Introduction from Jesse Ventura - Reform
Jesse Ventura's Career Path has Focused on the Public
Jesse Ventura's campaign for Governor of Minnesota is the latest aspect
of a lifetime spent serving the public in such varied ways as mayor of
Brooklyn Park, a Navy Seal, professional wrestler, actor and
broadcaster.
Ventura, 46, was mayor of Brooklyn Park from 1991 to 1995. He served in
the Navy for six years - four on active duty, two in the Reserves - and
is a Vietnam veteran. While on active duty, he was a member of
Underwater Demolition (Seal) Team 12.
After his discharge from the Navy, Ventura attended North Hennepin
Community College and then began an 11-year career as a professional
wrestler. He has been a professional broadcaster for 11 years and also
an actor for 11 years. He is currently a radio talk-show host.
Ventura is a member of the Make a Wish of Minnesota Board of Advisors
and has been a volunteer football coach at Park High School in Champlin
for three years. He is an active, vested member of the Screen Actors
Guild and receives health and pension benefits through the guild. He
has been a member for 11 years. He has also been a member of the
American Federation of Television and Radio Announcers for about 10
years.
Ventura was born in Minneapolis July 15, 1951, and is a 1969 graduate of
Roosevelt High School. He; Terry, his wife of 22 years; and their
teen-aged son and daughter live in Maple Grove.
"I have never voted for a tax increase, and I have truly fought crime at
the street level," Ventura said. "I am proud of my record in Brooklyn
Park. I was opposed by Democrats and Republicans, and still got 65
percent of the vote."
Ventura is an active member of the Minnesota Reform Party and was
honorary chair of Dean Barkley's 1996 campaign for the U. S. Senate.
