Posted: 10/4/06
Candidates face community questions
 Candidates for House Dist. 17B include Jeremy Kalin (DFL) and incumbent Pete Nelson (Rep.) |
By MaryHelen Swanson
Between three and four dozen interested citizens came to the first political candidatesí forum in the area last Thursday night, hosted by Harris Covenant Church.
The questions for the candidates for Senator for District 18 and Representative for both District 17A and 17B came from the audience. Funding for early childhood education came first.
Senate candidate Rick Olseen said it is important to fund upfront rather than pay later. Candidate Sean Nienow noted that there had been a 22 percent increase in the last session. Candidate Bill Neuman, echoed Olseen in the upfront funding and also said heíd support all day kindergarten.
Should there be a photo ID to vote? Nienow said it would be a good thing, Olseen said no because there should be easy access to vote, Neuman did not support it.
Regarding Chisago Countyís bad roads, Olseen hoped the state would help out as the county suffered with cuts in funding. He supports the motor vehicle sales tax amendment. Nienow supports use of vehicle sales tax on roads. He didnít think people want to raise the gas tax. Neuman has reservations about the constitutional amendment saying it will leave a hole in the general fund. Olseen and Neuman oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions. Nienow said it should be put to a vote.
On gay marriage, Nienow felt voters should have a say, not the courts. Olseen didnít think it needed to come to a vote, and Neuman would not support offering a vote.
Candidate for Representative Dist. 17A Melissa Jabas does not support a plan to require 70 percent of district funds spent in the classroom, itís not practical, she said.
Rep. Rob Eastlund agreed, saying it was wiser to look for education outcomes and let the school districts make that decision.
What should the state do to retain the Ford plant?
Eastlund said make the state so friendly it will bring in jobs, the cost to do business in Minnesota is high. Jabas would encourage Ford to look at options.
Should the state adopt renewable energy standards? Yes, said Jabas, to generate clean fuel in Minnesota. We already have them for electricity, Eastlund said. Itís wise to look at emissions, but a mistake to move ahead too fast.
Eastlund did not vote for the transportation bill last session, Jabas said she would have supported it.
Eastlund is pro-life and would suggest Legislature make abortion illegal. Jabas supports giving women options as a way to prevent abortions. Neither candidate supports a Vikings stadium in Blaine at taxpayersí expense.
Next up candidates for Dist. 17B. Rep, Pete Nelson would support IDs for voting, but might not be necessary in rural areas. Jeremy Kalin asked whereís the need?
Kalin supports the MVET amendment, as did Nelson, saying we need every source available to build and improve roads. Nelson supports an abortion bill, Kalin opposes it.
And how do you plan to move Legislation forward?
Kalin will insist on common grounds, working together and shared goals, Nelson said we have to work to redefine leadership in St. Paul. Thereís not as much disagreement as the media likes to make it, he said.
The Post Review will have a voterís guide out Oct. 25 where the candidates will be able to explain the issues in greater detail.
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