Former Austin mayor runs for Minnesota House

(ABC 6 News) – Former Austin mayor Tom Stiehm is running for a seat in the Minnesota house.

Stiehm spent three years in the Marine Corps and 30 years in law enforcement. He also spent 14 years or five terms as mayor of Austin.

Now he’s looking to upgrade and represent Austin from St. Paul.

Stiehm says he feels he can make a difference and wants to make people feel like they are part of the process. Stiehm also tells us he’s not afraid to work across the aisle.

"We’ve become so divided as a society I think we need leaders that can help bridge the gap instead of pushing the people that don’t believe the way we believe away. We need to start considering them and bringing them into the equations somehow, " said Candidate for Minnesota House seat 27b Tom Stiehm.

Stiehm is seeking the Democratic Farm and Labor ticket for District 27b. The seat is currently held by Republican Patricia Muller.