WELCOME TO OUR SECOND NIGHT OF DEBATE NIGHT 2022 AT THE LAKELAND PBS STUDIO IN BEMIDJI.

I'M BETHANY WESLEY, YOUR MODERATOR TONIGHT.

WE'RE CONTINUING AN EXCITING WEEK OF DEBATES WITH THE SECOND OF THREE STATE LEGISLATIVE DEBATES TONIGHT, COVERING TOPICS AND ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITIES.

FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 2 A, MATT GROSSELL FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, AND REED OLSON FROM THE DEMOCRATIC FARMER-LABOR PARTY.

>> PANELISTS: DENNIS WEIMANN - LAKELAND PBS NEWS DIRECTOR.

HEIDI HOLTAN - NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO AFFILIATE KAXE NEWS DIRECTOR NICOLE RONCHETTI - BEMIDJI PIONEER REPORTER.

RULES: -OPENING COMMENTS: THREE MINUTES -PANEL WILL ASK QUESTIONS AFTER OPENING COMMENTS.

SOME WILL BE THEIR OWN QUESTIONS; OTHERS MAY BE FROM THE PUBLIC.

-THE CANDIDATES WILL ROTATE THE ORDER THEY SPEAK BEGINNING WITH OPENING COMMENTS AND FINISHING WITH CLOSING COMMENTS.

-EACH CANDIDATE GETS TWO MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

-EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE A ONE-MINUTE REBUTTAL OPPORTUNITY.

-CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF USING ONE MINUTE OF BONUS TIME TO ADD ON TO ONE OF THEIR ANSWERS TONIGHT.

THIS CAN BE USED DURING THE ANSWER TO THE INITIAL QUESTION OR DURING THE REBUTTAL BUT CAN ONLY BE USED ONCE.

-QUESTIONS CONTINUE UNTIL WE ARE ABOUT 50-MINUTES INTO THE DEBATE WHEN WE MOVE ON TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

-CLOSING COMMENTS: TWO MINUTES >>> WE WILL GET STARTED WITH OPENING COMMENTS.

YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES, OPENING FIRST IS MATT.

>> THANK YOU.

AND GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND THE INVITATION TO BE HERE AND HAVE THIS DEBATE.

>> REED, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> MANY OF YOU KNOW ME, I'M MATT GROSSELL.

I'M THE CURRENT REPRESENTATIVE.

THIS IS NEW DUE TO THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE DISTRICTS AND THEY HAD TO REDISTRICT A LOT OF AREAS AND SO THE TERRAIN OF THE DISTRICT HAS CHANGED SOME.

JUST TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO THOSE WHO ARE NEW CONSTITUENCIES, NEW TO THE DISTRICT.

I'M MATT GROSSELL, I'M A RETIRED DEPUTY SHERIFF, A U.S. MILITARY VETERAN, HONESTABLELY DISCHARGED AND FORMER SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.

USED TO DRIVE A TRUCK.

I'M A FATHER, GRANDFATHER, AND UNCLE TO FINE, FINE NEPHEWS AND NIECES.

>> I HAVE A LONG LEGACY TO THIS COUNTRY AND STATE.

SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY AND STATE.

MY FAMILY HAS SERVED SINCE WORLD WAR 1 AND TO THE CURRENT.

AND WE HAVE A STRONG BACKGROUND IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TRY TO KEEP OUR AREAS SAFE AND OUR NEIGHBORS SAFE.

I SPENT 6 YEARS WORKING ON BED WATER SAFE TRAILS AND NARCOTICS TASK FORCE AND THE PAUL BUNYON DISTRICT.

AND WORKING RED LAKE AND ALL OF THE COUNTIES IN BETWEEN WHERE WE DID A LOT OF WORK TO STOP THE INFLUX OF DRUGS, GET THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE INVOLVED AND HELD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

AND MAKING SURE OUR FAMILIES AND OTHERS WERE SAFE.

WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND STRIVE FOR THAT.

I WANT TO WELCOME PEOPLE AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THE NAME OF THIS JOB AND SERVICE.

THAT'S THE FOCUS OF THIS JOB.

AND I TAKE THAT TO HEART AND TAKE THAT VERY SERIOUS.

I HAVE SERVED FOR MANY YEARS.

THE, THE MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND NOW IN THIS CAPACITY WORKING IN THE LEGISLATURE.

MY DEDICATION TO SERVICE AND REPRESENTING YOU HAS NOT STOPPED AND IT WILL NOT STOP.

I WELCOME EVERYBODY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> THANK YOU BETHANY.

>> THANK YOU PANEL MEMBERS AND PBS TV AND THANK YOU PANELISTS AND THANK YOU, MATT, FOR BEING HERE AND THANK YOU FOR THOSE WATCHING TONIGHT.

>> I WANT TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE IN DISTRICT 2 A.

ABOUT 51 PERCENT OF THE DISTRICT IS NEW.

IT IS NEW TO MATT GROSSELL, IT IS NOT NEW TO ME.

I HAVE BEEN APART OF THIS COMMUNITY FOR A BETTER PART OF 30 YEARS.

THE DISTRICT IS LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, CLEAR WATER COUNTY, NORTH OF BAGGILY, AND BELTRAMI, AND THE CITY OF BEMIDJI.

I'M HERE TODAY TO ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.

>> MY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, MY ELECTED OFFICE EXPERIENCE AND MY LIFE EXPERIENCE HAVE PREPARED ME WELL TO BE YOUR VOICE IN ST. PAUL.

I GREW UP IN LITCHFIELD AND MOVED TO BEMIDJI IN 1994 TO WORK, STUDY, AND PLAY.

I STAYED HERE BECAUSE I LOVE NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

I HAVE OWNED AND OPERATED A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AND SERVED ON THE BEMIDJI BOARD.

I'M MOST PROUD OF MY WORK IN THE COMMUNITY ASSURING THAT THE UNHOUSED RESIDENTS HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO STAY IN THE WINTER AND WE CAN GET THEM ON TO THE PATH TOWARDS SUCCESS.

MY WORK TO PROVIDE AN OVERNIGHT EMERGENCY SHELTER AND THE NEW DAY CENTER IN BEMIDJI ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW I'M WORKING TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFER AND WELCOMING TO ALL.

OF THE SHELTER, AT THE SHELTER WE WORK HAND AND GLOVE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND AREA TRIBES TO FIND STABILITY.

I UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES FACING BUSINESSES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND NONPROFITS.

I UNDERSTAND THE STRUGGLES OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS, HIGHER ED, HEALTHCARE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, THAT'S WHY I AM ENDORSED BY THE COUNTY JAIL, NURSES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, BSU FACILITY AND THE TRIBES.

>> PROVIDING HOUSING, DAYCARE, I HAVE BEEN ON THE FOREFRONT OF SOLVING THESE ISSUES OF THE BETTER PART OF 20 YEARS.

IT IS THAT KIND OF REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE THAT WE NEED TO ST. PAUL.

THANKS AGAIN TO THE SPONSORS AND THOSE TUNING IN.

I HOPE OUR CONVERSATION TONIGHT WILL HELP YOU GET TO KNOW ME BETTER AND I RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON NOVEMBER 8 TO BE YOUR VOICE IN ST. PAUL.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE'LL MOVE INTO THE QUESTION PORTION.

>> DENNIS, YOU ASK FIRST.

REED WILL ANSWER FIRST.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS DEBATE ON LAKELAND PBS.

>> FOR EDUCATION, ARE THERE WAYS TO FUND EDUCATION OR OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT YOU WOULD ADVOCATE FOR?

>> YEAH.

THINK THAT IT IS DIFFICULT RIGHT NOW WHERE THE ZIP CODE WHERE YOU LIVE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE EDUCATION YOU GET.

CLEAR WATER, OTHER AREAS, ARE NOT INCREDIBLY RICH AREAS.

WE HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TO RAISE THE REVENUES.

SCHOOLS HAVE A TOUGH TIME TO PASS THE ITEMS THEY NEED.

WHEREVER YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA YOU SHOULD GET A QUALITY EDUCATION.

NOT JUST FUNDING EDUCATION, BUT SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOLS, OUR BOARDS, SCHOOL BOARDS, TEACHERS AND GIVING THEM THE SUPPORT AND THE MONEY THEY NEED, AT THE END OF THE DAY TO MAKE SURE OUR KIDS HAVE QUALITY EDUCATION WILL SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MATT.

>> EVERY STUDENT DESERVES TO BE IN A CLASSROOM AND EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A GREAT EDUCATION THAT PREPARES THEM FOR OPPORTUNITIES AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.

THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WE NEED TO LOOK AT AS FAR AS DOING BETTER.

FOR YEARS, WE HAVE POURED MONEY INTO SCHOOLS ONLY TO SEE TEST SCORES REMAIN FLAT AND INCREASE IN CONTROVERSIAL CURRICULUM THAT IS FOCUSED ON FULFILL ADVOCATISMS INSTEAD OF READING, WRITING AND SCIENCE.

THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY AND LET THE EDUCATORS TO PREPARE THE CHILDREN TO BE OUT IN THE REAL WORLD AND PRODUCTIVE AND GET JOBS.

THIS IS NOT ONLY FOR CONTINUE ON FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS, COLLEGE OF ANY KIND, TO TECH SCHOOLS, ALSO TO PREPARE THEM FOR JOBS IN THE TRADES, ETC.

WE NEED TO MORE FUNDING TOWARDS INTRODUCING OUR KIDS AS A YOUNG AGE TO THE TECH SCHOOLS, TO THE TRADES JOBS OUT THERE.

THERE'S A LOT OF -- THE TRADES ARE SCREAMING FOR PEOPLE TO COME INTO THOSE TRADES AND THEY ARE REALLY, REALLY GREAT PAYING JOBS AND CAREERS THAT STUDENTS CAN GET INTO COMING RIGHT STRAIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL AND GOING INTO THE TRADES AND GET THE TRAINING TO BE ABLE TO GROW IN THAT.

AND ALSO TO CONTINUE TO GO INTO THE FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS IF THEY ARE CALLED TO THAT AS WELL AND GET THEIR PROPER EDUCATION THERE.

ONE OF THE BIG THINGS IN OUR AREA IN THE RURAL AREAS IS TRANSPORTATION FUNDING.

THE FORMULA FOR THAT IS SO NOT BALANCED, IT IS RIDICULOUS.

WHEN OUR RURAL SCHOOLS HAVE TO DIG INTO THEIR GENERAL FUNDS TO COVER TRANSPORTATION COSTS.

THOSE ARE A FEW THINGS WE WORK ON AS FAR AS EDUCATION GOES.

>> THANK YOU, MATT.

>> REED, DO YOU HAVE MORE COMMENTS?

>> WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSPORTATION, THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE.

I WANT -- AND OH, THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL HAS A GREAT PROGRAM CALLED THE CAREER ACADEMY THAT DOES THAT AND MAYBE OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS COULD DO WHERE THEY GIVE PRACTICAL TRAINING AND SET THEM UP FOR THE TRADES WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT.

>> I'M GLAD THAT MATT MENTIONED PEOPLE PLAYING POLITICS WITH OUR SCHOOLS.

MATT HAS MADE A HABIT OF GOING TO THE CLEAR -- BOARD MEETINGS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND, OR YEARS, AND HAVE BEEN TERRORIZING THEM.

I KNOW ONE PERSON WHO QUIT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD BECAUSE SHE FELT INTIMIDATED BY THEM BY UPSETTING THE MEETING, NOT BY BEING DISRUPTIVE.

BUT WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL BOARDS AND NOT GAIN CHEAP POLITICAL POINTS.

>> MATT?

>> WELL, IF YOU ARE GOING TO ATTACK SOMEONE'S INTEGRITY, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FACTS IN LINE.

TO GO TO A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING WHEN YOU ARE INVITED AND BE A VOICE OF REASON AMONG, BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL BOARDS, THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.

AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I DID.

I'M NOT GOING TO ATTACK MY OPPONENT HERE.

WHAT WE NEED IS A WELL-ROUNDED CURRICULUM, FOCUSED ON THE KIDS AND THE SCHOOL.

CR T HAS NO BUSINESS IN THE CLASSROOM.

WE CAN TEACH AMERICAN HISTORY WITHOUT TRYING TO DIVIDE EACH OTHER.

MINNESOTA REPUBLICANS SUPPORT SCHOOL EQUAL CHOICES AND STUDENTS TO EMPOWER PARENTS TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

THAT'S WHERE OUR EFFORTS NEED TO BE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MATT.

>> AND HEIDI HAS THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE IN JULY HAS LEFT ABORTION IN STATES.

THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION PROTECTS A WOMEN'S RIGHT TO HAVE AN ABORTIONS.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH THIS SUBJECT?

>> MATT?

>> I WILL GO FIRST.

WE HAD THIS DISCUSSION -- I FORGET YOUR NAME -- >> NICOLE.

>> NICOLE.

WE HAD THIS DISCUSSION WITH NICOLE DURING A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW.

THERE'S NO EASY WAY TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION AND IT IS A TOUGH DISCUSSION.

EVERYONE KNOWS THAT I AM PRO-LIFE FROM CONCEPTION TO DEATH.

I HAVE NOT HIDDEN THAT.

THIS IS WHERE I STAND ON IT.

THE DISCUSSION ON ABORTIONS NEEDS TO BE ONE THAT YOU COME IN WITH AN OPEN, SOFT HEART AND LISTEN, THERE NEEDS TO BE HELP FOR ANYBODY WHO IS FACED WITH AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY THERE NEEDS TO BE GOOD COUNSELING ALL THE WAY THROUGH THAT PROCESS.

YOU KNOW, IS ABORTIONS THE ONLY ANSWER?

IS ABORTION THE ANSWER?

NO, IT IS NOT THE ANSWER, NOT AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.

AND IF YOU ASK 68 PERCENT OF MINNESOTA RESIDENTS, ABORTIONS AT ANY TIME IS NOT THE SOLUTION.

THERE ARE OTHER SOLUTIONS OUT THERE.

AND WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT THOSE.

WE NEED TO HELP THESE WOMEN WHO HAVE THESE UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES OR WHATEVER HAPPENS THERE, TO WORK THROUGH THIS PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE OPPOSES LAID IN FRONT OF THEM.

AND OTHER OPTIONS THAN THE TERMINATION OF A CHILD'S LIFE.

THOSE ARE, AGAIN, THEY ARE NOT EASY DISCUSSIONS BUT THEY NEED TO BE HAD.

YOU NEED TO COME TO IT, YOU BETTER COME TO IT WITH A SOFT HEART AND FIND COMMON GROUND WHERE YOU CAN WORK FROM.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> I TAKE REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS VERY SERIOUSLY.

I WILL SAY THAT SAMFORD HEALTH IS MOVING THE PRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE FROM FARGO TO MOORHEAD BECAUSE OF THE LAWS.

DON'T THINK FOR A SECOND IF MY FRIEND HAD HIS WAY THAT ABORTIONS WILL BE ILLEGAL.

WE NEED TO KEEP IT LEGAL AND SAFE.

WE NEED TO GIVE THE PEOPLE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED AND IT IS MUCH BROADER THAN UNWANTED PREGNANCIES OR UNEXPECTED PREGNANCIES.

THERE ARE REASONS PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE AN ABORTIONS AND WE ARE HEARING WHEN >> THAT THEY HAVE LIVING THEIR BEST LIFE AND NOT GETTING IN THE WAY WITH ANY RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR DOCTOR.

>> THANKS.

>> MATT, DID YOU HAVE A RESPONSE?

>> YOU KNOW.

68 PERCENT OF MINNESOTA RESIDENTS SUPPORTED AT LEAST SOME LIMITS ON ABORTIONS.

ONLY 43 PERCENT WANTED OUT-RIGHT BAN ON MOST ABORTIONS.

ONLY 31.1 PERCENT WANT ABORTIONS TO BE LEGAL WITHOUT ANY LIMITATIONS.

AND YET NO PRO-ABORTION CANDIDATES SUPPORT LIMITATIONS ON ABORTION.

MAKING THEIR ASSISTANCE THE REAL EXTREME STANCE.

THESE ARE DISCUSSIONS THAT SHOULD BE HAD BETWEEN THE WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR.

AND THESE ARE HORRIBLY DIFFICULT DECISIOS NEED TO BE MADE AND NEVER BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.

LIKE I SAID, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THIS STUFF, WHEN YOU LOOK AT ALL OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU NEED TO HAVE A SOFT HEART AND AN OPEN HEART TO REALLY GET A HOLD OF THIS SUBJECT.

THANK YOU.

>> REED?

>> I BELIEVE 60 PERCENT OF RURAL MINNESOTA BELIEVES THAT ROE V. WADE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN OVERTURNED.

THAT'S WHERE I STAND.

I BELIEVE THAT MY POSITION IS RIGHT IN THE MAJORITY OF MINNESOTA AND RURAL MINNESOTA RESIDENTS.

>> THANKS, REED.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION COMES FROM NICOLE.

>> THERE IS AN ONGOING METH, DRUG SITUATIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS.

THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF CARE OPTIONS FOR THESE PEOPLE.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH THESE PEOPLE IN THE LEGISLATURE?

>> THAT'S ME.

>> YEP.

>> I OPERATE A HOMELESS SHELTER AND I SAY SOMETIMES I'M ON THE FRONT LINE OF MISERY IN BEMIDJI.

I SEE PEOPLE THAT ARE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER AND MENTAL ILLNESS.

I THINK WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THE SERVICES WE NEED.

WE -- WE -- EXCUSE ME -- WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE STRUGGLING.

WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN PAIN.

WHEN THEY SLIP THROUGH THE CRACKS, WE CAN SEE THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIFE REALLY GO DOWN.

IF WE CAN GET PEOPLE IN TREATMENT AND GET THE HELP THEY NEED AND PUT THEM BACK ON TRACK AND PUT THEM TOWARDS MORE A SUCCESSFUL LIFE AND THEY CAN PULL THINGS TOGETHER AND HOPEFULLY MOVE ON.

THANKS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MATT?

>> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT OPIOID CRIES AND THE DRUG CRISIS, THE FENTANYL CRISIS, A BIG PART OF THAT IS A BORDER IS LEFT WIDE OPEN IN THE SOUTH AND A MASSIVE FUNNEL COMING IN.

GUESS WHERE IT ALL GOES?

IT GETS FUNNELED UP TO THE HUB CITIES AND UP INTO NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

THE NARCOTIC'S CRISIS IS NOTHING NEW.

IT HAS TO BE STOPPED AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR YEARS TO STOP THAT.

WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE TASK FORCE AND WE HAVE STOPPED SOME OF THE TRAFFIC INTO THE AREAS AND THE COUNTIES.

THE NARCOTIC'S TRAFFICKING, THEY DON'T KNOW STATE LINES AND BORDERS.

THEY DON'T CARE.

THEY WANT TO SELL THEIR PRODUCT INTO THE COMMUNITY AND POISON PEOPLE.

THEY HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.

THERE HAS BEEN WORK DONE ON THE DRUG ISSUE AND IT IS BIPARTISAN WORK.

WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THAT.

>> AND THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS, BOTH SIDES HAVE LEARNED IT IS A HUGE TASK.

HAVING WORKED IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT FIELD, I HAVE RAN ACROSS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, INDIVIDUALS THAT NEEDED MENTAL HEALTH HELP, NOT INTO A CELL, BUT HELP.

WE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL FOR MILES.

FOR MILES.

BEING FROM A COUNTY THAT HAS ONE DEPUTY ON, YOU CAN'T LEAVE THE COUNTY UNCOVERED TO TAKE SOMEONE TO A HEALTH FACILITY.

WE NEED FACILITIES TO HELP THESE INDIVIDUALS TO GET BACK ON THEIR MEDICATIONS, TO GET THE HELP THEY NEED.

SO, THAT IS SOMETHING WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON IN THE LEGISLATURE.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> WE DON'T PRODUCE FENTANYL FROM NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

IT IS BROUGHT IN FROM THE OUTSIDE.

WE NEED TO SEE PARTISANSHIPS WITH THE TRIBAL AND THE COMMUNITIES TO REDUCE THE INTAKE.

WE NEED MORE INVESTMENT IN THE MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

I SEE IT ALL OF THE TIME THOSE IN THE JAIL, AT THE HOSPITAL, IN THE ER, THAT ARE TRYING TO FIND TREATMENT OR DOCTORS.

THEY JUST DON'T EXIST.

WE NEED MORE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INTO THE BEMIDJI, LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, OTHER COUNTIES, THEY ARE PEOPLE SUFFERING IN ALL OF RURAL MINNESOTA.

WE ARE STARTING TO SEE IT AT THE COUNTY LEVEL.

WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND THERE'S A LOT TO BE DONE AND BRINGING IN MORE MENTAL HEALTH CAPACITY IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE DEFINITELY NEED MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS THAT ARE MORE LOCAL.

>> THANKS, REED.

>> MATT?

>> IN OUR COUNTIES, CITIES AND OUR TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DO WORK WELL TOGETHER.

A LOT OF THESE SMALLER CITIES AND COUNTIES WHEN YOU HAVE A TASK FORCE SUCH AS WE HAVE IN THIS AREA, IT IS A FORCE MULTIPLIER, IT BRINGS EXTRA RESOURCES THAT YOU WOULD NOT OTHERWISE HAVE TO FIGHT THE CRIMES THAT ARE PLAGUING OUR AREAS AND THE NARCOTIC TRAFFICKING, WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, IT IS HERE.

IT HAS BEEN HERE FOR A LOT OF YEARS.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AGENCIES HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO THOSE THINGS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE FOURTH QUESTION FROM DENNIS.

>> DO YOU FEEL IT IS TIME FOR SUBSTANTIAL TAX RELIEF IN MINNESOTA?

IF YOU THINK THEY SHOULD BE LOWERED OR RAISED EXPLAIN IT.

>> MATT?

>> EXPLAIN WHY THE TAX RELIEF SHOULD BE HERE.

WHEN YOU HAVE A SURPLUS, THAT'S SAYING THAT THE CITIZENS ARE OVER-TAXED AND THEY HAVE TO FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO THE CITIZENS.

WE TRIED TO GET THE WORK DONE IN THAT SESSION, IT CAME AT TOO OF A HIGH COST TO OUR CITIZENS.

IF YOU GET SOCIAL SECURITY TAX KNOCKED OUT TAX RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE AND BUT IT IS COVERED UP AND SHADOWED OVER BY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY PERMANENT GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND GROWING GOVERNMENT, YOU ARE NOT HELPING ANYBODY.

YOU ARE NOT HELPING ANYBODY.

THIS SESSION, THEY ARE GOING TO WORK ON KNOCKING OUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX, GETTING TAX BREAKS AND CUTS FOR OUR WORKING CLASS AND WORKING FOLKS AND SMALL BUSINESSES TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE MONEY THEY NEED, GOOD LORD, YOU KNOW, TO GET THIS IN INFLATION UNDER CONTROL, IT IS SOMETHING THAT REALLY, REALLY -- HELP AS FAR AS GETTING THE TAXES UNDER CONTROL AS WELL.

SO, I MEAN, IT IS HIGH TIME WE GAVE MONEY BACK TO THE CITIZENS.

LIKE I SAID, WHEN YOU HAVE THIS MUCH OF A SURPLUS, YOU ARE OVER-TAXES YOUR CITIZENS AND THERE'S NO REASON FOR IT.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> I THINK THAT OUR SURPLUS IS MORE OF A PRODUCT OF A HEALTHY ECONOMY THAN IT IS OVER-TAXING.

IF IT WAS OVER-TAXING, ALL OF THE ROADS WOULD BE IN PERFECT SHAPE AND THE SCHOOLS WILL BE FUNDED AND THE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES.

MINNESOTA HAS HIGHER THAN AVERAGE TAX LEVELS, THAT HAS GIVEN US MORE COMPANIES AND MORE SCHOOLS.

IF OUR TAXES ARE TOO HIGH THAN THE COMPANIES TO INVEST IN US, THEY WOULD BE IN MISSISSIPPI.

BUT THEY ARE ARE HERE.

>> I THINK THERE'S GOOD VALUE IN RETAINING OUR ELDERS.

I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF MINE THAT LEAVE THE STATE WHEN THEY RETIRE BECAUSE OF TAX PURPOSES.

AS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER, I GET WORRIED WHEN LEGISLATORS THEY WANT TO CUT TAXES.

USUALLY IT IS FOR WEALTHY PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES.

IF YOU WANT TO DO THAT IN EDINA A, YOU CAN DO THAT.

I THINK THE PROPERTY TAXES ARE GOING TO GO UP.

UNLESS THE SERVICES THAT WE ARE MANDATED TO PROVIDE, UNLESS WE STOP PROVIDING THOSE SERVICES WE WILL HAVE TO GET INTO THE PROPERTY TAXES TO MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE.

I THINK WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TAX CUTS, IT WILL BENEFIT THE WEALTHIEST AND THE BUSINESSES.

FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON, I WOULD SUPPORT A MARGINAL INCREASE IN THE TOP TIER EARNERS IN OUR STATE AND THE WEALTHIEST, THE BEST CORPORATIONS AND THEN WE CAN USE THAT MONEY TO INCREASE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COUNTIES SO THEY CAN LOWER THAN LEVIES AND REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAXES.

>> MATT, DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> I DO.

I DO.

THE COMMENT ABOUT THE ECONOMY IS GOOD?

LOOK AROUND YOU, FOLKS.

LOOK AROUND YOU.

GO TO THE GAS PUMP, HIGHEST THE GAS HAS EVER BEEN FOR MANY YEARS.

THEY TRY TO TELL YOU, OH, IT IS COMING DOWN SOME.

BECAUSE IT WENT UP SO FAR BECAUSE THEY TAPPED INTO OUR EMERGENCY RESERVES AND IT IS GOING UP AGAIN!

THEY TAPPED INTO THE RESERVED, IT IS DANGEROUS AND IT HAS LEFT US VULNERABLE.

WE CAN'T HAVE THAT.

THE PRICES ARE GOING UP, THE GROCERIES ARE SKYROCKETING AND IT IS HARD TO FIND PARTS OR GET PARTS FOR VEHICLES.

TELL ME THIS ECONOMY IS GOOD, FOLKS.

TELL ME IT IS GOOD.

I TELL YOU WHAT; THIS HAS BEEN THE DFL DISCONNECT TO RURAL MINNESOTA ALL ALONG.

THANK YOU.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, AND I KNOW THE CHALLENGES IT FACES.

INFLATION IS REAL.

TO SAY CUTTING TAXES TO THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE AND OUR BEST PERFORMING CORPORATIONS IS NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO.

WE HAVE MONEY IN THE SURPLUS TO INVEST IN MINNESOTA.

TO CUT TAXES IS INCREDIBLY IRRESPONSIBLE.

>>> HEIDI?

>> MINNESOTA HAS BEEN NUMBER ONE IN VOTER TURN-OUT FOR MANY YEARS.

DO YOU TRUST THE ELECTION SYSTEM?

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, LESS US KNOW SPECIFICALLY.

>> REED?

>> THE SHORT ANSWER IS NO.

THIS IS MINNESOTA.

WE HAVE THE BEST ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY.

WE ARE THE GOLD STANDARD.

I WAS AT THE BELTRAMI BOARD MEETING AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE PROCESSES WE FOLLOW FOR OUR ELECTIONS.

WE ARE -- WE CONTINUALLY AUDIT OURSELVES AND THE RECOUNTS SHOW HOW SAFE OUR ELECTIONS ARE.

WE SHOULDN'T LET POLITICIANS TO MAKE US AFRAID OF OUR ELECTION SYSTEMS.

IT HAS BEEN BUILDING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO TRY TO PLANT THESE SEEDS OF DOUBT THAT OUR ELECTION SYSTEM IS ANYTHING BUT TOP NOTCH.

ARE THERE MISTAKES AND CAN PEOPLE COMMIT FRAUD?

YES.

IT IS A FELONY AND IT IS RARE.

OUR ELECTIONS ARE SECURE.

I HAVE THE FULL CONFIDENCE IN THEM.

I HAVE BEEN A POLL WORKER MYSELF.

I HAVE BEEN THERE AND WATCHED THE PROCESS.

WE HAVE PAPER BALLOTS FOR EVERYTHING.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEAL AN ELECTION IN MINNESOTA.

THE ELECTIONS ARE FAIR.

THEY ARE AUDITABLE.

THERE IS A PAPER TRAIL.

WE SHOULD BE VERY PROUD.

THANK YOU.

>> MATT?

>> IF YOU ASKED 2016, IF YOU ASKED HILLARY CLINTON IF OUR ELECTIONS ARE FAIR, SHE WOULD TELL YOU NO, THERE WERE NOT.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO COME BACK TO BITE YOU EVERY TIME.

IN 2020, THERE WERE THINGS THAT WERE GOING ON.

IT IS HARD TO SAY.

THERE'S INVESTIGATIONS, APPARENTLY, THERE IS DOUBTS ON BOTH SIDES.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE ELECTION PROCESS AND SEE IF IT IS INDEED SECURE.

DOWN AT THE STATE, AS FAR AS VOTER FRAUD, AND HE HAS DECLINED TO I UNDERSTAND -- LISTEN TO THE COURT ORDER.

IF THERE WAS NOTHING TO LOOK AT, THEN I WOULD THINK THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING, GET THE INFORMATION OUT THERE, LET THE STUFF BE LOOKED AT AND SEE.

IS THERE A PROBLEM?

IF YOU NEVER LOOK AT AND DO THE INVESTIGATION, YOU WILL NEVER FIND OUT WHAT THE FACTS ARE.

YOU KEEP GOING ON, OH, EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL, IT IS SMELLING LIKE ROSES, WELL, EVENTUALLY, FOLKS, IT WILL COME BACK TO BITE US.

I WOULD SAY, I TRUST OUR AREA.

CLEAR WATER COUNTY, BELTRAMI, LAKE OF THE WOODS, BUT THERE ARE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE LOOKED AT NATIONWIDE.

>> THANKS.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, REED?

>> I DIDN'T KNOW THAT MATT IS A FAN OF HILLARY CLINTON.

THAT'S A SURPRISE TO ME.

THAT'S THE EXACT KIND OF COMMENTS I'M TALKING ABOUT WHEN TO STOKE DOUBT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT.

WE HAVE SAFE ELECTIONS.

I WILL SAY IT AGAIN; WE HAVE SAFE ELECTIONS AND THERE'S AN AUDIT EVERY TIME, EVERY COUNTY RUNS THEIR OWN AUDIT.

WE HAVE CLEAR, FAIR, SAFE ELECTIONS.

AGAIN, I THINK IT IS INCREDIBLY IRRESPONSIBLE TO CAST DOUBT ON THE MINNESOTA ELECTION PROCESS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MATT?

>> NOT A FAN OF HILLARY CLINTON.

I GET YOUR LITTLE SENSE OF HUMOR THERE.

[LAUGHTER.]

BUT, IF BOTH SIDES ARE SAYING THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG, THEN IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO.

OUR AREAS HAS BEEN SOLID, BELTRAMI COUNTY, LAKE OF THE WOODS, CLEAR WATER COUNTY, BUT THERE ARE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

IF BOTH SIDES ARE SAYING IT, I GUESS MAYBE WE SHOULD LISTEN.

>> ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU.

>> WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT QUESTION FROM NICOLE.

>> AS YOU ARE AWARE, THERE IS A HOUSING SHORTAGE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

BOTH OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND MARKET RATE HOUSING.

IF YOU GO TO THE LEGISLATION IN ST. PAUL, HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH OF THOSE TYPES OF HOUSING BOTH THIS OUR REGION AND ALL OF MINNESOTA?

>> MATT?

>> I HAVE THIS?

>> YEAH.

>> YEAH.

>> LOST TRACK.

>> THE HOUSING, IT IS TOUGH ALL OVER THE PLACE RIGHT NOW.

WHEN YOU SOME -- WHEN THINGS COSTS SO HIGH, IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT.

AND SO MANY REGULATIONS THAT EAT AWAY AND EAT AT THE EXPENSES AND MAKING IT AFFORDABLE, IT MAKES IT EVEN TOUGHER.

TO GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY AND GET RID OF SOME OF THE REGULATIONS THAT ARE HINDERING THE HOME-BUILDERS AND BUILDING A HOUSE SO IT IS AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES TO START OUT IN.

IT IS ALL THE WAY AROUND.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LOW RENT HOUSING AND HOUSING IN GENERAL.

THE STATE HAS GOT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LET THESE FOLKS DO THE BUILDING.

WE HAVE GOT REGULATIONS COMING OUT OUR EARS THAT EATS AWAY OF SO MUCH INCREASES THE COSTS OF HOUSING WHETHER IT BE APARTMENTS, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, ALL OF IT.

THE STATE HAS TO CUT BACK ON AND REIGN IN THE REGULATIONS.

DO THE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DONE, BUT QUIT INCREASING THE COSTS ON THEIR CITIZENS SO MUCH.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> I AGREE WE NEED TO LOOK AT REGULATIONS AND SEE IF WE HAVE UNNECESSARY REGULATIONS.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THE REGULATIONS ARE THERE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE HOMES ARE BEING BUILT TO A SAFE STANDARD.

>> THAT BEING SAID, I WORK WITH THE HOMELESS, I RUN A HOMELESS SHELTER AND I KNOW IN OUR COMMUNITIES WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH HOUSING.

WHEN I WAS DOOR-KNOCKING IN WILLIAMS IN LAKE OF THE WOODS, THEY SAID THEY NEEDED MORE HOUSING.

HERE IN BEMIDJI WE TALKED ABOUT MORE HOUSING.

IN RED LAKE, WE NEED MORE HOUSING.

WE CAN DO SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS TO INCREASE HOUSING.

ONE IS PUT MORE MONEY TO FINANCE MORE PROJECTS AND LOOKING AT NONPROFITS TO DO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND ANOTHER WAY TO REDUCE THE COSTAR HOUSING FOR -- COST OF HOUSING IS TO TAKEAWAY THE PROFIT HOUSING -- THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE DON'T HAVE A NEED FOR MARKET RATE HOUSING.

IN BEMIDJI, WE HAVE ISSUES HIRING DOCTORS AND PROFESSORS BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ADEQUATE HOUSING STOCK AT THE TOP TIER.

YOU CAN TALK TO DAVE AT GREATER BEMIDJI.

ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS THAT IS KEEPING DEVELOPMENT FROM OCCURRING IN BEMIDJI IS LACK OF HOUSING.

IT IS AN ECONOMY TOOL, AND IT IS A TOOL, WE NEED HOUSING IN BEMIDJI AND ALL OF THE DISTRICTS.

I THINK WE CAN GET THERE.

WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT TO GET DEVELOPERS TO COME TO BEMIDJI TO WILLIAMS, CLEAR BROOK AND GET MORE HOUSING BUILT AT ALL INCOME LEVELS.

THANKS.

>> THANKS, REED.

>> MATT, ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> JUST A COUPLE.

IT BOILS DOWN TO THIS, FOLKS; WE NEED TO GET THE STATE GOVERNMENT OUT OF WAY SO WE CAN BUILD HOUSING, ADEQUATE HOUSING, WHETHER IT IS LOW RENT, FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS AND GET THE REGULATIONS UNDER CONTROL.

AND RANDOMLY POUR MORE MONEY IS NOT THE ANSWER.

BUT WHAT WE ARE DOING WILL HAVE THE BEST EFFECT ACROSS THE BOARD.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE INCENTIVIZING ANYBODY MAKING A PROFIT, YOU KNOW, THESE HOUSING PROVIDERS, THESE -- A LOT OF PEOPLE CALL THEM LANDLORDS, AND PEOPLE CALL THEM WORSE THAN THAT.

THE HOUSING PROVIDERS ARE DOING A GOOD SERVICE.

IF WE ELIMINATE A LOT OF THE REGULATIONS THAT HINDER THEM, AND CAUSE THEM TO HAVE TO INCREASE PRICES, ALL OF IT.

WE'LL HELP PEOPLE FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT WAY AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

>> REED?

>> YES.

IT IS NOT JUST -- I'M NOT SAYING WE SHOULD REMOVE THEM -- I AM SAYING FOR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING MAYBE WE SHOULD LOOK AT A DIFFERENT MODEL.

THE OTHER THING I WOULD LOOK AT, TOO, EQUITY FIRMS BUYING UP THE HOMES AND TURNING THEM INTO RENTALS.

IT IS HARD FOR FAMILIES TO MOVE IN WHEN THEY ARE GETTING SCOOPED UP BY FIRMS AND THE RENT IS JACKED UP.

IT IS HAPPENING IN BEMIDJI AND IT IS A NATIONAL PROBLEM.

WE HAVE TO GET STARTER FAMILY HOMES TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO LIVE IN THE HOMES AND NOT JUST SELL IT TO EQUITY FIRMS.

AS WE SEE THE INTEREST RATE RISE, IT IS HARDER AND HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO GET IN THERE, BECAUSE THE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS WILL BE SO HIGH.

WE HAVE LOOK AT THE INTEREST RATES AND KEEPING THE EQUITY FIRMS FROM NOT SCOOPING UP THE HOUSING.

>> THANK YOU.

>> IF WE NEED THAT ADDITIONAL MINUTE OF TIME, IF YOU CAN'T GET IT ALL IN THERE, WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET THAT.

>> NEXT QUESTION, DENNIS.

>> THIS IS A VIEWER QUESTION.

WE ASKED VIEWERS SEND US QUESTIONS.

WE HAD 50.

THAT IS THE MOST EVER.

THANK YOU.

>> HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE AS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE?

REED?

>> I WILL START BY SAYING THIS IS NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

WE ARE HUNTERS.

WE ALL OWN GUNS.

I OWN GUNS.

I HUNT.

I THINK THAT WE CAN DO A LOT AS FAR AS, YOU KNOW, RED FLAG LAWS, AND HAVE UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

I THINK THAT CAN HELP US OUT QUITE A BIT.

I THINK SOMETIMES WE FALSELY LOOK AT MENTAL HEALTH AS A CAUSE OF GUN VIOLENCE.

IT IS NOT ALWAYS.

I THINK INVESTING IN MENTAL HEALTH CAN HELP STEM SOME OF THAT.

IT IS A TOUGH ISSUE.

THERE'S A LOT OF GUNS IN AMERICA.

THERE'S A LOT OF GUNS IN PLACES WHERE PEOPLE ARE NOT HUNTING FOR DEER OR OTHER THINGS.

IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE FOR US TO REALLY DEAL WITH IN AMERICA BECAUSE WE HAVE A STRONG GUN CULTURE.

AND I THINK THAT WE JUST CAN LOOK AT BACKGROUND CHECKS, THAT'S A GOOD START TO SEE AND TRYING TO KEEP GUNS OUT OF KIDS' HANDS.

>> THANKS, REED.

>> MATT?

>> IT IS A GOOD QUESTION.

AND GUN VIOLENCE, IT IS NOT THE GUN, FOLKS.

IT IS THE PERSON HOLDING THE GUN.

AND THAT'S IT EVERY TIME.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT WHEN MY OPPONENT HERE TALKS ABOUT RED FLAGS AND UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

WE DO BACKGROUND CHECKS.

THERE'S NOT A CRIMINAL AROUND THAT CAN LEGALLY PURCHASE A FIREARM IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA BECAUSE THE BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE DONE.

THERE'S NO WAY FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO GET AROUND THAT SYSTEM.

THE RED FLAG AND THE UNIVERSE BACKGROUND CHECKS, THEY WILL ONLY HINDER THE LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN.

THAT'S THE ONLY, THOSE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT WILL BE HURT RED FLAG OR UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

FOR THE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS, IT WILL MAKE IT HARDER FOR THEM TO PURCHASE A FIREARM.

>> GUN VIOLENCE, IT IS A PROBLEM RIGHT ALONG WITH EVERY OTHER VIOLENT CRIME THAT HAS INCREASED THIS THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

WHY HAS IT INCREASED?

WE HAVE TAKEN THE FOOT OFF OF THE GAS AS FAR AS HOLDING VIOLENT CRIMINALS ACCOUNTABLE.

A CRIMINAL WILL FIND A WAY TO GET A KNIFE, A CLUB, A FIREARM, WHATEVER THEY USE TO COMMIT THEIR ACT OF VIOLENCE.

THEY WILL LIE, CHEAT, STEAL, AND TRADE FOR NARCOTICS, FOR WHATEVER, TO GET A FIREARM, TO GET WHATEVER WEAPON THEY NEED.

THAT'S NOT GOING TO CHANGE.

MAKING MORE LAWS FOR LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE HOW CRIMINALS GO ABOUT FINDING WEAPONS.

THE VIOLENCE, PERIOD, HAS GOT TO BE A HEART CHANGE AND A MIND CHANGE OF THE CITIZENS IN OUR SOCIETY.

THAT'S WHERE IT HAS GOT TO START.

IT HAS TO START WITH EACH ONE OF US TO HAVE THAT CHANGE.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> I FIND IT ODD WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT A LAW AGAINST SOMETHING DOESN'T KEEP THEM FROM BREAKING THE LAW, WHY HAVE THE LAW.

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME.

I AGREE WE NEED TO HAVE A SOCIETY THAT HAS THE GUN VIOLENCE WE DO, IF THERE ARE GUN ARE AVAILABLE OR NOT, IF WE WERE A HEALTHIER SOCIETY WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE VIOLENCE WE DO.

WE WILL BENEFIT FROM HAVING, WE DO BENEFIT FROM HAVING BACKGROUND CHECKS AND WE WOULD BENEFIT FROM CERTAIN RED FLAG LAWS.

>> THANKS.

>> MATT?

>> I GUESS IF YOU WANT TO START TO INFRINGE ON OUR CITIZENS' CONSTITUTION RIGHTS, THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARM, THE RED FLAG IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO DO IT.

WE DO HAVE LAWS IN PLACE.

WE HAVE UNIVERSE -- BACKGROUND CHECKS IN PLACE ALREADY.

AND THERE'S NOT A WAY FOR A CRIMINAL TO LEGALLY PURCHASE A FIREARM IN MINNESOTA.

LIKE I SAID, THEY WILL STEAL THESE GUNS, THEY WILL TRADE FOR THESE GUNS IN THE BLACK MARKET.

IT IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO FIGHT AGAINST.

AGAIN, AGAIN, VIOLENT CRIME OVERALL IS ON A VERY, VERY MASSIVE INCREASE ACROSS THE NATION AND IN THIS STATE.

AND IT HAS TO BE REIGNED IN.

WE HAVE TO BE WILLING TO ALLOW OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL TO DO THEIR JOB, UNHINDERED AND WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING PUNISHED FOR EXECUTING THE VERY LAWS WE HAVE PUT ON THE BOOKS FOR THEM.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF LAWS, FOLKS.

WE DON'T NEED ANYMORE.

>> THANKS.

>> WE WILL ANSWER ONCE AND NO REBUTTAL.

YOU GET TWO MINUTES.

BUT NO ADDITIONAL COMMENT TIME.

>> HEIDI?

>> GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU HAVE, WOULDED IN TRIBAL NATIONS AND -- WORK WITH TRIBAL NATIONS AND IF YOU WERE THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR 2 A.

>> MATT?

>> I HAVE WORKED WITH THE RED LAKE NATION.

FIRST IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY FOR MANY YEARS AND MORE RECENTLY AS A LEGISLATOR.

THE WORK I GOT DONE ON THE RED NATION, THERE WAS NEED FOR ROOM, EXPANSION, OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THERE.

SO, MY LEGISLATION GOT THE FUNDING FOR THEM AND IT WAS BIPARTISAN WORK.

AND I WORK WOULD ALONGSIDE WITH THE SCHOOL AND TRAVEL OFFICIALS TO MAKE SURE THAT IT MET WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO.

WHEN YOU GO AND TOUR A SCHOOL AND STUDENTS ARE IN A BROOM CLOSET OR IN A ROOM, AND HAVING -- NOT HAVING ENOUGH ROOM FOR THE KIDS TO EAT LUNCH AND SET ON THE STAGE AND EAT IN SHIFTS, THINGS LIKE THAT.

IT IS RIDICULOUS.

WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT UNSAFE AREAS FOR THEM TO GET OFF AND ON THE SCHOOL BUSES.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED AND I GOT IT CHANGED AND I WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT KIND OF WORK.

>> MORE RECENTLY, THE FUNDING FOR ICW, CHILD WELFARE AND THEY WANTED TO BRING THE OUT OF HOME REPLACEMENT AND PUT IT ON THE RED LAKE NATION THAT WAS HELPED ALONG AND WE GOT THAT DONE.

BIPARTISAN WORK AGAIN TO HELP GET THAT DONE.

BUT THE FUNDING FOR THAT BUILDING THERE THAT THEY NEEDED, SO THEY CAN DO THE WORK IT CAME FROM MY WORK AS WELL.

I MADE SURE AFTER THAT PIECE OF LEGISLATION GOT KICKED TO THE SIDE BY THE GOVERNOR, I PICKED UP AND GOT BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IMMEDIATELY.

WE GOT IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE AND SO THAT NOW THE RED LAKE NATION HAS THE FACILITY TO NOT ONLY TAKE CARE OF THE CHILDREN, TO TAKE CARE OF THE OUT OF HOME PLACEMENT OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN AND GIVES THE FAMILIES A PLACE TO GO AND HEAL AND GROW AND MEND AS WELL.

THANK YOU.

>> THANKS, MATT.

>> REED?

>> AS A BELTRAMI COUNTY COMMISSIONER, I WORKED WITH THE RED LAKE NATION FOR YEARS.

I WAS DOWN TESTIFYING TO ONE OF THE SENATE MEETINGS TO HELP THEM BE A NATIONAL TRIBE AS MATT REFERRED TO TAKE OUT THE OUT OF HOME REPLACEMENT ADMINISTRATION.

I WORK WITH RED LAKE NATION ALMOST EVERY DAY AND OFFICES AND LEECH LAKE AND WHITE EARTH THROUGH THE SHELTER PROGRAM THAT I OPERATE.

I WORK WITH JORDAN MAY AND THE RED LAKE SHELTER AND LEECH LAKE HOUSING ALL OF THE TIME TRYING TO GET PEOPLE WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.

AS I MENTIONED AT THE TOP OF THE DEBATE, I'M ENDORSED BY THE RED LAKE NATION.

THEY TRUST ME AND KNOW I HAVE WORKED HARD FOR THEIR INTERESTS.

I >> I WILL REDO MY OPENING STATE.

IT WAS SO GOOD.

>> I WANT TO IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, OUR ROADS AND GET MORE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

I SEE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

AND I DON'T WANT TO GO INTO FEAR AND NOT TO DIVIDE US -- I'M NOT A PARTISAN PERSON.

I WILL NOT SACRIFICE MY COMMUNITY AND SERVICE TO MY CAUCUS.

YOU KNOW ME AND I AM IN PUBLIC OFFICE TO IMPROVE MY COMMUNITY.

I HAVE RECEIVED ZERO DOLLARS FROM CORPORATE PACTS.

MY CAMPAIGN IS DRIVEN BY DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS.

A LITTLE BIT OF SUPPORT FROM TRIBES AND UNIONS.

AND I ALSO KNOWN AS SOMEONE WHO GETS IT DONE.

I SAW TOO MEAN BEMIDJI PEOPLE DIEING ON I ASK FOR YOUR VOTES.

>> THANK YOU, PANEL.

>> ALL OF THE FOLKS WHO TOOK THE TIME TO LISTEN.

>> I WILL NOT BAD-MOUTH HIM.

I AM GLAD HE STEPPED UP TO RUN.

I HAVE BEEN SERVING FOR 6 YEARS.

I HAVE BEEN HERE TO SERVE.

I HAVE GOTTEN THINGS DONE FOR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES AS FAR AS RESOURCES THAT WERE NEEDED FOR WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS, BLACK DUCT, TO CLEAR BROOK, AND MANY OTHER AREAS AROUND.

MORE RECENTLY GOTTEN, LIKE I SAID, THE SCHOOL FUNDING FOR THE RED LAKE SCHOOL AND THE FUNDING FOR THE FAMILY CENTER THAT WAS BUILT UP THERE.

AND ALONG WITH THAT, WHEN THE NORTHWEST ANGLE WAS CUT OFF FROM THE REST OF THE UNITED STATES AS FAR AS HAVING ACCESS TO IT, I GOT THE EMERGENCY FUNDING BY WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE, ALL OF THE PROJECTS, I WORKED ACROSS THE AISLE, TO GET THE SUPPORT FROM BOTH SIDES TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS WAS DONE.

BUT THE EMERGENCY FUNDING THAT WENT TO THE NORTH WESTERN ANGLE TO HELP THOSE BUSINESSES SURVIVE, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, IF YOU NEED HELP, THEN WE ARE HERE TO DO THAT.

AND LIKE I SAID, I HAVE BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THIS DISTRICT, IN THIS AREA SINCE 2001 WHEN I FIRST PUT ON A UNIFORM OF A POLICE OFFICER.

I DON'T LOOK AT ANYBODY'S POLITICAL BACKGROUND OR THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.

I LOOK AT THE CITIZEN THAT NEEDS HELP.

AND THOSE WHO COME FORWARD AND ASK ME FOR HELP, THEY KNOW BEFORE THEY LEAVE MY OFFICE WHETHER OR NOT I CAN HELP THEM OR NOT.

ON NOVEMBER 8, IF YOU WANT THE CONTINUED SERVICE OF YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR, THEN VOTE FOR ME, MATT GROSSELL, FOR THE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES, 2 A.

THANK YOU ALL.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>>> IF YOU MISSED ANY PORTION OF TONIGHT'S DEBATE OR WOULD LIKE TO WATCH IT AGAIN, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE LAKELAND PBS WEBSITE WITHIN 24 HOURS.

THAT WEBSITE IS LPTV.ORG ALSO, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POLITICAL CANDIDATES IN THE REGION PICK UP THE BEMIDJI PIONEER VOTER'S GUIDE ON OCTOBER 29TH.

AND YOU CAN FIND ELECTION COVERAGE FROM KAXE ON THEIR WEBSITE AT KAXE.ORG.

>> COMING UP WE'LL HAVE DISTRICT 2 B WITH MATT BLISS AND ERICA BAILEY JOHNSON.

STAY WITH US.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.