Four candidates will be reduced to two Aug. 13 in the primary race for the District 38A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Candidates Huldah Hiltsley and Wynfred Russell have filed for the seat for the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer Party. Yelena S. Kurdyumova and Brad Olson have filed for the Republican Party. The top vote getter from each party will advance to the Nov. 5 General Election.
The seat is currently occupied by Michael Nelson, a longtime DFLer who has served in the Minnesota House since 2002.
House District 38A serves Osseo and southwestern Brooklyn Park.
House representatives serve two-year terms.
For more information on voting, visit mnvotes.org .
Sun Newspapers reached out to candidates to compile this voter’s guide in advance of the primary election. The following are their responses.
Democratic-Farmer-Laborer Party
Huldah Hiltsley
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in International Business, International Relations, and Reconciliation Studies, followed by an MBA from Bethel University.
Current occupation: Privacy Operations Manager - Boston Scientific
Community involvement: Member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), Founder of SaniNaps, Board Member of EDA, Board Member of Minnesota Black Farmers Association
I am running for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives because...
To bring positive change through strong leadership and sustainable partnerships. My experience in data privacy, community service, business and my personal immigration story drives my commitment to inclusive policies. I am dedicated to safe, thriving communities, equitable housing, quality education, workers’ rights and healthcare for all. We are STRONGER TOGETHER!
What priorities, skills or experiences would you bring to this seat that you feel is needed by constituents in your district?
My extensive experience in community service and business equips me with the skills to address our district's challenges effectively. One of my top priorities is fostering a safe community by advocating for comprehensive public safety measures, including community policing, supporting our law enforcement while keeping them accountable and strong youth programming. My goal is to create an environment where every resident feels secure and SAFE. Additionally, I will champion equitable housing. Having faced housing struggles myself, I understand the critical importance of access to safe, affordable housing. I will work tirelessly to address rising property taxes by advocating for higher allocation of Local Government Aid, prevent homelessness and support the development of sustainable, affordable housing options that meet the diverse needs of our community. I am committed to inclusive policies that uplift all community members. I will work diligently to ensure that every constituent's voice is heard and valued.
What is an ongoing, districtwide issue that you feel passionate about? How do you feel it should be prioritized or addressed?
What I’m hearing from the community while door knocking, phone banking and community gatherings is a growing concern about rising crime in our district. Despite data showing a stable five-year average of 3,083 annual crimes, residents feel the impact acutely. This concern is valid and must be addressed proactively. My approach includes implementing comprehensive public safety measures, such as community policing and robust youth programming, to prevent crime. Equally important is providing law enforcement with necessary resources while ensuring accountability. Building strong community engagement and trust with law enforcement is crucial for fostering a safer community. My focus will be on creating a balanced strategy that supports effective policing and addresses underlying social issues contributing to crime.
If a voter wants to contact me, the best way to reach me is...
Email: Huldahforhouse.com
Wynfred Russell
Education: Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (ABD), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Major: Community Health and Comparative Education Master of Arts (MA), Northern Michigan University, Marquette Major: Public Policy, Minor: Global Studies Bachelor of Science (BS), Northern Michigan University Major: Broadcast Communications; Minor: Journalism Post-Graduate Training: Advanced Graduate Certificate, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Concentration: Organizational & Professional Communications Advanced Supply Chain and Quantification Diploma, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Current occupation: Public Health Consultant
Community involvement: Board President, Resilient Cities & Communities; Member, Brooklyn Park Lions; Member, NW Minneapolis Tourism Board; Member, National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Refugees
I am running for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives because...
I am running for the House because our state deserves robust, dedicated, and experienced leadership that prioritizes the well-being of all its residents. I am deeply committed to addressing affordable housing, public health, public safety, and education, which are essential for building a vibrant and equitable Minnesota.
What priorities, skills or experiences would you bring to this seat that you feel is needed by constituents in your district?
I am a former Brooklyn Park City Council Member with two master's degrees, one in public policy and one in interdisciplinary studies (community health, communications, and education). My academic credentials are complemented by my professional experience in public health and my experience governing.
My priorities are public safety, affordable housing, education, public health, and economic growth. These issues directly impact people’s daily lives and the well-being of the district.
Concerns about crime, including violent crime, affect residents' sense of security and quality of life. Building and maintaining trust between law enforcement and the community is critical.
Rising housing costs have made it difficult for many families to afford safe and stable housing; increasing the need for more supportive housing solutions.
Creating and sustaining good-paying jobs is vital for economic stability and growth. Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and their success is crucial.
What is an ongoing, districtwide issue that you feel passionate about? How do you feel it should be prioritized or addressed?
Public safety is the first and greatest need within District 38A. While on the Brooklyn Park City Council, I supported the hiring of an outside research firm to evaluate policing, community safety, and violence prevention, and voted to enact policy that transitioned the Brooklyn Park Fire Department from volunteer part-time to full-time firefighters.
I am dedicated to increasing funding for our police and fire departments to ensure they have the resources to protect and serve our communities. I will also support community policing initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the residents they serve. I know that actual public safety goes beyond policing. That is why I am committed to addressing the root causes of crime by supporting programs that provide educational and economic opportunities, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. After all, the first duty of government is to protect its citizens.
If a voter wants to contact me, the best way to reach me is...
wynfredformnhouse@gmail.com
Republican Party
Yelena S. Kurdyumova
Education: Linguistic University, Master’s in English/Russian Language Teaching; 2-year postgraduate, Master’s in English-Russian consecutive, simultaneous interpreting, translation, literary editing.
Current occupation: Founder, CEO of International Interpreting Translation & PR Services LLC; creator and webmaster: Runglobaltranslate.com, Runglobalmedia.com, @Runglobalmedia; free-lance writer, photojournalist stringer for leading European and U.S. sports media, figure skating coach.
Community involvement: Member of American Translators Association, National Language Service Corps, former member of Brooklyn Park Human Rights Commission, Hennepin County Human Resources Board, Nasha Shkola Charter school Board.
I am running for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives because...
I realize the necessity of participation in changing old and creating new laws to ensure: Public Safety; Affordable healthcare & lowering the cost of prescription drugs; Protection of our environment; Livable wages; Reproductive rights; Safe schools and fully funded public education; Gun-owners' rights; Cutting property taxes for homeowners.
What priorities, skills or experiences would you bring to this seat that you feel is needed by constituents in your district?
The supremacy of laws that will protect the rights and interests of my voters. Knowledge and continuous studying of Minnesota and federal laws in the process of my work as court verbal and written translator. Experience of life and successful work in Europe and USA. Experience and skills of successful teamwork and operating of International Interpreting, Translation & PR Services LLC. Skills of finding compromise solutions coinciding with the wishes of the majority. Constant contact with my constituents for clear understanding of their problems, resolution of which is possible following the alterations in existing Minnesota laws or enacting new laws. Alteration of existing Minnesota gun laws to reduce deaths and injuries from gun usage at the time when according to USA Today more than 600 mass shootings take place in USA every year since 2020. Last year firearms were used to kill or wound more than 55,000 Americans.
What is an ongoing, districtwide issue that you feel passionate about? How do you feel it should be prioritized or addressed?
For 2 weeks, from May 21 till June 4, 2024, 600 eligible voters of Osseo and Southwest district of Brooklyn Park nominated and endorsed me for House of Reps. Dist. 38A. In the process of discussing with them main issues and problems which cause their concern - stopping constant growth of property taxes; stopping growth of violent gun crimes; reproductive rights; safe schools and fully funded public education, shortage of teachers, too big classes; gun-owners' rights; protection of our environment - I realized that the prevailing problems are crime and taxes. I think that Brook Park police, which consumes $22,129,603 of 2024 BP budget, should be more actively engaged in prevention and investigation of violent and gun crimes for charging felons, and not improve statistics by closing cases without finding felons and indicting them. Stopping growth of homeowners’ taxes must be compensated by receiving property taxes from big businesses.
If a voter wants to contact me, the best way to reach me is...
Email: info@Vote4YelenaKurdyumova.com
Brad Olson
Education: Minnesota State University - Mankato - BS - History
Current occupation: Business Analyst / Software Developer
Community involvement: Community food shelf
I am running for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives because...
I am running as the official Republican-endorsed candidate because the residents of Osseo and Brooklyn Park need someone on the ballot who will represent their interests, and make Minnesota a place where people can be proud to call “home."
What priorities, skills or experiences would you bring to this seat that you feel is needed by constituents in your district?
I have spent over 30 years in a career that required listening, understanding problems and navigating and negotiating acceptable solutions. I have years of experience helping people determine what the real issues are and getting to the root cause. As someone who has experienced financially lean years, I can identify with those struggling to make ends meet. As an employee and a taxpayer, I know the pain of seeing a large percentage of my pay get taken and wasted in ways outside of my control. As a caregiver to aging parents, I know the fears and concerns of an aging population. As a husband, a father, and grandfather, I know the value and rewards of gaining useful skills, of not giving up, of making good decisions, of being true to promises and commitments, and of leaving the next generation a foundation that will allow them to prosper.
What is an ongoing, districtwide issue that you feel passionate about? How do you feel it should be prioritized or addressed?
Brooklyn Park and Osseo are diverse communities making it an interesting area to work and live. We have large corporations and small businesses. We are a mix of homeowners and renters, single-family dwellings and multi-family apartments. Despite the diversity, most of us share a common desire: to live and raise families where we feel safe and have hope of improving our situation. We want to know that our families, livelihood, and property are protected, especially from those in positions of power and have promised to protect our rights. We desire a community where laws are upheld and peaceful order is the norm. We want to know that if we work hard, make good decisions, and gain skills, we’ll be rewarded, not penalized. Many find it difficult to prosper due to regulations, mandates, and tax burdens. We need to promote and encourage individual prosperity and give people hope to dream again.
If a voter wants to contact me, the best way to reach me is...
olson4house38a@gmail.com
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