>>> GOOD EVENING EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO OUR THIRD NIGHT OF DEBATE NIGHT 2022 AT THE LAKELAND PBS STUDIO IN BRAINERD.

THERE'LL BE ONE MORE DEBATE TOMORROW AT 8:00.

OUR CANDIDATES, GREGG HENDRICKSON AND MIKE WIENER.

PANELISTS: DENNIS WEIMANN - LAKELAND PBS NEWS DIRECTOR.

HEIDI HOLTAN - NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO AFFILIATE KAXE NEWS DIRECTOR.

CHELSEY PERKINS - BRAINERD DISPATCH COMMUNITY.

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.

THE FIRST QUESTION COMING THIS EVENING FROM DENNIS.

AND HE'LL BE ADDRESSING THAT TO GREGG HENDRICKSON.

>> THAT WOULD BE -- >> OPENING COMMENTS GREGG HENDRICKSON.

>> MY NAME IS GREGG HENDRICKSON, I'M THE ENDORSED CANDIDATE FOR THE INDEPENDENCE ALLIANCE PARTY.

I LIVE SOUTH OF GRAND PRAIRIE, I HAVE BUSINESS DEGREE AND FOUR YEAR EXPERIENCE IN SALES AND MARKETING.

I'VE BEEN IN DISTRICT 5 B AROUND 40 YEARS.

I KNOW THE PLACE WELL.

AND THE REASON I'M RUNNING FOR OFFICE BECAUSE OF THE TWO PARTY SYSTEM I FEEL IS BROKEN AND AS A SWING VOTER IN ST. PAUL, I FEEL I'LL GET SOMETHING DONE FOR MY DISTRICT, THAT'S DISTRICT 5 B, AND I'M NOT GOING TO VOTE PARTY LINES OBVIOUSLY.

ONLY FOR THE PEOPLE IN 5 B.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU LAKELAND BROADCASTING FOR PUTTING THIS ON THIS EVENING.

IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE VOTERS TO SEE THE DIFFERENCES IN THE PLATFORMS.

FIRST A BIT OF HISTORY FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW ME.

I GREW UP SOUTH OF LONG PRAIRIE, MOM FULL-TIME NURSE, DAD FARMED AND OWNED A CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS.

GREW UP BALING HAY AND PICKING ROCKS.

WORKED FOR DAD THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL.

MOVED AWAY, WENT TO COLLEGE IN ST.

CLOUD.

WENT FOR A BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN SALES WITH THE INTENTION OF ALWAYS OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS.

I MET MY WIFE AMBER, AND WE HAVE NINE KIDS TOGETHER.

WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED 21 YEARS.

WE DECIDED TO MOVE BACK HOME AFTER THE FIRST CHILD WAS BORN.

REALLY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

RURAL MINNESOTA IS A GREAT PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY.

AND FOR BUSINESS AS WELL.

I GOT INVOLVED IN POLITICS IS REALLY THE CHALLENGES THAT I SAW.

OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS I SEE OVERTAXATION AND OVERREGULATION.

WE'RE DRIVING BUSINESSES OUT OF MINNESOTA AND PEOPLE OUT OF MINNESOTA.

WE LOST ABOUT 20,000 PEOPLE LAST YEAR DUE TO HIGH TAXES.

PEOPLE GOING TO LOW TAX STATES.

WE HAVE SEEN THE EFFECTS OF DEFUND AND REFORM THE POLICE AND HOW THAT DEMORALIZES AND VILLE -- THE LOCAL SHERIFF.

AND MAKES THEIR JOB HARDER.

I'VE SEEN HOW FINANCIAL FISCAL POLICIES RATHER, HAVE REALLY CAUSED THE INFLATION ISSUES THAT WE'RE SEEING.

AND HOW ENERGY POLICIES ARE DRIVING OUR FUEL AND ENERGY PRICES THROUGH THE ROOF.

SO AGAIN, I GET INVOLVED BECAUSE I SEE THESE ISSUES.

AND WORDS MY DAD CAME BACK TO ME SAID, YOU CAN'T COMPLAIN TOO MUCH IF YOU DON'T GET INVOLVED.

SO I DECIDED TO GET INVOLVED.

I WANT TO BRING BACK COMMON SENSE TO THE POLITICS, I WANT TO BE BY AND FORTHE PEOPLE THE WAY IT WAS INTENDED AND I WANT TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF 5 B BUT FOR ALL OF THE KIDS AND ALL OF THE FUTURE.

THANK YOU.

>> THE FIRST QUESTION.

AND IT'LL BE ADDRESSED TO YOU MIKE.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

IT'S A GREAT SERVICE FOR VIEWERS TO HEAR FROM BOTH OF YOU.

THE TOPIC IS CRIME IN THE STATE.

BUREAU CRIMINAL APPREHENSION RELEASES THE STATISTICS.

OVERALL FROM 2018, TO 2021 VIOLENT CRIME IS UP 22%, AND ROBBERIES UP 35%.

AS A LAWMAKER HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO REVERSE THIS INCREASE OF CRIME IN THE STATE.

>> WE HAVE SEEN HOW THE DEFUND AND REFORM THE POLICE POLICIES HAVE REALLY ATTACKED THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

THE LOCAL SHERIFFS AND IS FORTH.

THE DEMORALIZATION AND THE ATTACKS HAVE AFFECTED NOT JUST THE CITIES WHERE IT'S RUN RAMPANT BUT IN GREATER MINNESOTA AS WELL.

THE SHERIFFS SAY THEY HAVE A HARD TIME MAINTAINING THE POLICE WE HAVE.

WE NEED TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE POLICE AND LET THEM KNOW THE DEFUND AND REFORM THE POLICE PLATFORM THAT'S PROMOTED IS NOT WHAT WE'RE FOR.

WE'RE PRO POLICE AND PRO SECURITY.

WE NEED THAT FOR THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES.

>> GREGG.

>> YES, THERE'S TWO SYSTEMS IN THIS STATE.

ONE IS HAPPENING IN THE CITIES AS FAR AS THE CRIMES GO, AND THE OUT -- IN DISTRICT 5 B.

WE DON'T HAVE THE CRIME LIKE IN THE CITIES.

OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENTS IN 5 B ARE DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB.

EVERYONE IN 5 B DOES SUPPORT THEM.

THEY'RE NOT BEING DEFUNDED, NOT ABLE TO RECRUIT CANDIDATES, IT'S BECAUSE OF THE WAGES.

THEY'RE COMPETING WITH OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND STUFF LIKE THAT TO RECRUIT THEM.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH POLICE OFFICERS IN THE STATE.

WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE IF YOU PEOPLING MONEY TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION FROM -- HEIDI.

>> YOU WANT TO BE THE NEXT LEGISLATURE FROM DISTRICT 5 B, DO YOU TRUST THE MINNESOTA ELECTION SYSTEM?

>> I DO BELIEVE THE ELECTION SYSTEM IN MINNESOTA IS PRETTY SAFE.

THAT BEING SAID, I DO SAY THAT WE SHOULD CONSTANTLY FUND MORE IN OUR ELECTION SECURITY JUST IN CASE, TO HELP PREVENT A BREACH IN SECURITY.

IT'S BETTER TO PREVENT A BREACH THAN TO LOOK AT IT AFTER AND SAY, YEAH, WE WERE BREACHED.

>> I GET TO ANSWER, RIGHT?

>> YEAH.

>> SURE WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTIONS, IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S CONTESTED FOR SOME TIME.

OTHER CANDIDATES ON BOTH SIDES HAVE QUESTIONS THE RUL OF THE ELECTION.

-- RESULT OF THE ELECTION.

AS A STUDENT OF HISTORY, WE HAVE SEEN FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN FRAUDED.

WE KNOW THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR BEGINNING OF POLITICS.

WE DO NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE ELECTIONS ARE SAFE AND SECURE, EVERY VOTE IS COUNTED AND VALID.

WE NEED VOTER ID.

IT'S IMPERATIVE THE PEOPLE CASTING VOTES ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE THEY SAY THEY ARE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE ELECTIONS ARE SAFE AND SECURE.

>> ANY ADDITIONAL GREGG?

>> YES.

BACK IN 2012, VOTER ID WAS ON KNOWS BALLOT AND -- MINNESOTA BALLOT AND IT FAILED.

THE REASON IT FAILED BACK THEN, IT WAS DISASSOCIATING VETERANS AND SENIOR CITIZENS FROM VOTING BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PROPER ID.

I AM A VETERAN ALSO.

A UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN, I SEE HOW THAT COULD HAVE BEEN HAPPENING.

I'M NOT AGAINST VOTER ID CARDS, IF WE HAVE -- IF WE SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF DISASSOCIATING PEOPLE FROM THE ELECTIONS, I'M ALL FOR IT.

THANK YOU.

>> 46 OUT OF 47 COUNTRIES IN EUROPE REQUIRE VOTER ID.

THEY WENT THROUGH THE SAME ISSUES THAT WE SAW IN THE PAST.

AND THEY ALSO HAVE REALLY STRICT MAIL IN OR ABSENTEE BALLOT RULES.

WE NEED TO FOLLOW THOSE EXAMPLESES.

WE NEED -- EXAMPLES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE ELECTIONS ARE SAFE.

>> NEXT QUESTION.

>> AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN ALLOWING RURAL COMMUNITIES TO GROW AND DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE WORK FORCE.

WHAT WAY WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE COMMUNITIES THAT YOU REPRESENT?

>> THANK YOU.

WE SEE THE HOUSING ISSUES IN GREATER MINNESOTA FOR SOME TIME.

REGULATION IS AN ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO LARGE, LOW INCOME HOUSING.

THE COST OF BUILDING THOSE AND THE REGULATION THAT GOES WITH IT.

REALLY PRICES IT OUT OF COMPARISON.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT HOW TO MANAGE IT BETTER.

THE OTHER THING WE NEED TO TAKE INTO OR LOOK IN THE FUTURE IS THE AGEING POPULATION.

THIS IS THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION.

WHEN WE LOOK AHEAD, PROPERTY AND HOUSES THAT THEY OWN RIGHT NOW COULD BE VACANT IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

WE NEED TO LOOK AHEAD TO WHAT'S COMING DOWN TO ROAD.

THE NUMBERS COULD CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY AS THE BABY BOOMERS MOVE ON IN LIFE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> I AGREE HOUSING IS A PROBLEM IN 5 B.

WE HAVE WORKERS THAT ARE CRAMMED IN THE EXISTING HOUSES IN THE AREA.

THE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO COME TO THE AREA, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE A LONG WAY TO GET TO WORK.

WE NEED MORE HOUSING.

THE ONLY WAY TO ATTRACT YOUNG FAMILIES AND MORE BUSINESSES IS TO HAVE HOUSING FOR THE WORKERS AND HAVE FAMILIES THAT COME IN AND A PLACE TO STAY.

WE DEFINITIVELY NEED IT AND THE LEGISLATOR SHOULD BE FRONT AND CENTER ON THIS.

>> THE ONLY OTHER THING TO MENTION IS TAXES.

IF WE GIVE OR WORKERS HAD MORE OF THEIR MONEY, TO KEEP MORE OF THEIR MONEY HOUSING IS NOT MUCH OF AN ISSUE.

WE ELIMINATE THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX, PROPERTY TAX, THE HOUSING IS MORE AFFORDABLE FOR WORKERS AS WELL.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> NO.

>> NEXT QUESTION IS COMING FROM DENNIS.

>> I THINK HEIDI IS UP THIS TIME.

>> OKAY.

THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE BY THE SUPREME COURT HAS LEFT ABORTION LAWS TO THE STATE.

RULED THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION PROTECTS A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO HAVE AN ABORTION.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IS WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.

>> I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STAY OUT.

THE WOMEN'S HEALTH IS IN HER HANDS AND DOCTOR'S HANDS AND HER FAITH.

THANK YOU.

>> AS A FATHER OF NINE, I'M 100% OF PRO LIFE.

LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION AND GOES TO A NATURAL DEATH.

WE HAVE A NEGATIVE BIRTH RATE IN THE COUNTRY.

WE'RE NOT HAVING ENOUGH KIDS TO BUILD UP IN THE FUTURE.

THE ISSUES OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH WORKERS ARE IMPACTED BY THE NEGATIVE BIRTH RATE.

THE OTHER THING ABOUT ABORTION RIGHTS IS WE'RE NOT SUPPORTING THE WOMEN ENOUGH.

WE HAD UNWED MOTHERS, THE ONLY OPTION IS TO ABORT THE BABY.

AND THERE ARE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD LOVE TO ADOPT THE CHILDREN.

WE NEED TO SUPPORT THOSE WOMEN BETTER.

>> ADOPTION IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE IN MINNESOTA.

BUT THE FACT REMAINS THERE'S CURRENTLY IN THE ADOPTION SYSTEM, THERE'S 6800 CHILDREN WAITING TO GET ADOPTED IN THE SYSTEM RIGHT NOW.

TO ADOPT A PERSON, IT COSTS $75,000 TO ADOPT SOMEONE IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

TO ADOPT SOMEONE OUT OF A HOSPITAL IT'S IN EXCESS OF $100,000.

THERE'S NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE IN 5 B THAT CAN AFFORD THE ADOPTION.

>> THE ARGUMENT IS IT'S EASIER AND CHEAPER TO ABORT THAN TO KEEP THEM ALIVE.

WE START TREATING THE UNBORN AS A CLUMP OF CELLS WITH NO MEANING, WE END UP WITH A SOCIETY THAT DOESN'T VALUE LIFE.

THAT'S DANGEROUS.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION FROM DENNIS.

>> ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE WAY WE FUND EDUCATION IN MINNESOTA OR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN GENERAL THAT WOULD ADVOCATE FOR.

>> WE DO NEED TO FULLY FUN SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO'S A TEACHER, AND BEFORE THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, SHE WAS RUNNING AROUND AND SHOPPING AND BUYING THE STUFF SHE NEEDED FOR THE CLASSROOM.

AND I SAID THEY GIVE YOU A PER DIEM OR A VOUCHER AND GET REIMBURSED.

SHE SAID, NO, THIS COMES OUT OF OUR POCKETS AND WE HAVE TO SUPPLY OUR OWN CHILDREN WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES.

OBVIOUSLY WE'RE NOT PAYING ENOUGH TO DO THAT, AND WE NEED TO FUND THE SCHOOLS BETTER AND GET BACK ON TRACK.

I DO REALIZE THE KIDS HAVE FALLEN BACK AND WE NEED TO CATCH THEM UP, AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO CATCH THEM UP BY ABANDONING THE FUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS.

THANK YOU.

>> I'VE HAD THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING EDUCATION IN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS.

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL TO BEGIN WITH.

PUBLIC SCHOOL, HOME SCHOOLED FOR A BIT AND BACK TO PUBLIC SCHOOL.

I SEE THE ADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF EDUCATION.

AND HOW THAT CAN AFFECT DIFFERENT KIDS.

THE VOUCHER SYSTEM IS SOMETHING THAT COULD REALLY HELP THE EDUCATION.

EVERYONE WANTS THE BEST EDUCATION FOR THEIR KID.

BUT EVERY KID IS DIFFERENT.

WITH NINE KIDS MYSELF, ONE OPTION FOR ONE KID MAY NOT WORK FOR THE OTHER ONE.

AND THE HOME SCHOOL SETUP MAY WORK FOR SOME, PRIVATE FOR OTHERS AND PUBLIC FOR SOME AS WELL.

I BELIEVE IF WE GIVE THE PARENTS THE OPTION TO TAKE THEIR TAX MONEY AND IN MINNESOTA, IT'S ROUGHLY $11,000 PER STUDENT AND DECIDE WHAT'S BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

WHERE THEY WANT THEM TO BE EDUCATED.

THAT WOULD BE A GREAT OPTION TO HELP OUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> YEAH, I'M NOT FOR A VOUCHER PROGRAM AT ALL.

IT'S TAKING MONEY AWAY FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

>> NEXT QUESTION IS FROM CHELSEY PERKINS DIRECTED TO MIKE.

>> IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU WORK ACROSS THE AISLE AND BRIDGE THE -- TO BETTER FOR THE CONSTITUENTS.

>> I GUESS COMMUNICATION GOES A LONG WAY.

I HAVE THROUGH THE YEARS SEEN A VARIETY OF PERSONALITIES AND DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE.

ONE DEAR FRIEND I HAD WAS DIFFERENT PERSONALITY AND BELIEF SYSTEM, BUT WE UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER AND WE COULD COMMUNICATE.

IT WAS NOT CONFRONTATIONAL, WE KNEW WE HAD OPPOSING VIEWS, BUT WE COULD TALK AND TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT.

THAT GOES A LONG WAY.

WITH POLITICS WE NEED TO GET BACK TO THAT, AND WE CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE.

WE MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION ON HOW TO GET THINGS DONE.

WE'RE TRYING TO SHOOT FOR THE SAME GOALS.

WE NEED TO BRING SOME OF THAT BACK TO POLITICS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AS AN INDEPENDENT, I'LL BE A SWING VOTER IN ST. PAUL.

I'LL BE REACHING OUT TO BOTH PARTIES AND BOTH PARTIES WILL BE REACHING OUT TO ME.

I'LL BE WORKING PRIMARILY FOR THE DISTRICT OF 5 B, AND I'LL GET SOME STUFF ACCOMPLISHED.

THERE'S A LOT OF THING ON THE AGENDA I WANT TO SOLVE.

LOWER THE PROPERTY TAX AND BRING BROAD BAND TO THE COUNTY.

I CAN ACHIEVE THAT AS A SWING VOTER FOR 5 B.

>> WE HAVE SEEN IN POLITICS, THE BIPARTISAN BICKERING AND SO FORTH.

I THINK COMMUNICATION GOES A LONG WAY.

TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT, WE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS AND OPINIONS, BUT THE END OF THE DAY, WE SHOULD SHAKE HANDS AND MOVE ON.

>> THANK YOU.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT?

>> NO, I'M GOOD.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION FROM HEIDI AND DIRECTED TO GREGG.

>> GIVE US AN IDEA OF WHAT YOU THINK CLEAN ENERGY AND HAPPENING IN -- AND WHAT YOU THINK NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE.

>> SLOWLY AND SURELY GETTING OFF OF FOSSIL FUELS.

THAT'S HAPPENING.

I DO FEEL THAT SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND CAR BATTERIES ARE NOT HERE FOR FOR THE RURAL AREAS IN THE WINTER MONTHS.

IS IT GOING TO GET THERE?

MOST LIKELY.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE I HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET, BUT I AM SURE THAT'S COMING.

IF WE SWITCH THE BALL OVER AND -- ELECTRIC CARS, I DON'T THINK WE'RE READY FOR THAT.

I CAN SEE HOW IT'S A BENEFIT FOR CITIES.

THE CLEAN ENERGY, WE SHOULD LOOK INTO NUCLEAR ENERGY, AS WE BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN FOSSIL FUELS AND THE CLEAN ENERGY.

THANK YOU.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO ENERGY, IT'S AN ISSUE THAT BEEN DEALING WITH FOR A WHILE.

IN THE UNITED STATES, WE DON'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC AND RENEWABLES AS QUICKLY AS THEY'RE SAYING.

4 TO $7 TRILLION TO BUILD FOR THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

THE HOUSE, WITH 100 AMPS DON'T HAVE THE SERVICE TO RUN THE BATTERY AND THINGS IN YOUR HOME.

WE'RE NOT THERE YET.

TRANSITION WILL TAKE TIME.

BUT THE FOSSIL FUELS WE HAVE NOT INVESTED IN FOSSIL FUELS FOR 30 YEARS.

CHINA AS 7 REFINERIES THAT THEY'RE PLANNING ON BUILDING.

IF WE'RE LOOKING AT GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE BIGGEST POLLUTERS IN THE WORLD.

UNITED STATES, OUR CARBON EMISSIONS HAVEN'T CHANGED MUCH SINCE THE 1970S, AND CHINA'S HAS SKYROCKETED.

WILL WE CHANGE FROM FOSSIL FUELS TO THE DEBTRIMENT OF THE ECONOMY AND THE PEOPLE.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE.

AND THE OTHER THING, NUCLEAR IS A GOOD OPTION.

IT'S BEEN USED IN OUR COUNTRIES, SAFE.

HYDRO ELECTRIC IN MINNESOTA NEEDS TO BE TAKEN A LOOK AT.

WE HAVE MILES AND MILES OF RIVER THAT CAN BE UTILIZED.

>> RICK?

>> WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING.

THE CONSEQUENCES, THE RESULT OF NOT DOING SOMETHING IS WORSE THAN THE ECONOMIC BURDENS ON US.

WE HAVE TO DO THAT.

AND CLEAN ENERGY, WE'RE NOT GOING TO GET AWAY FROM THAT.

IT'S COMING.

THANK YOU.

>> WE DO NEED TO INVEST MORE MONEY INTO RENEWABLE RESOURCES.

MY BUSINESS ITSELF, WE TAKE WASTE WOOD AND RECYCLE, AND IT'S USED FOR ANIMAL BEDDING.

IT ELIMINATES THE USE OF FERTILIZER FOR THE FARMS.

THERE'S OPTIONS THAT ARE NOT USED RIGHT NOW THAT I THINK WOULD HELP A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

THE USE OF AMMONIA AND FERTILIZERS, WE NEED TO LOOK AT ALL OPTIONS.

NOT JUST THE ENERGY BUT HOW WE DO A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS.

THANK YOU.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION FROM DENNIS.

>> REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY IS IN OFFICE, HOW DO YOU FEEL THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE HOLDING EMERGENCY POWERS AND MAKING DECISIONS WITHOUT INPUT OF STATE LEGISLATURE WITHOUT -- MOST RECENTLY IF THE COVID PANDEMIC.

>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

THERE'S A LOT OF OPPOSITION TO IT.

A FIVE DAY ORIGINAL WINDOW THAT GOVERNOR USED AND THEN 14 DAYS.

IT KEPT GETTING EXTENDED.

I DON'T THINK BELIEVE EITHER PARTY SHOULD YOU THE GOVERNORSHIP AND BECOME A DICTATOR.

IT'S NOT GOOD FOR EITHER ONE.

WE HAVE RESOURCES THAT COULD BE UTILIZED.

ZOOM AND SO FORTH.

WE CAN CALL THEM BACK TOGETHER AND HAVE SESSIONS AND COMMUNICATE IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.

BUT TO RUN THE STATE WITHOUT THE LEGISLATION, IT'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND NEITHER PARTY SHOULD HAVE USED IT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> YEAH, THE EMERGENCY POWERS, THERE ARE INSTANCES YOU NEED THAT.

AND DID THE GOVERNOR EXTEND THAT TOO LONG?

HE MAY HAVE.

THERE'S NOT A POLITICIAN WHEN THAT HAPPENED.

THERE WASN'T A LOT ON HIS -- THERE WAS A LOT ON HIS TABLE, AND I'M NOT DEFENDING HIM, BUT I'M SAYING, EMERGENCY POWERS THERE'S A POINT FOR THEM.

AND A POINT NOT TO HAVE THEM.

I FEEL LIKE HE PROBABLY EXTENDED IT TOO LONG.

>> SHOULD THE EMERGENCY POWER, I BELIEVE IT'S IN THE DEFINITION IN THE WORDS THERE IN EMERGENCY.

WE SAW THAT AT THE BEGINNING OF COVID AND DO I BLAME THE GOVERNOR FOR WHAT HE DID THERE?

NO.

WE WERE FACED WITH A SITUATION WHERE THERE WAS A LOT OF UNKNOWNS.

BUT TO EXTEND IT FOR THE TIME PERIOD THAT HE DID, THAT WAS WRONG.

>> MOVE ON TO THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> MANY RURAL MINNESOTANS IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE MUST WAIT WEEKS OR MONTHS FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PROVIDER.

AND THERE'S NOT ENOUGH BEDS AND FACILITIES.

HOW WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE GROWING NEEDS?

>> WE NEED MORE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES IN DISTRICT 5 B.

AS A VETERAN, THE SUICIDE RATES FOR VETERANS IS 21 PER DAY, IT'S APALLING.

THE FARMERS HAVE THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN THE AREA.

THEY NEED THE HELP.

THE OPIOID CRISIS, THE DRUG PROBLEMS GOING ON.

WE NEED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS IN THE COUNTY, NOT ONLY IN THE COUNTY LEVEL BUT IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO HELP THESE PEOPLE OUT.

MENTAL HEALTH IS A HIGH PRIORITY OF MINE.

THANK YOU.

>> MENTAL HEALTH IS AN ISSUE THAT'S BEEN COMING UP IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT AREAS.

WE DISCUSSED THOROUGHLY WITH THE SHERIFF'S CANDIDATES AND HOW THEY'RE DEALING WITH IT.

THERE'S OBVIOUSLY ISSUES IN SCHOOLS.

WE HAVE THE VETERANS.

BUT THE RESOURCES IN GREATER MINNESOTA IS NOT WHAT WE SEE IN THE CITIES.

I WAS DISCUSSING THIS IN A COMMITTEE MEETING RECENTLY, I ASKED HOW DO THEY DEAL WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

THEY HAVE RESOURCES, AND FACILITIES WITH PEOPLE COMING IN OR DEALING WITH, THEY CAN TAKE THEM.

AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT IN GREATER MINNESOTA.

WE DO NEED TO LOOK AT OUR STRUCTURING OF THAT, HOW TO PUT IT, AND DEAL WITH OUR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, PUT THE RESOURCES WHERE THEY'RE BEST NEEDED AND SUIT THE PEOPLE.

>> GIVE US A CHANCE TO TELL US MORE OF THE DISTRICT YOU'RE RUNNING, 5 B.

WHAT'S THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL LIKE AND THE POTENTIALS, THE BIGGEST INDUSTRIES IN THAT REGION.

>> 5 B IS AN AREA THAT I'VE KNOWN AND DONE BUSINESS WITH SINCE WE STARTED OUR BUSINESS.

WE HAVE A LOT OF AGRICULTURE.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WOOD INDUSTRY, TRUCKING IS BIG, AND FOOD PROCESSING IS BIG.

IT'S A LOT OF THE SAME.

THE PERSONNEL ISSUES, HIGH TAX, SOME OF THE BUSINESSES THAT ARE UNIQUE ARE THE SMALL STARTUP BUSINESSES.

THAT PEOPLE STARTING A BUSINESS IN THEIR OWN HOME OR GARAGE, THOSE TYPES OF BUSINESSES TEND TO GROW.

IF WE CAN FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT THEM INSTEAD OF PUNISH THEM, THEY'RE NOT ZONED OR REGULATED, IT COULD HAMPER THE GROWTH OF THE BUSINESSES.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO IN OUR AREA, WHERE WE CAN GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THE PEOPLE.

TO STAY HOME AND LOCAL.

AND BUILD THE BUSINESSES FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

>> WE HAVE A -- 5 B IS A UNIQUE DISTRICT.

WE'RE VERY DIVERSE.

WE GET ALL KINDS OF INDUSTRY DOWN THERE, AGRICULTURE IS BY FAR THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY DOWN THERE.

I TALKED TO SEVERAL FARMERS, THEY'RE EXCITED OF THE NEW PLANTING SEASON AFTER THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE HEMP THING THAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR.

THEY'RE SHOVEL READY.

THEY WANT TO PUT UP MANUFACTURING PLANTS AND PLANTS IN THE GROUND AND DO EVERYTHING IN-HOUSE FOR DISTRICT 5 B.

THE ONLY THING WE'RE ASKING FOR IS GUIDANCE.

THAT WAS THROWN TOGETHER IN A WEIRD WAY WITHOUT GUIDANCE OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE.

THE COUNTY HAS THEIR HANDS FULL, THAT WAS CARELESS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE SESSION DID THAT.

HOPEFULLY, THAT WILL BE SOLVED.

IT'S SIX MONTHS AWAY FROM PLANTING SEASON.

THANK YOU.

>> IT'S GREAT GETTING TO KNOW MORE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE AREA.

CASS COUNTY TO MORRISON COUNTY.

WE HAVE IN GREATER MINNESOTA, JUST THE DOWN TO EARTH GREAT PEOPLE.

AND I LOVE LIVING THERE.

I'VE ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW MORE AND MORE PEOPLE.

LOOK FORWARD TO REPRESENTING THE AREA.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> NEXT QUESTION FROM DENNIS.

>> ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE STATE'S TAX SYSTEM THAT YOU ADVOCATE FOR.

>> I'M ALL FOR PROPERTY TAX REFORM.

WE'RE AN AGEING POPULATION.

OUR GOVERNMENT KEEPS GROWING AND THAT'S A BURDEN ON THE EXISTING TAXPAYERS IN 5 B.

WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE TAX CODE, THERE'S NINE COUNTIES AFFECTED THE SAME WAY WE DO.

I PROPOSE CHANGING THE TAX CODE FOR THE RURAL AREAS AND SET A STATE LEVY FOR THOSE AND DO A PAYMENT IN KIND FOR THE STATE TO OFFSET THE TAXES.

WE'RE STARTING TO TAX THE SENIOR CITIZENS OUT OF THE HOUSES.

AND THE COUNTY IS WRESTLING WITH A TAX LEVY FROM LAST YEAR.

IT'S UNSUSTAINABLE.

>> TAXES IS A BIG ISSUE, AND ONE OF THE REASONS THAT PROBABLY INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED MORE INTO POLITICS.

OVERTAXATION ON THE BUSINESSES, THE PROPERTY TAXES.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

WE'RE TAXING SENIORS ON SOCIAL SECURITY THAT THEY ALREADY PAID TAXES ON.

AND THE STATES HAVE CUT INCOME TAX, AND WE'RE SEEING RECORD INFLATION IN THE NATION, ONE OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO IS CUT TAXES TO PUT MORE MONEY BACK IN PEOPLE'S POCKETS.

WHEN IT COMES TO PROPERTY TAXES, CALIFORNIA DOES SOMETHING THAT I REALLY LIKE.

AND IT MAKES SENSE.

THEY HAVE A 2% RULE.

YOUR PROPERTY TAX CAN ONLY GO UP 2% PER YEAR.

WHAT IT DOES IS PROTECT THE ELDERLY OR THE AGEING POPULATION FROM TAXED OUT OF THEIR HOMES.

IF WE PRESENT SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN LEGISLATION, I THINK IT WOULD REALLY HELP THE RURAL AREAS AND THE PROPERTY TAX ISSUES THAT WE'RE SEEING NOW WOULD ALLEVIATE SOME OF THOSE.

WE NEED TO PROTECT THE PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE AREA.

>> A LOT OF THIS TAXES COULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED LAST -- BUT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DECIDED TO GET UP AND WALK AWAY.

IT'S A SHAME.

IT SHOULDN'T BE A SUBJECT.

>> TAXES AND BUDGETS BOTH SIDES THIS THEIR FINGER IN THE ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME.

IT'S A MATTER OF WHO WAS IN CHARGE.

CAN WE DO A BETTER JOB AND WE SEE THIS $9 BILLION SURPLUS IT RAISES A LOT OF EYEBROWS.

PEOPLE ARE DYING UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE TAXES AND THE STATE HAS THIS MUCH OF A SURPLUS?

WE HAVE AN ISSUE.

THERE'S OTHER OPTIONS AS WELL.

CHARITABLE TAX ON -- I'M SORRY, TAXES ON CHARITABLE GAMBLING IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO AS WELL.

WE CAN CUT THE TAXES AND KEEP THE MONEY LOCAL.

>> NEXT QUESTION, DIRECTED TO YOU, MIKE.

>> WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE STATE'S BUDGET SURPLUS THAT WE DO CURRENTLY HAVE?

>> I HIT ON THAT A BIT ALREADY.

THE TAXES ARE THE ISSUE.

WE NEED TO GIVE THE SURPLUS BACK TO THE PEOPLE IN TERMS OF TAX CUTS.

THE INCOME TAX, OTHER STATES ARE USING THAT AND CUTTING PEOPLE'S INCOME SO THEY CAN KEEP MORE MONEY.

WE NEED TO BALANCE THE BUDGETS SO WE'RE NOT HAVING THIS SURPLUS EVERY YEAR.

WHAT WE'RE SEEING WITH THE $9 BILLION SURPLUS IS A TWO PART PROBLEM.

CORPORATE INCOME ON ONE SIDE, AND ONE TIME SPENDING TAXES FROM MONEY THAT CAME THROUGH COVID RELIEF AND SO FORTH.

ONCE THE MONEY IS GONE AND SPENT, WE HAVE SOME ISSUES.

WE COULD GO FROM THE PUBLIC SURPLUS IN THE -- BUDGET SURPLUS, THE INFLATION ISSUE WILL AFFECT US AND WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE FUTURE TOO.

THE SURPLUS MAY NOT BE THERE FOR LONG.

>> THE SURPLUS MONEY WHAT TO DO WITH THAT IS AGAIN, TACKLE THE PROPERTY TAX DIRECTLY.

ANOTHER THING WE NEED TO DO IS WORK ON INFRASTRUCTURE IN DISTRICT 5 B.

OUR COUNTY IS ONE OF THE WORST IN THE STATE WITH NO BROAD BAND AND TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES, AND FOR EVERYONE TO PROSPER, WE NEED THE BROAD BAND.

THE KIDS NEED IT.

I HAVE WITNESSED KIDS DOING HOMEWORK IN THE MCDONALD'S PARKING LOT.

AND IT'S A SHAME.

WE'RE LEFT BEHIND IN 5 B BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE BROAD BAND.

THANK YOU.

>> I DON'T KNOW THAT BROAD BAND IS THE -- THAT BROUGHT UP HERE.

THE COUNTY IS NUMBER 13 OUT OF 87 COUNTIES THAT HAVE THE MOST COVERAGE AS FAR AS BROAD BAND AND THEY'RE DEALING WITH LACK OF JOBS, HIGH TAXES AND SO FORTH.

TO SAY THAT BROAD BAND IS THIS GREAT BOOM FOR THE ECONOMY, I DON'T BELIEVE IT'S THERE.

IF IT IS, BUSINESSES, PRIVATE BUSINESSES WANT TO BRING IN BROAD BAND THAT MAKES SENSE.

BUT ON THE TAXPAYERS, NO, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT.

>> ALL OF THE FARMERS RELY ON TECHNOLOGY IN DISTRICT 5 B FROM DRONE TECHNOLOGY, SOIL ANALYSIS, EVERYTHING, IT ALL REQUIRES BROAD BAND AND THE TECHNOLOGY IN FARMING AND GOING TO INCREASE AND BROAD BAND IS KEY TO SUCCESS FOR THEM.

THANK YOU.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION FROM HEIDI.

>> PARENTAL CONTROL IS A BUZZ WORD IN THIS ELECTION SEASON.

YOU'RE BOTH PARENTS, DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE PARENTAL RIGHTS IN YOUR KIDS EDUCATION?

>> I WAS ALWAYS INVOLVED WITH THE KIDS EDUCATIONS.

AND I DO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SHOW UP TO THE SCHOOL BOARDS AND SEE WHAT'S GOING ON THERE.

WE'RE DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS.

>> OUR SETUP IS DIFFERENT, WE HOME SCHOOL OUR KIDS.

WE DO HAVE PARENTAL CONTROL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

I WASN'T ENTIRELY SOLD ON THE IDEA, BUT WITH HARD WORK AND A BIT OF HELP IT'S WORKED OUT VERY WELL.

AND IT'S A GOOD OPTION FOR THE CHILDREN.

THEY'VE DONE VERY WELL, GRADUATED WENT ON TO COLLEGE.

I LOOK AT THE OPTIONS, AND THE VOUCHER SYSTEM GIVES THE PARENTS THE OPTION AND IS MORE PARENTAL CONTROL.

I BELIEVE THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY SHOULD BE SPENT.

>> MIKE?

>> I'M AGAINST THE VOUCHER PROGRAM, THE MONEY SHOULD STAY IN THE DISTRICT.

>> THE NEXT QUESTION IS FROM DENNIS.

>> WE HAVE ASKED VIEWERS TO SEND QUESTIONS AS WELL.

WE GOT A LARGE RESPONSE THIS YEAR, AND WE'LL MIX IN ONE OF THOSE.

THIS IS JUST A GENERAL PHILOSOPHY QUESTION.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE ROLE OF STATE GOVERNMENT?

>> THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN MY MIND, THE FOUNDING FATHERS WAS LIMITED.

THE RULE WAS TAXATION, TRADE, COMMERCE, NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SO FORTH.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BLOWN UP NOO SOMETHING WAY MORE THAN IT'S HAD.

INSTEAD OF THE PEOPLE RUN LEGISLATION, WE HAVE BUREAUCRACIES RUNNING A LOT OF THESE DIFFERENT FORMS AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT.

I'M A FIRM BELIEVER IN LESS GOVERNMENT.

>> I AGREE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE LIMITED GOVERNMENT IN JUST ABOUT EVERY ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES.

WE HAD THE VACCINE MANDATES, I WAS AGAINST THAT, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE A ROLE IN ANY MEDICAL DECISIONS BY ANYONE, MEN OR WOMEN.

THEY NEED TO STAY OUT OF THAT COMPLETELY.

AND TO SAY THAT YOU WANT TO BE -- AGAINST GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN VACCINE MANDATES, BUT YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE ABORTION ISSUE.

THAT'S HYPOCRITE -- AND I'M NOT FOR THAT AT ALL.

>> ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> A MAJORITY OF THE MINNESOTANS SURVEYED SAY THEY SUPPORT THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA AND THE MARIJUANA DERIVED EDIBLES.

WHAT ARE YOUR POSITION ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN MINNESOTA?

>> I THINK IT SHOULD BE LEGAL, REGULATED AND TAXED.

IT WOULD BE A GOOD SOURCE FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMIES.

IT WOULD BE GREAT FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMIES, IF WE TAX IT RIGHT, IT'S AN ESTIMATED BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY IN THE STATE.

I THINK WE SHOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT RIGHT AWAY.

THE NEIGHBORING STATES HAVE IT ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR.

WE SHOULD GET IT DONE.

WE DON'T WANT TO SEND OUR PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD TO PAY THE TAX OVER THERE.

>> I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT THE SOCIETY?

I DON'T BELIEVE IT WILL.

THERE'S A NEGATIVE EFFECT FROM DRUG USE.

LOSS OF PRODUCTION, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND SO FORTH.

THE ARGUMENT CAN BE MADE IT'S A GATEWAY TO HARDER THINGS.

WE HAVE FENTANYL AND OTHER SERIOUS DRUGS.

WE DON'T WANT LEGALIZING TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO VOTE.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> YES, AS A VETERAN, I KNOW A LOT OF VETERANS AND THEY WANT IT.

THEY NEED IT, THEY USE IT AT MEDICINE, THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO IT, IT'S A FEDERAL OFFENSE.

THEY CAN'T GET IT THROUGH THE VA AND BUYING IT ON THE BLACK MARKET.

IT HAS MEDICAL PROPERTIES IN THAT THAT ARE BENEFICIAL TO THE VETERANS.

AND I'M ALL FOR THE VETERANS.

THANK YOU.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

>> THAT'S TWO DIFFERENT ISSUES DISCUSSED THERE.

RECREATIONAL USE VERSUS MEDICINAL.

THAT'S TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS.

THE QUESTION IS RECREATIONAL USE.

I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF THAT.

>> THANK YOU.

AND LAST QUESTION.

BEFORE WE GO TO CLOSING COMMENTS.

FROM HEIDI.

DIRECTED TO YOU, MIKE.

>> TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW YOU THINK SHOULD BE HAPPENING FOR PEOPLE'S HEALTH AND HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

>> WELL, HEALTH INSURANCE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW.

BACK TO THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, WE HAVE SEEN THE COST AND EXPENSE TO PEOPLE JUST SKYROCKET.

THE TERM OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IS KIND OF COMICAL.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT GREATER MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE, IT'S AN ISSUE THAT DOES NEED TO BE LOOKED AT.

WE HAVE SENIOR AND IS LOW INCOME, HOW DO WE MANAGE THAT?

THERE'S DIFFERENT OPTIONS.

SO MUCH IS CONTROLLED ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL ON THE STATE LEVEL, A HARD TIME MAKING THE CHANGES.

>> THANK YOU.

GREGG?

>> I THINK HEALTH CARE SHOULD BE FORCED BELIEVE FOR EVERYONE, PERIOD.

THERE'S NO WAY AROUND IT, AND WE NEED TO INCREASE IT.

THE FARMERS AREN'T GETTING THE HELP THEY NEED BECAUSE OF THE EXPENSE PROBLEM.

THEY'RE IN A DANGEROUS INDUSTRY AND THEY NEED TO BE PROTECTED.

>> ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

OKAY.

NOW MOVE TO CLOSING ARGUMENTS.

YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES AND START WITH YOU MIKE.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU TO LAKELAND PBS FOR HAVING US UP HERE.

THANKS FOR THE OPTION, OR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE VIEWERS AND THANK YOU TO GREATER MINNESOTA HERE FOR HAVING THE OPTION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF EVEN DOING THIS.

I NEVER EXPECTED I WOULD RUN FOR OFFICE.

I NEVER PLANNED ON OR THOUGHT I WOULD.

BUT WE LIVE IN A GREAT COUNTRY AND GREAT STATE.

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO STEP UP AND GET INVOLVED CAN DO IT.

THE PURPOSE IS TO INFORM THE VOTERS OF THE DIFFERENCES OF MYSELF AND MY OPPONENT HERE.

I AM 100% PRO LIFE, ENDORSED BY MCCL.

MY OPPONENT IS ENDRS.ED BY PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

-- ENDORSED BY PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

MY OPPONENT IS CALLING FOR POLICE REFORM.

THE OTHER THING IS THE DRUGS.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH LEGALIZING MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL USE.

AND THE DIFFERENCE IS MY OPPONENT IS ENDORSED BY THE CAMPAIGN FOR LEGALIZING THAT.

AND ALSO WITH THE SECOND AMENDMENT, THAT'S SOMETHING I'M FIRM ON.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE NEED MORE ATTACKS ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT, AND YET, THE GUN CONTROL HAS COME UP, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR VOTERS IN DISTRICT 5 B, THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TONIGHT, AND GOD WILLING, I'LL BE THE NEXT REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE AREA.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AS A SWING VOTER GETTING DOWN TO ST. PAUL, I WILL BE GETTING STUFF DONE FOR DISTRICT 5 B THAT'S NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED EVER.

AND WE'VE BEEN VOTING IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THAT DISTRICT AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING.

SO A GOOD WAY TO LOOK AT THE FUTURE IS LOOK AT THE PAST.

IF MY OPPONENT GETS ELECTED, WILL GET EXACTLY THAT, NOTHING FROM HIM.

100 YEARS AGO, MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER WAS REPRESENTATIVE IN MINNESOTA.

HE WAS VOTED IN AND IT'S A BIPARTISAN POSITION BACK THEN.

AND THEY GOT THINGS DONE FOR THE DISTRICT BACK THEN.

I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR PARTY POLITICS, I'M NOT VOTING FOR THE PARTY.

FOR THE REPUBLICANS OR THE DEMOCRATS.

AND I'LL VOTE ONLY FOR THE DISTRICT 5 B.

MY OPPONENT HERE MENTIONED A COUPLE OF THREE THINGS THAT WERE FALSE AND I'M NOT GOING TO ELABORATE, BUT HE WAS TALK ME AND MY STANCE ARE.

AND THEY'RE FALSE.

HE CAN GO AHEAD AND DO THAT FOR WHATEVER HE WANTS.

IT'S NOT GETTING HIM ANYWHERE.

BUT I DO WANT TO CLOSE FOR THANKING PBS FOR HAVING US HERE.

IT WAS A GREAT FORUM AND I'M HAPPY TO BE HERE.

I'M GLAD MY OPPONENT SHOWED UP FOR THIS ONE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

SORRY I GOT OFF TO A ROUGH START.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND STAFF, WE THANK YOU BOTH FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR EVENING TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON POLITICS.

AND GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OF YOU IN THE CAMPAIGN THIS FALL.

1E7BD >>> 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, THE BRAINERD DISPATCH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL CANDIDATE COVERAGE IN GENERAL AT THEIR SPECIAL ELECTION WEBSITE.

BRAINERDDISPATCH.COM/VOTE.

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

ROUNDING OUT THE LAST NIGHT OF DEBATES, TOMORROW AT 8PM WE'LL HAVE THE HOUSE DISTRICT 6B DEBATE WITH REPRESENTATIVE JOSH HEINTZEMAN AND SALLY BOOS.

AGAIN THAT'S 8:00 TOMORROW NIGHT, SEE YOU THEN, THANK YOU.

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