WHO IS JOHN KAPPLER?

Family and Faith

  • Married 30 years to Elizabeth.
  • Son and Daughter, both married. One Grandson and one Granddaughter!
  • 29 year resident of the legislative district.
  • Former Congregation President, Teacher of Sunday School for many years, Leader in Interdenominational Bible Study.

“My mother instilled an interest in politics in me with her involvement in local government and as a founding leader of the Republican party in the northern suburbs more than 50 years ago. Now, my recently married daughter and new son-in law have decided to settle in Minnesota. I want to do my part to leave behind for them a state governed well, and filled with opportunity. My faith is foundational to who I am.”

Education and Service

  • B.A., St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota.
  • M.S., Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
  • U.S. Navy Officer aboard USS Procyon and USS Dixie, Vietnam War Era.

“I joined the Navy after two of my good friends from my church were killed in action. At the time, I saw this service as something that I could not leave to others. Although the differences are clear, I see service in elected office in a similar manner - a time to sacrifice in order to stand up for one’s principles.”

Business Background

  • Manager in Systems Programming, Arden Hills Programming Division, Control Data Corporation.
  • Vice President, General Office Products Company.
  • Vice President, Midwest Area, US Office Products, Inc.
  • Vice President, Minnesota Division, Corporate Express Corporation.
  • Currently Mathematics Instructor, Business Faculty, Northwestern College in Roseville.

“My experience in large business as well as small business has taught me the difficulty of bringing a dollar to the bottom line. Business should not be considered to be an enemy of the state, but the basis of our economy. We need to grow jobs in Minnesota.”

The Schools and The Party

  • Mounds View Schools Academic Standards Implementation Committee.
  • Minnesota Academic Standards Committee.
  • Minnesota Academic Standards Revision Committee.
  • Many Party Offices and Campaign Committees over 30 years.
  • Currently Vice Chair District 53A Republicans.
  • Currently District 53A Representative to Republican State Central Committee.

“I’ve been appointed twice by the Pawlenty administration to Academic Standards Committees. I firmly believe that curriculum and standards choices should be made at the closest level to the local district and the parents. Insofar as standards are required at higher levels, they should emphasize strength in the basics. This has been the focus of my statewide efforts. Within the party, I have proposed and detailed reforms in the operation of our local executive committee. According to our current chairman, Bob Nelson, “The adoption of John’s proposals to assign well-defined roles and responsibilities to executive committee members have revitalized the committee this year and brought about a new level of enthusiasm and effectiveness.”