For Sen. Dan Sparks (D-District 27), crossing party lines and maintaining an open door policy with both constituents and fellow legislators is the key to political success.

“I consider myself a moderate,” Sparks said. “The two political parties are like dinosaurs; if that doesn’t change, we will all become extinct.”

Sparks, who has served the Austin area as state senator since 2002, is running for his third term as state senator against Austin school board member and Republican Kathy Green.

Sparks said one of the most important aspects of his job is forming relationships with the people he represents and the legislators with whom he works.

“You have to be active in the community you represent, listen to people’s concerns and realize there’s always two sides to a story,” Sparks said. “The decisions I make in St. Paul affect my friends and neighbors.”

Sparks said he makes an effort to work with both parties on legislation, which is why he is a member of the I-90 Coalition. The coalition includes legislators from both parties whose districts are within 50 miles of I-90.

“We need to stick together if we want to be successful in rural Minnesota,” Sparks said.

One of Sparks’ main concerns is the status of economic development and the creation of jobs. He said that if he is re-elected he wants small businesses to be a top priority.

“As a former banker, I understand the importance of start-up money for small businesses,” he said. “We need to make sure to spend money wisely in the area of economic development.”

Sparks said that projects that promote the revitalization of businesses, such as the Main Street Project, are good for the community because economic development is contagious and if one business remodels, neighboring businesses are more likely to remodel, as well.

Sparks is hopeful about the state of the economy in Austin, though.

“We have reason to be optimistic here in southern Minnesota,” he said, explaining that programs like the state-funded wind energy technology program at Riverland Community College have created jobs in recent years.

The Democratic senator also said that local government aid (LGA) is a major concern for this coming legislative session. LGA is money that the state appropriates to Minnesota cities as a way of equalizing the tax base.

As a strong proponent of LGA, Sparks said he will work hard to make sure funds are available for Austin. Since Sparks took office eight years ago, property taxes have doubled. He said that he hopes Austin will continue receiving LGA in the coming years so that property taxes will quit rising as drastically.

Sparks said he is always open to hearing concerns and suggestions from his constituents so he can better represent them.

“Once (citizens) realize we’re not machines and we’re human beings just like them, they’re able to better advocate for their causes,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see people promoting their passions.”

The senator said that not only do citizens need to be open with him as a legislator, but he also needs to be open with his constituents so that they know they are being represented fairly.

“Not only do I give my input, but I ask for input,” he said. “We need to be open and honest when we’re trying to balance a budget.”

Sparks said he is hopeful that he will be re-elected, and he is looking forward to the coming legislative session and working with some new legislators and a new governor.

“(A new governor) will present new opportunities,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with whoever that will be.”