, we can secure the resources needed for their well-being and future growth.
A pressing issue I plan to address is the financial burden threatening healthcare access in our communities. I aim to advocate for state intervention to alleviate the ambulance deficits that strain our local budgets, ensuring that emergency services are funded adequately. By collaborating with state officials and fellow legislators, we can create a healthcare system that serves all residents, regardless of location.
My tenure as Mayor has equipped me with the experience needed to drive economic development and growth. Over the past five years, we’ve seen the rise of two new gas stations, a grocery store, two hotels, and the first apartment complex in years. My commitment to local businesses has fortified our community’s backbone, and I am ready to bring this same dedication and collaborative spirit to the State House.
It’s time we have leadership that fights for us in St. Paul—a leader who believes in working together for the common good. Vote for a future where every voice is heard, and every challenge is met with unity and determination. Vote Harley Droba on or before November 5th!
The Northshore Journal plans to publish Natalie Zeleznikar and Roger Skraba in next week’s edition. Stay tuned!
