Fridley Native Scott Honour Running for Governor as Republican

A Fridley native has set his sights on the Minnesota Governor's mansion. Republican Scott Honour, now an Orono resident, announced his candidacy for the 2014 race Wednesday. 

Honour's campaign website tells of his early years in Fridley:

When I was born in Fridley, my parents lived in a trailer park. My dad was a young airline pilot for Braniff International, which I thought was pretty cool, and over time he created a great middle class life for us. Mom stayed home to raise my brother, Kirk, and me.  She drove us to sports, band, and confirmation. Mom was my Cub Scout den mother and Dad was pack leader. Both supported me in Boy Scouts, where I became an Eagle Scout. They taught us that family, church and community come first, values Jamie and I are passing on to our kids.

But, when I was in high school, Braniff went bankrupt and Dad lost his job and his future pension. That was a tough time for our family and it taught me that a family’s economic circumstances can change quickly through no fault of their own. After that, Dad started a boatlift manufacturing business. It was a small, family business and I worked there in the shop after school.  On weekends and over the summers, I travelled the state installing boatlifts.

I learned about hard work, overcoming obstacles, and persevering when things aren’t going well. These family experiences also taught me that, with a little help and faith in a new path, people can get back on their feet, if government doesn’t get in the way. 

He goes on to make his pitch:

As a career businessman, I am running to bring a conservative, results-driven approach to St. Paul. I know what it’s like to start with nothing and build a successful business and a strong family. I want to help others do the same.

I have a vision for OUR Minnesota. One where jobs are readily available to those who work hard. One where our elected officials are held accountable and look for real solutions to our state’s problems, instead of worrying about how to get re-elected. And one where the role of government is to find ways to better our lives, not run them.

Honour gave an interview to the Wall Street Journal:

“The election’s next year but there’s a lot of wood to chop between now and then,” Mr. Honour, 46, said in an interview. “I don’t have any name recognition.”

MinnPost wrote about Honour:

Honour raised money for Tim Pawlenty’s presidential run, then joined the Romney team, where Minnesotans involved in the Romney effort say he more than exceeded expectations. He’s considered politically astute if not experienced and well connected and respected.