Hello fellow residents of Northeastern Minnesota! As you know, I’m running for the office of Minnesota State Representative in District 3B on a platform of integrity, passion, and purpose.
I was raised in the Duluth neighborhood of Piedmont Heights. I’m an honors graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School, UMD, and the Mitchell-Hamline School of Law. After graduation from law school and completing Army Reserve Basic Training (Ft. Dix, NJ), my wife, René, and I returned to Duluth to raise our four sons. For the past 40 years, we’ve lived on the Cloquet River in Fredenberg Township. We’re proud of our boys who’ve grown into fine young men and we’ve also been blessed with three wonderful daughters-in-law and six lovely grandchildren.
In my professional life, I was a prosecutor for 14 years, in private law practice for 18 years, and served as a District Court Judge in the 6th Judicial District (St. Louis, Cook, Lake, and Carlton Counties) for 23 years. My experiences as a lawyer, mediator, and judge give me a unique set of skills that I believe would be an asset in the legislature. During this campaign, I’ve promised to abstain from disparagement and negativity and I’ve kept my promise. No negative mailers or ads have been created, aired, or distributed by my campaign. I’ve honored my word because, as my father Harry repeatedly reminded me when I was growing up, “Mark, all you have is your word and your word is your bond.” I believe that restoring civility, decency, integrity, and common sense to our political discussions is the number one challenge facing us and I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and work to return us to a time when we could agree to disagree over issues we’re passionate about.
In my private life, I’ve been active in Scouting (I’m an Eagle Scout and currently serve on the Voyageur’s Council Advancement Committee), my faith (I’m the Co-Executive Director of Grace Lutheran Church ELCA in Hermantown), my community (I’m a board member of the Greater Denfeld Foundation and previously served on the Hermantown Community Foundation and in other organizations), and youth (25 years as a soccer and hockey coach in Hermantown). I’m the author of 14 books, the owner of Cloquet River Press, and am Honorably Discharged from the United States Army Reserve.
Public service is in my family’s DNA. René spent 15 years on the Hermantown Board of Education, 16 years as a mental health practitioner in the public schools, and ended her career as a Guardian ad Litem. Our son Matt currently serves on the Hermantown Board of Education.
I want to work hard for you, our children, and our grandchildren on issues that you’ve raised during interactions I’ve experienced at your doors and during gatherings throughout this campaign. The concerns you’ve raised include maintaining fiscal responsibility; supporting a strong system of public education; promoting economic opportunities while preserving our clean water, air, and our outdoor heritage; finding ways to make elder care, childcare, and healthcare more affordable; and protecting a woman’s right to reproductive freedom. These are the issues you’ve highlighted. I’ve listened and I want to ensure your voices are heard in St. Paul.
November 5th is just around the corner. After a lifetime of public service and civic involvement, I believe I’ve earned your trust and your vote. I’d ask that you send me to the Minnesota House where I can begin the hard work of legislating on your behalf. Find out more at www.mmunger4mn.com.
Thank you
Mark
(This essay first appeared in the Duluth News Tribune on 10/22/2024 in edited form.)
