Austin Winkelman
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The reason I am running for U.S. Representative is the same reason I wholeheartedly believe that Everyone should consider running for elected office - diversity of thought. When we look at the current makeup of our political system, it becomes clear that a massive portion of our representatives have backgrounds heavily concentrated in law and academia. While this expertise is valuable, it also creates a homogeneous thinking pattern that may not fully understand or address the unique challenges faced by the average American.With statistics showing that 51% of senators hold law degrees and a whopping 94% of congress members have bachelor's degrees, it's no wonder that the perspectives of everyday working-class citizens are often overlooked. The disparity between the lives of these politicians and the lived experience of the average American is staggering, and it's time to bridge that gap.Therefore, I believe that it is imperative for us to include more ordinary, everyday citizens in the political decision-making process. If you are tired of expressing your frustrations and concerns solely through online platforms, I am calling on you, my fellow ordinary average person, to step up and make a tangible difference. It is not enough to talk about change; we must be the change we want to see.Whether you aspire to run for state, local, or federal office, I implore you to act. If you genuinely want to aid the world you live in and bring about positive change, running for elected office is a powerful way to do so. By having more diverse voices in our political arena, we can ensure that the concerns and needs of all Americans are accurately represented and addressed.So, my fellow ordinary citizens, let us break free from the cycle of inaction and frustration. Let us rise together and make a tangible impact on our communities, our states, and our nation. Run for elected office and be the driving force behind real change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly serves the interests of all Americans.
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Born on October 14, 1985, in Buffalo, MN, Austin grew up in a single-parent family in Section 8 housing. With his mother and two siblings, he faced limited resources and instability in Monticello, MN. Eventually, they secured a single-family house in Big Lake, MN, but the financial crisis in 2007-2008 disrupted their stability. At 17, Austin dropped out of school to support his family financially. This setback motivated him to pursue a better life. With resilience, he sought employment that would provide for his family and allow him to learn and grow. As a U.S. Representative candidate, Austin advocates for economic stability, affordable housing, and equal access to education. His experiences give him empathy for those facing similar challenges and a deep understanding of the importance of these pillars in creating a fair society. He is dedicated to fighting for the rights and well-being of all individuals in his district and beyond.
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Our story begins in 2016 when Austin meets Ellie. Their lives change for the better as they plan to spend their lives together and Austin takes on the role of a parent to Ellie's two children. Austin feels the need to do more to support their family, so he quits his two jobs and long work hours to pursue further education.
In 2017, Austin obtains his GED and enrolls in Hennepin Technical College. He works as a work study in the plastics lab, assisting both students and instructors. He finishes his studies in 2018 with a GPA of 3.71, earning a diploma in Plastic Engineering Technology and occupational certificates in extrusion molding and injection molding.
Unfortunately, in 2018, Austin and Ellie face financial difficulties. Ellie's health problems and Austin's low income of $10 per hour as a work study put them at risk of eviction. An opportunity arises for them to move to Wisconsin and take care of Ellie's grandfather's house and property. In exchange, they have the chance to purchase the house and a small piece of land. Austin and Ellie eagerly accept this opportunity. -
In 2023, one of Ellie's relatives decided to sue her own family to remove Austin, Ellie, and their children from her father's house. This caused a lot of problems for Austin and Ellie, leaving them with no money and Austin's business in ruins. The stress of the situation caused Ellie to have a premature birth, which was very upsetting for them. Because of the laws in Wisconsin, Austin had to take Ellie to Minnesota for proper medical care. Now, Austin, Ellie, and their family live a quiet life in Albertville, MN. After going through a lot and thinking about what he wants to do with the rest of his life, Austin has decided to run for the position of U.S. Representative in Minnesota's 6th district.
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The next year, as I strive to represent and serve Minnesota District 6, I am excited to embark on a journey that will take me across the diverse and captivating landscapes of this remarkable district. With approximately 90 municipalities spread throughout the region, my mission is to connect with as many of you as possible, to truly understand what motivates and inspires the people of this great district.This upcoming year will be dedicated to immersing myself in the stories that shape our communities, to unravel the common threads that bind us together. From the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside, I am eager to hear your stories and learn from your experiences, for it is through listening and understanding that we can make positive change and progress.As the election draws nearer, I want to stress my commitment to a different approach - one that veers away from traditional television advertisements. Instead, I plan to utilize the savings to fuel a meaningful road trip that will bring me directly to you. I believe in the value of face-to-face connections, the power in hearing your concerns firsthand, and the magic that lies in engaging with the people I aim to represent.In the meantime, I encourage you to reach out to me through various platforms such as social media or email. Your voices matter, and I am eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. After all, I firmly believe that the solutions to the challenges we face lie within the collective wisdom of our community. So please don't hesitate to share your insights, as together we can shape a brighter future for our district and for America.
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Growing up as a young lad, I navigated through different school districts, starting at Pinewood Elementary before transitioning to middle school in Monticello, MN. Between 7th and 11th grade, I experienced the educational landscapes of the Rogers, Elk River, and Osseo school districts. Ultimately, I returned to the Monticello school district in 11th grade under open enrollment, although I eventually made the difficult decision to drop out due to personal circumstances and challenges.
In 2016, I proudly earned my GED and then took the next step by enrolling in Hennepin Technical College. During my time there, I dedicated a year and a half to being a "work study," where I engaged in a wide range of duties spanning across plastics, machining, and power fluid areas. This experience was invaluable, and it ultimately led to my graduation in 2018 with an impressive 3.71 GPA, as well as the acquisition of two occupational certificates and a diploma in plastics engineering technology.
After returning to Minnesota in 2023, I made the decision to re-enroll in online college at Southern New Hampshire College. Starting on June 8th, 2024, I am dedicated to pursuing an undergraduate degree in business administration, as I believe that continuous education is essential for personal and professional growth.
Never stop learning, Knowledge is something that can never be taken away from you.
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After relocating to Wisconsin in 2018, I founded Plastican LLC after being exposed to degrading PVC in an injection molding machine while working for a company in WI. Plastican LLC emerged as my boot-strapping manufacturing venture and served as my pathway out of the "Rat Race." It became a secure and nurturing environment, not just for me, but also for my future employees. Over the course of five years, I juggled various jobs in Wisconsin, ranging from pizza delivery to injection molding tech, to finance the procurement of equipment. Ultimately, I personally invested over $20,000 USD into the company.
The common business model operates under a fascist mindset, with one individual holding all the control and executing the CEO's directives without input from others. Plastic Man LLC. sought to transform into an employee-owned Cooperative, embracing corporate democracy and fostering a sense of collective decision-making. The new company structure was designed to mirror the congressional system in America, dividing the workforce into two factions: Office and Labor, each with its own set of responsibilities and opportunities for active participation in shaping the company's future. This pioneering approach aimed to empower employees and create a more equitable and inclusive work environment. This division would enable them to cast votes and chart the company's course. Simultaneously, a presidential board, composed of elected representatives, would be responsible for implementing the employees' desired directions for the company. The overall vision was to establish a business by the employees, for the employees, acknowledging that people are capable of making informed decisions in their daily lives, from voting to managing finances and raising children. Therefore, why shouldn't they have a voice in choosing their superiors, deciding on equipment purchases, or expanding the workforce for the betterment of all involved?
in 2023 I was tirelessly working towards gathering the final $15,000 required for the installation of solar panels, which would enable me to redirect power on my property to operate my ISF 120-ton injection molding machine and its accompanying equipment. However, in April, my world was turned upside down when we were unexpectedly evicted from our home of five years, leading to the loss of my business and all its assets. This distressing turn of events was a result of a sudden court-ordered eviction stemming from a lawsuit initiated by my wife's aunt, who seemed determined to litigate her way through her entire family.
By the end of April 2023, I found myself alone in Wisconsin desperately trying to salvage my equipment. Without outside intervention, such as securing a large bank loan, my efforts seemed futile. In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, I pursued a counter suit, only to have it summarily dismissed by the judge. To my dismay, the judge expressed his admiration for the opposing counsel and even arrived in the courtroom with them, casting doubt on the fairness of his ruling. Following the disappointing court date in June2023, I made the decision to return to MN.
Perhaps one day Plastic Man LLC will return and carry on.
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In 2018, Ellie's mom, Mary, felt guilty that Ellie became homeless. Austin and Ellie lost their apartment due to challenging times, including a miscarriage and low-paying job. Mary invited them to live in Ellie's grandfather's house with the expectation that they would take care of it. Austin and Ellie gratefully accepted and moved from Monticello, MN to Chippewa Falls, WI. Austin found a job at Vital Plastics. Unfortunately, he had a toxic exposure event and lost his job. This led him to start his own company, Plastic Man LLC., with a focus on prioritizing employees over profits. In In 2019-2020, Karen came back and lived with Mary before Robert Reppe died. There were rumors of Karen filing lawsuits, but nothing happened. Instead, she suddenly left for Mississippi. In 2020-2021, Austin and Ellie didn't hear much about the lawsuit, assuming Karen dropped it when she moved. However, COVID-19 hit and affected Austin's business, so he had to convert the garage into a shop. The pandemic also caused a moratorium on evictions, which prevented any action against Austin and Ellie. From 2021-2023, Karen returned from Mississippi and moved in with Mary and her stepfather after her mother's death. When the COVID-19 protections ended, Karen took Mary to court to force the sale of the house and land. She used a false name to possibly avoid detection by the court. Karen won the case and had the lawsuit and property appraisal sealed. Mary delivered the news on April 21, 2023, that Austin and Ellie had to move. Consequently, Austin had to shut down Plastic Man LLC and sell his manufacturing equipment at a loss. He then searched for a place for the family to go, hoping to reunite before the new school year. Chace, 15, couldn't stay with Austin's sister Sadie due to a disagreement and lost his summer plans. Mary Ann, 14, was supposed to stay with Austin's mom Kay. Austin and Ellie planned to stay with friends or relatives but couldn't find a place due to lack of space. They considered renting a house with Austin's sister Sam, but she backed out. Ellie lost their unborn baby due to stress and other factors. Doctors in Wisconsin didn't provide much treatment, so they decided to end the pregnancy for the health of Ellie. Austin had a breakdown and decided to fight for their house to keep the family together. He discovered anomalies in the lawsuit and stopped the appraisal to gather more information.
On May 11th, 2023, Austin took a standby parking his van across the driveway and putting up no trespassing signs to prevent Karen's realtor and Mary Reppe from entering the property. Austin sat in a lawn chair while the realtor tried to secretly record him and provoke him into reacting angrily in front of Mary.
The next day, May 12th, Austin discovered that Karen had used a fake name in the lawsuit and found out she had an ongoing court case in Barron County. Austin believed she did this to hide her identity because she works a cash-paying job as a cook.
On May 13th, Austin shared his suspicions about Karen's fraudulent behavior with Summerfield J. Richard, providing him with a copy of the public records. Austin urged Summerfield to follow ethical rules by email.
On May 14th, Austin gathered more information to give to the Chippewa Falls P.D.
The following day, May 15th, Austin went to the Chippewa Falls sheriff's office, where Mary Reppe used to work as a deputy. When Austin mentioned Mary's name to the deputy, it was quickly dismissed, and the deputy only focused on investigating whether Karen had a warrant.
May 17th, Austin filed a complaint with the Wisconsin State Bar and the state investigators by mailing the entire file overnight.
On May 19th, Austin and Ellie decided to proceed with their move, even though they didn't have a place to go yet. After exploring house buying options, they scheduled the move for May 24th, contacted their family, and rented a truck.
On May 20th, 2023, while I was sitting in my car after packing up my tools, a pickup truck arrived and handed me a notice to evict. The notice was only given to me, not to Ellie who was inside the house. They completely spelled Ellie's name wrong in the notice. According to the notice, if I were to leave, it would be considered abandoning the equipment of Plastic Man LLCs, as stated in statute 704.19 (2) (A) (2). My focus had not been on moving the equipment until now.
On May 24th, 2023, we proceeded with the move and put most of our belongings in storage. Ellie and the kids went to stay in a tent behind a shed at my mother's house. I stayed behind to protect the remaining assets of Plastic Man and find a new location.
On June 2nd, 2023, I started looking for a new location in Minnesota and reached out to a commercial realty agency.
On June 28th, 2023, Karen came to the house around 9 am to ask about the move and the eviction. I answered the door while leaving Alexander downstairs. I simply told her that her understanding of eviction was incorrect, and she walked away complaining, even though Mary had specifically asked her not to do this.
On July 6th, 2023, the eviction was officially filed, but both Ellie and my names were misspelled. We suspect this was done intentionally to hide the eviction until the last minute. Austin had been checking the Chippewa Falls courts website to see if it had been filed.
On July 11th, 2023, the pickup truck returned to deliver my court summons for the eviction. Since Ellie was in Minnesota, I called her to let her know the papers had arrived and she gave me permission to hold onto them.
The Family
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Austin and Ellie, an enduring couple, embarked on a remarkable decade-long journey full of cherished moments and transformative experiences. From humble beginnings, they stood together, never wavering in their strong commitment and support for each other. Their bond, built through many challenges and successes, remained unbreakable. Every day, their determination grew stronger, driving them to overcome any obstacle. During difficult times, they found solace in their shared goal for a brighter tomorrow. Together, they became an unstoppable force. As their story unfolded, they stayed together through tough times, overcoming difficult obstacles and celebrating hard-won successes. Their strong bond is unbreakable, proving that love and determination can conquer any challenge they encounter.
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After receiving her certified nursing assistant degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College, Ellie embarked on a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. Her journey began in group homes for individuals with behavioral problems, where she gained invaluable experience in providing compassionate care. Today, Ellie has transitioned to a role that is close to her heart - as a caregiver for the elderly, allowing them to age gracefully within the comfort of their own homes. Every day, she traverses the Minneapolis metro area, bringing smiles and comfort to those in need of her dedicated services. The selflessness and dedication that Ellie brings to her work is truly commendable, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a caregiver.
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Austin first met Chace when he was just a young boy of 6 years old. From the moment they crossed paths, Austin recognized the potential in Chace and took him under his wing. Together, they embarked on a journey of growth and learning, as Austin guided Chace towards becoming a fine young man. Despite the challenges of juggling work, school, and life responsibilities, Chace managed to maintain impressive grades, consistently achieving A's and B's. Now, as a 10th grader, Chace is already preparing for college by taking advanced placement (AP) classes. He is determined to excel academically, setting himself up for success in his future endeavors beyond the comforts of home.
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Mary Ann was a sweet little girl of 5 when she first met Austin. One day, he took the kids, Mary Ann and Ellie, bowling on one of their first dates. It was a day they would always remember.
At the end of the night, Mary Ann couldn't help but express her affection for Austin, giving him a heartfelt hug. From that moment onward, Austin's heart belonged to Mary Ann.Mary Ann, now a beautiful young woman, embraces her teenage years passionately, cherishing meaningful relationships and creating lasting memories. Her infectious laughter and warm presence endear her to the community.Austin is grateful for Mary Ann's role in his life and sees her as an amazing person who embodies youthfulness and joy. He believes she represents the kind of people he wants to serve and will work tirelessly to create a brighter future for them. Mary Ann's presence brings him immense joy, and he is determined to ensure that the youth in the community feel hopeful and have opportunities. -
Alexander is both Austin's youngest child and his greatest joy and source of pride. Over the past five years, Austin, a dedicated stay-at-home & entrepreneur, has had the incredible opportunity to watch his little boy grow and learn. It's been a true bonding experience for both of them, Alexander has been fortunate to accompany his dad to significant work meetings, gaining knowledge and wisdom from his father's expertise. Now in kindergarten, Alexander's academic achievements are impressive, especially in math, where he easily tackles multiple-digit equations. But beyond his exceptional intellect, Alexander is a humble and polite young boy. When he's not reading or doing math, you'll find him happily playing video games or just goofing around.