2012 Douglas County Voter's Guide from the Alexandria Echo Press by Echo Press

E CHO P RESS FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

2012

Voters Guide INDEX TO ELECTION RACES

I B2 Alexandria Mayor I B3 Alexandria City Council I B4,5 District 206 School Board

U.S. House District 7 MN State Senate

I B8

I B8,9

MN State Representative Douglas County Board

I B7

I B9-12

Much at stake on November 6 Voters to decide key races at national, state and local level; new legislative lines add wrinkle to election By Al Edenloff aedenloff@echopress.com Are you ready to vote? Residents throughout Douglas County will have some key decisions to make come Election Day, November 6. The purpose of this Voters Guide is to help residents be more prepared when they’re handed their ballots. The guide contains questions-and-answers from candidates on the local, state and national level, as well as voting and precinct information. The stakes are high for the 2012 election. Not only will voters cast their ballots for president and U.S. Senate and House races, they’ll also select candidates for the Minnesota Legislature, which has new legislative boundaries because of redistricting. Douglas County is now part of two Minnesota Senate districts, 8 and 12, and three House districts, 8B, 12A and 12B. Four current office holders will be on the ballot – Bill Ingebrigtsen (District 8), Torrey Westrom (District 12), Mary Franson (District 8B) and Paul Anderson (District 12B) — but the areas they represent have changed. Their challengers include Dan Skogen (District 8), John Schultz (District 12), Bob Cunniff (District 8B), and Rick Rosenfield (District 12B). The House District 12A race doesn’t have any incumbents and is between Dave Holman, Scott Dutcher and Jay McNamar. Other big decisions at the state level include two constitutional amendments.

One would define marriage as between one man and one woman, and the other one would require voters to show a government-issued ID in order to vote. Drilling down to the local level, this year’s election contains many interesting races. Because of redistricting, all five Douglas County commissioner districts are up for election. The choices for voters are (incumbents listed first): District 1 – Jerry Johnson or Bonnie Huettl. District 2 – Norm Salto or James Stratton. District 3 – Bev Bales or Jerry Rapp. District 4 – Paul C. Anderson or Charlie Meyer. District 5 – Dan Olson or Carol Wenner. Many local residents will also have a decision to make for mayor, city council and school board positions. In Alexandria, Sara Carlson and Mark Pederson are vying for mayor, and two council seats are contested: Ward 3, Owen Miller and William Stark, and Ward 5, Elroy Frank and Todd Jensen. Other contested city races in Douglas County include: Carlos mayor – Herby Dahl and Daniel Plowman; Carlos council (two positions) – Todd Burgess, Richard Pierson, Jason Thimmesh; Garfield mayor – Dan Kalina and Gaye Mounsdon; Kensington council (two po-

sitions) – Michael Johnson, Amanda Kramer, Brian Randt; Miltona council (two positions) – Rick Alton, Alan Bettermann, Kirk Smith; Nelson council (two positions) – Michael Erickson, Beverly Hansen, Jason Karl; and Osakis council (two positions) – Larry Dillehay, Kyle Kostrzewski, Jerry Olson. One township in the county, Brandon Township, holds its elections in November. There are no contested races for the two supervisor and one treasurer positions, but residents will vote on a ballot question to decide whether the clerk and treasurer positions should be appointed by the town board rather than elected. Three other local ballot questions will be decided this election, all involving the sale of liquor. The cities of Brandon and Osakis are asking voters whether their city councils should be allowed to issue on-sale liquor licenses to hotels, clubs and restaurants. (Each city currently owns and operates a municipal liquor store.) The city of Osakis is also asking if on-sale liquor sales should be allowed on Sundays. Douglas County voters will also decide who should be their voice on their local school board. In Alexandria School District 206, there is a contested race for Position 7 between two newcomers, Laura Knudsen and Angie Krebs.

In Brandon School District 207, five candidates have filed for four positions. They include Kevin Challes, Timothy Lauthen, Cheryl Schaffran, Arthur Vinson and Chad Way. A special election to fill an at-large spot is also taking place between Kim Fuchs and Michael Randt. Evansville School District 208 has four candidates running for the four available positions – David Anderson, Ethan Henneman, Kent Huisman and Britta Richter. Osakis School District 213 has a race with four candidates vying for three spots – Craig Cody, Pat Hildebrandt, Shari Maloney and Genny Maus LeBrun. Minnewaska School District 2149 has five candidates running for four positions – Lonnie Hoffman, Jeff Holtberg, Randy Kinney, Robert Mork and Jim Peters. In West Central Area School District 2342, six candidates are in the running for four spots – Daryl Amundson, Jill Beuckens, Chad Biss, Tina Lindquist, Steven Martineau and Richard Toms. In Parkers Prairie School District 547, four candidates have filed for three positions – Glenn Cornish, Meagan Moen, Mary Peterson and Jeffrey Samuelson.

Election day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012 Polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted on page B3)

VOTE FOR RICK ROSENFIELD DFL ENDORSED CANDIDATE HOUSE DISTRICT 12B

If you want:

Progressive government by an experienced management/decision maker to promote a positive future for all Minnesotans.

• Well funded schools • Affordable/available healthcare • Energy/environment balance • Fair treatment for veterans • Job/market creating legislature

If you want:

Gridlock, shutdowns and stalemates created by current House and Senate leadership

Current Deputy Majority Leader

• Using school funds for other shortfalls • Larger cuts in Local Government Aid • Continued control by PAC, lobbyists and other special interest* • A political agenda that ignores constitutional law

Vote for Rick Rosenfield on November 6, 2012

Vote for the other guy on November 6, 2012

Prepared and paid for by the Committee to Elect Rick Rosenfield. 7744 Co. Rd. 77 SE, Alexandria, MN 56308

R001792217

*alecexposed.com

Carrying a strong conservative voice for you to St Paul. LESS GOVERNMENT LOWER TAXES Endorsed by: MN Chamber of Commerce NRA with A+ Rating MN Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) MN Farm Bureau Paid for by Ingebrigtsen for Senate Committee, Alexandria

R001803868

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FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

2012

ECHO PRESS

DISTRICT 206 SCHOOL BOARD (Two candidates vying for one position)

ANGIE KREBS

LAURA KNUDSEN

District 206 School Board

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position. I had the privilege of growing up in A Alexandria and being educated in the Alexandria public schools (1988 graduate). I also received a B.A. of Nursing from Gustavus Adolphus College. My husband, Dean, 1989 graduate of Jefferson High School, and I have three children; a third grade daughter at Woodland Elementary, and twin boys that are 4 years old. Our children are fourth generation students of Alexandria public schools. I’m currently home with my children. However, my previous work experience includes 16 years as a public health nurse. A good share of this position involved working with school district staff to develop and implement services for children utilizing special education services. I also have experience with early-childhood screenings, school immunization law, children’s mental health, transition planning, and family support. I have volunteered in our daughter’s classroom on a regular basis, also with Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) advisory board, and as a Sunday school teacher. Our community has much to be proud of with our students and our schools. I’m running for school board to ensure those same opportunities for my own children and those of the community. .What do you view as the biggest Q challenge facing the school district right now and how would you deal with it? I believe the biggest challenge facing the school district relates to education A and the movement away from traditional textbook teaching to virtual instructional resources and keeping up with everchanging technology. The district has considerable investment in technology. However, there is inconsistent teacher skill level with technology and its application in the classroom. I support the district’s five-year strategic plan, which outlines a strong vision for expanded college course offerings, distance learning, “flipped classroom” models at the high school level; and professional development related to technology. With much attention on the new high school, we also need to keep our focus on the younger grades, ensuring small class sizes and adequate technology to strengthen proficiencies in the core areas of math and reading. Our children are of the digital/gadget age, and studies show that using technology is a key to locking in a student’s interest and motivating them to do better in school. .The district’s current levy referendum expires in 2014. Do you support calling for a new referendum? Also, explain any cost saving ideas you have for the district.

The school district’s finances are managed very well, despite relatively A flat state aid and reimbursement challenges. However, despite budget cuts across all areas, the district is currently in a deficit spending mode. Minnesota’s schools have come to rely on their communities for additional funding as evidenced by 301 of Minnesota’s 337 school districts utilizing an operating levy last year. Per pupil funding from the state is $5,224, increasing only 1.95 percent in the past five years. Our current referendum revenue is $390 per resident pupil, whereas the state average is $751.26. Unless we want to face severe cuts to basic services/programs, which I don’t think anyone wants, with current funding, I see no way around asking the community for an operating levy. Details would need to be presented to the community regarding the level of funding needed and specific goals that would be met with that funding.

Our community has never shied away from its responsibility of educating our children, and I believe that most would sacrifice to ensure educational opportunities that will prepare our children for the world they will encounter following graduation. The new high school project is currently $230,000 under budget and ahead of schedule. Current board members have promised to spend every dollar wisely, expecting a lot from contractors/subcontractors and material suppliers; I would too. Also, the curriculum changes envisioned in the strategic plan may entice some of the 23.8 percent of eligible district students that are utilizing alternative school options, including open enrollment, homeschooling, private/charter schools, and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) back to the district on either a full or part-time basis, bringing with them the state aid dollars that we’re currently missing out on. As our virtual instruction methods are developed, additional revenue could also be captured by supplying online training, services, and classes to other districts on a fee-for-use basis. As a school board member, I’d be open to cost saving ideas from staff and the public. .Describe your leadership style. QHow do you make tough decisions? My leadership style is one of being informed. I would seek to understand A core issues and gain perspective from others more knowledgeable than myself about that issue, gather facts, brainstorm solutions, and consider options, while weighing impact and tradeoffs. I believe in proactive planning, beginning with the end or goal in mind. I believe that there is much to be learned from past decisions, including mistakes. I would seek to have open communication between the district and the community. Tough decisions are best made with public input and with the best interests of all students in mind. To keep the public’s trust, it’s important to be open with parents and the public about the issues facing the school district and the reasons behind decisions that are being made. .According to the district’s Q strategic plan, special education services continue to grow while reimbursement is disproportionately low. How would you address this problem? During the 2011-2012 school year, 808 students (24 percent of population) reA ceived some form of special education. Special education funding provides 10 percent of the district’s general revenue; however, 22 percent of the budget is spent on special education. Since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s inception in 1975, special education has been an unfunded government mandate. While as a district we can ensure that services are being delivered efficiently, the bottom line is that these are still mandated services that can’t be cut. The disparity of increasing costs of special education and the partial level of reimbursement is really an issue that needs to be dealt with at the state and federal levels. There is currently a proposal from the Minnesota Department of Education to replace the current percentage reimbursement model of special education funding with weighted pupil funding. This type of funding acknowledges that, as an example, it costs more to provide services for a child with severe emotional behavior disorders than a child with a simple speech delay, and awards funding more proportionately. This funding change would benefit our school district, and our representatives need to hear from us (both school district and the public) to get this change into legislation.

Re-Elect

Alexandria City Council • Ward 3

Leadership Experience

R001805231

through

Service

As an active community member, I have served on several local A boards, most recently as the president of the Early Childhood Parent Advisory Board for District 206 and as the president of the Friends of Knute Volunteers through Knute Nelson Care Centers. Being engaged in both the issues of our aging population and education has given me a unique understanding of the challenges facing our community. My husband and I are the parents of a second grader at Carlos Elementary and a preschooler in the district’s Creating Learners program. As a parent from a GMC school, I am in the position to work to improve the connection between our district and the Garfield, Miltona, and Carlos Elementary communities. Our GMC schools currently have no representation on our school board. My experience as a parent participating in our district’s early childhood programing will allow me to share important insights to early learning. Our district has an excellent early childhood and preschool program that positively impacts our community in numerous ways. I am a lifelong learner, with a bachelor’s degree in media from the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California. The technological changes that have occurred in the industries of media and communications have been swift and dramatic. I have experienced firsthand the challenge facing our students in a future with rapidly advancing technology. I understand the need to empower our students with 21st century skills including critical thinking, adaptability and self-direction. .What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the school district right now and how would you deal with it?

Meeting the educational needs of A our students in a period of increasing cost, decreasing resources and a rapidly changing future is the challenge facing all schools. Meeting this challenge will require commitment from our community. Our school board and district must increase communication to educate our community about these challenges. We must engage our community in advocating for our schools with local, state and national leaders. Special education funding reform, deferment of payments to schools and the disparity between funding of districts statewide are all political issues that impact our schools but are not controlled by our district. It is important that we “think our side the chalk board” to look for new approaches to education. We need to use technology, engage community stake-holders and partner with Alex Tech to ensure we are making the most of the resources that are available to us from right here in our community. Change in education can be difficult to accept because we all have strong emotional ties to our own school experiences. However, now more than ever we need to approach the future of education with an open mind. .The district’s current levy referQ endum expires in 2014. Do you support calling for a new referendum? Also, explain any cost saving ideas you have for the district. The referendum will expire in 2014, A which means our community will need to vote on school funding. Unlike city and county organizations, the school board must ask for funding approval directly from voters. The up-

coming referendum will either ask our community to maintain current funding levels or increase support for our schools. I support the district’s commitment to meeting each student at their educational level through individualized learning plans that track a student’s needs and interests from kindergarten through 12th grade. This is necessary to prepare our students for their future, as well as meeting the increased standards mandated by state and federal governments. In order to meet these goals, we must lower the number of students in the classes that have seen increasing enrollment. Support must be given to teachers to give them the resources to track student achievement. We must also provide education to our district families on the rising expectations in our schools and empower them to support their children. Whether we can achieve this without asking voters for an increase in their financial support will depend on several factors. First, decisions made by state and federal governments in upcoming sessions regarding funding and educational mandates. Second, the district’s ability to recapture students who have left for alternative learning environments and neighboring districts will impact the budget. Recapturing even 100 students could have a positive effect on our school funding. Lastly, in any budgeting issue, ensuring you are spending wisely must be taken into consideration. Selecting specific cost saving measures without the complete knowledge I would have as a board member would be a guess that I could not commit to now. .Describe your leadership style. Q How do you make tough decisions? I am an enthusiastic, committed and positive leader. Making sound A decisions in difficult situations involves listening, learning and engaging others. As a member of your school board, I will build relationships with community stakeholders, including district staff and parents. I will work to empower our community in their continued support of our schools. I am committed to the vision of creating a premier school district that leads in educational excellence. .According to the district’s Q strategic plan, special education services continue to grow while reimbursement is disproportionately low. How would you address this problem? The needs of special education A continue to grow while reimbursement levels remain disproportionately low. Reimbursement is low because of unfunded mandates from state and federal government. The difference between funding reimbursements and expenditures is made up through general fund dollars. This is not sustainable and will have a negative impact on all our learners. All students across the spectrum of learning deserve the opportunity to meet their full potential. Currently, 24 percent of our student population receives special education services. Special education comprises 22 percent of the district’s budget and has nearly 75 full-time instructional staff. Our community will need to partner with our state and federal governments to reform the reimbursement model. Our district will need to evaluate our programs to ensure we are delivering cost-effective education focused on student achievement. I believe the district’s adopted vision of focusing on individual learning needs of students will benefit all students.

Voters will decide two proposed amendments to state’s Constitution

Owen Miller

Prepared & paid for by the Re-Elect Owen Miller Committee, Bobbie Osterberg, Treasurer

.Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position.

Douglas County voters will have a hand in deciding two prosed Constitutional amendments on the ballot. The first one concerns the definition of marriage: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?” If this passes, the following would be added to the Minnesota Constitution: Article XIII, Sec. 13. “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota.”

The second proposed amendment deals with voter identification: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?” If this passes, the following would be added to the Minnesota Constitution: Article VII, Section 1. “All voters voting in person must present valid government-issued photographic identification before receiving a ballot. The state must issue photographic identification at no

charge to an eligible voter who does not have a form of identification meeting the requirements of this section. A voter unable to present government-issued photographic identification must be permitted to submit a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot must only be counted if the voter certifies the provisional ballot in the manner provided by law. All voters, including those not voting in person, must be subject to substantially equivalent identity and eligibility verification prior to a ballot being cast or counted.”

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OCTOBER 12

2012

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ALEXANDRIA MAYOR (Two candidates vying for one position)

MARK PEDERSON

SARA CARLSON

Mayor

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position. I am a lifelong resident of Alexandria. I have been married 33 years to Jan (Raap), have three grown children and three grandchildren. I am a graduate of Jefferson High School. My background is in construction as a carpenter, contractor and developer. I attend St. Mary’s parish and am a member of the Knights of Columbus. Other organizations I belong to include Eagles Lodge, Elks Lodge, where I served as exalted ruler and on the board of trustees, Viking Sportsmen, and I am a life member of the NRA and Minnesota Deer Hunters. I was a member of the Alexandria Economic Development Board until 2006. I know many of the fine people and businesses in this community and will work hard to serve all of their best interests.

What do you view as the biggest challenge facing Alexandria right now and how would you deal with it?

know how big, how much, where located, who is using it and who is running it before making an opinion. However, I am not in favor of paying a consulting firm for its study of the issue. That is what your council was elected to do. Is Alexandria doing enough to keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget?

I’d love to see property taxes go down, but with the recent annexations and extension of the city’s infrastructure to those areas, I just don’t see it happening. I hope, after examining the budget, we will be able to implement specific cost-saving measures in some, if not all, of the city departments. With the recent downturn in the economy, it is only fair for the city to do its part by tightening its belt as well. I am most certainly not in favor of raising any more taxes or fees. If anything, they should be lowered to make Alexandria a more attractive place to future business growth and employment. Bottom line: we need to live within our means!

Considering the fact that the I believe the biggest hurdles Alexandria faces right now are similar to Qmayor does not vote or make moA what many other cities of the same size tions at council meetings, how will you are facing: maintaining and updating existing infrastructure, attracting new businesses and keeping our taxes at a fair level so to encourage growth and development. I would like to hear from members of our local business community as to what they think is necessary to promote our city and what the city could do, or not do, to lend assistance. I want our city council to make fair and informed decisions that will benefit all. Our city budget must remain in the black but should not be made up only on the backs of the homeowners whose assessed values have dropped and taxes increased. City government needs to cut where necessary to the benefit of the voting public. Cooperation with county officials would also be a high priority to avoid duplicating services and fees. What are your feelings about havQ ing an event center in the city? How much involvement should the city have in such a project? An event center is an issue that I am familiar with. I would like to Anot

accomplish your goals? Describe your style of leadership.

I’ve been a boss, had employees, and know there are challenges. The A position of mayor puts you front and center as the point man for the city. I would strive for a spirit of cooperation on the council. The dialogue should be informative and civil. All need to be heard. My goals for the future are to promote Alexandria to the max. We have a fantastic business park, so let’s go after more businesses. Our work force is second to none. Let’s keep them all busy. We absolutely need to be in touch with the commissioners to eliminate, or at the very least, diminish wasteful duplication of services. Sometimes, the trait of “gentle persuasion” may need to be employed to accomplish this. I will do my very best to serve the citizens and businesses in Alexandria. This community has been my home for more than 50 years, and I would be honored and humbled to serve as its mayor.

Here’s where to cast your ballot on Nov. 6 Election Day is Tuesday, November 6 and most polling places in Douglas County will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The only exceptions are in Lund Township, where polls will open at 9 a.m. and Solem Township, which has a 10 a.m. opening. Because of redistricting, there were significant changes in the voting boundaries and precincts, especially in the city of Alexandria. If you are not sure which Alexandria City Ward you are a resident of, contact the Alexandria city offices at (320) 763-6678 or the Douglas County Auditor’s Office at (320) 7623881 and they will assist you. The polling places are as follows: Alexandria City – Ward 1 – Precinct 1 and 2 – Lake Community Church, 1751 Co. Rd. 44 NW, Alexandria. Alexandria City – Ward 2 – Living Waters Church, 1310 North Nokomis, Alexandria. Alexandria City – Ward 3 – New Life Christian Church, 1910 Hwy. 27 E., Alexandria. Alexandria City – Ward 4 – Cornerstone Church, 202 7th Ave. E. Alexandria. Alexandria City – Ward 5 – Precinct 1 and 2 – Alexandria City Hall, 704 Broadway, Alexandria. Alexandria Township – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2702 Hwy 29 N., Alexandria. Belle River Township – St. Nicholas Church, 9473 Co. Rd. 3 NE, Carlos. Brandon City – Brandon City Hall, 105 Holmes Ave. N., Brandon. Brandon Township –

Brandon City Hall, 105 Holmes Ave. N., Brandon. Carlos City – Carlos Town Hall, 210 Victoria Ave., Carlos. Carlos Township – Carlos Town Hall, 210 Victoria Ave., Carlos. Evansville City – Evansville City Hall, 106 State St., Evansville. Evansville Township – Evansville City Hall, 106 State St., Evansville. Forada City – Forada City Fire Hall, 10991 Tobys Ave. SE, Alexandria. Garfield City – Garfield City Hall, 116 Sanstead St. W., Garfield. Holmes City Township – Holmes City Town Hall, 11180 Tewes Trl. SW, Farwell. Hudson Township – Forada City Hall, 10991 Tobys Ave. SE, Alexandria. Ida Township – Ida Town Hall, 4700 Co. Rd. 6 NW, Garfield. Kensington City – Kensington Community Center, 19 Central Ave., Kensington. LaGrand Township – LaGrand Town Hall, 501 Town Hall Rd. SW, Alexandria. Lake Mary Township – Lake Mary Town Hall, 4791 Co. Rd. 4 SW, Alexandria. Leaf Valley Township – Leaf Valley Town Hall, 15240 Co. Rd. 6 NW, Garfield. Lund Township – Town Hall in Melby, 17443 Lakeview Ave. NW, Evansville. Millerville City – Millerville City Fire Hall, 16560 Co. Rd. 7 NW, Brandon. Millerville Township – Millerville City Fire Hall, 16560 Co. Rd. 7 NW, Bran-

don. Miltona City – Miltona Community Center, 5590 Co. Rd. 14, Miltona. Miltona Township – Miltona Community Center 5590 Co. Rd. 14, Miltona. Moe Township – Moe Town Hall, 14188 Moe Hall Rd. SW, Garfield. Nelson City – Nelson City Hall, 120 N. Nelson St., Nelson. Orange Township – Ed Pollard Community Center, 18 E. Nokomis St., Osakis. Osakis City – Ed Pollard Community Center, 18 E. Nokomis St., Osakis. Osakis Township – Ed Pollard Community Center, 18 E. Nokomis St., Osakis. Solem Township – Kensington Runestone Park (Barn), 8755 Co. Rd. 103 SW, Kensington. Spruce Hill Township – Spruce Hill Town Hall, 12055 Willow Dr. NE, Miltona. Urness Township – Urness Town Hall, 2160 Co. Rd. 1 SW, Evansville.

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position. I have been on the Alexandria City Council for nine years. During that time, I regularly attended two council meetings per month. I’ve served on numerous committees that relate to specific city business and attended those meetings regularly as well. I have made sure that during the time I was on the council, I served on, attended or was informed of what was taking place on all committees in the city. I have worked on special committees such as the police station build, hiring of various firms for that and the park building and keeping these projects with local contractors as much as possible. I have served as the mayor pro tempore for the last couple years and have attended all the workshops the council has had on the budget. It is my belief that it takes a lot of time and effort to run city government and be apprised of the issues. There are tough decisions to make and they have to be made with an informed mind, looking at all sides of each issue and always keeping in mind what is best for the taxpayers. Alexandria is a wonderful place to live, work and retire. I have been here for 32 years with my husband, Ron, and our four children, Matt, Tina, Katie and Casey. I did my graduate and undergraduate work in education at St. Cloud State University, working primarily in special education. I left teaching about 10 years ago and have been doing the books at our business, Carlson Music Center. I was born and raised on a farm and know the meaning of hard work and long hours.

be adequately protected by police and fire. What are your feelings about havQ ing an event center in the city? How much involvement should the city have in such a project? Again, with the economy the way it is, I do not believe that now is the A time to look at building an event center with city money. We have or will be building several buildings in the community with bonding out on them (police station, county public works building, county sheriff ’s office, county jail and new high school). We need to pay them off and not start other projects. We, as taxpayers, just cannot afford it. Is Alexandria doing enough to Q keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget? As a council, we have worked hard at keeping taxes down and are conA tinually looking for ways to do a better job and still provide vital services effectively. Currently, we are looking at cross training staff in various departments to improve and streamline efficiencies. This could result in staff being available and able to cross-over when needs arise. As part of the budgetary process, as a member of the council, I support looking at all aspects of expenditures and seeing where cuts and cost savings can be made. We will be meeting in work session to complete the budget for next year. For 2013, we have thus far reduced equipment and capital improvement budgets as a way to reduce the overall budget.

What do you view as the biggest Considering the fact that the Q challenge facing Alexandria right Q mayor does not vote or make monow and how would you deal with it? tions at council meetings, how will you With today’s economy, the biggest accomplish your goals? Describe your challenge the city faces is to keep style of leadership. A taxes down and still provide quality The mayor brings the voice of the services. This is something we must work at continually. Prioritizing needs is Acitizens to the Alexandria City Council. The mayor sits on many committees very important and with tight budgets, we need to make sure that what we do is a need, not a want. Our streets, for example, must be taken care of or they deteriorate to a point that is not repairable with an overlay and must have a total reconstruct. So for us to neglect them is not wise. It is however, a balancing act of how much and when we work on them and other projects. We have just finished our final annexation phase and must extend sewer and water to those areas. While this is a good thing as it adds to our tax base and decreases property taxes, there will be some long term costs. Also, the recent expansion of the Alexandria Lakes Area Sanitary District (ALASD) has been a large increase to our budget. This is an obligation set by a joint powers agreement that we must honor. We want our city to grow and prosper and need to watch vigilantly over and encourage controlled economic growth and development with good planning. Along with that, as Alexandria grows, so do many other concerns and we need to

and provides input, keeping track of what is going on in the community. Although the mayor does not vote at council meetings (except in the case of a tie), he/she is responsible to bring input to the council or to council members. The mayor represents the total city and may have a different perspective than each individual ward representative and shares that with council members. The mayor runs all meetings and has the power of veto for funding resolutions. A good leader makes decisions based on strength, experience and respect, not on titles, having the ability to convince people to work together in a cohesive manner. My leadership style would encourage cooperation and would support each council member and staff to use their expertise and experience to be more competent and productive for the city of Alexandria. As mayor or leader of the city, tough decisions will have to be made. I know that I have the ability to make those decisions focusing on our goals and city vision.

VOTE

For Up-to-Date Election Coverage watch EchoPress.com Reporting precinct results as they roll in!

BEV

Bevb@embarqmail.com 320-852-7335 facebook.com/gobevbales Donations accepted 8170 E. Lake Carlos Dr., Carlos, MN 56319 Pd. by committee to elect Bales R001801724_102

An Independent Voice in Saint Paul!

Dave Holman for

12A State House 11A Endorsed by

Make a difference! Dave Holman is an experienced community leader, retired educator and sportsman. R001803935

Dave Holman with Indy the Independence Party of Minnesota’s mascot. The only party with an American mascot. Paid for by the Holman Committee, 302 West 6th, Morris, MN 56267

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OCTOBER 12

2012

ECHO PRESS

CITY COUNCIL - Ward 3

WILLIAM STARK

OWEN MILLER

WARD 3

WARD 3 (Incumbent)

The city is participating financially Please list your background and Please list your background and What are your feelings about havQ specific qualifications for this po- Ain a feasibility study to determine Q specific qualifications for this po- Qing an event center in the city? sition. sition. How much involvement should the city the advantages and disadvantages of an I graduated from high school and attended Alexandria Technical College. I worked in advanced sales for 10 years and have extensive training in sales and marketing. I was a volunteer fireman and EMT. I worked in the health care field in a nursing home. I am currently self-employed and have been for the past 25 years in both the trucking and construction industry. I presently own rental and investment properties in Alexandria. Being a resident of Alexandria who pays taxes here, shops here and owns a business and property qualifies me for this position.

What would you view as the Q biggest challenge facing Alexandria right now and how would you deal with it? The budget is a prime concern as all expenditures have to be offset with A revenue. If there isn’t enough revenue projected, then it results in an increase in levy. Enough is enough. When does the spending stop? I am very concerned about the impact of all the current and impending development in the southwest corner of Ward 3: the new high school, a large apartment complex and an impending HUD development including Knute Nelson’s Grand Arbor. There will be a host of public safety issues that will need to be addressed during the construction phase and after the completion of these projects. This challenge will need the full attention of the entire city council and the emergency management system. We need new ideas and new concepts to evaluate the issues currently facing the city council, and having new people involved will stimulate conversation and thinking. What are your feelings about havQ ing an event center in the city? How much involvement should the city have in such a project?

event center. I don’t think the city should be spending taxpayer dollars on this particular project at this time. Any studies probably should be done by private business interests and private business dollars. When the results of the feasibility study are completed, the findings of this study should be presented to the city council. Is Alexandria doing enough to Q keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget? No. At this time, the city of Alexandria is on a “spend and tax” mode. A They spend and we get taxed. I do not have access to all of the information needed to make an informed opinion about what I would do to cut the budget. However, I would suggest we cut back wherever feasible so we can do a comprehensive study to evaluate each department to show us where the strengths and weaknesses of these departments lie and then work with each department head to streamline and develop a more cost-effective city government. Is Alexandria drawing enough Q high-paying jobs to the area? What are your ideas for improvement?

have in such a project? My leadership experience is the result of service to my community through serving as the chair, president or charter president of organizations including Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America, church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Douglas County-Alexandria, Glacial Ridge Estate and Financial Planning Council and Association of Life Underwriters, Veterans Administration Clinic Dedication Ceremony and Commander of American Legion Post 87. As the owner/president of two corporations, a limited liability company, selfemployed insurance agent for 48 years and city council member, I have been given the opportunity to serve on several state boards, including Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and West Central Initiative. I was elected to serve on the advisory council to one of the nation’s largest insurance companies. These positions have required the ability to make the tough decisions, generate creative thoughts and solutions through cooperative efforts. My wife Audrey and I have been married for 49 years, and we have three children and five grandchildren. What we do today determines what the future holds for the next generations.

The question of an event center is A the reason a feasibility study has been authorized to determine whether or not one should be even considered. We would never know whether or not it would be a benefit to our community without the study. Is Alexandria doing enough to Q keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget? Alexandria is not replacing park and street employees who have left or A retired. The council is continuing to rework the budget in efforts to reduce the levy without any further detriment to community services. The move to hire an engineer/public works director will reduce much of the contracted engineering costs on city projects. Job descriptions are being reworded to more efficiently utilize our work force benefit to the city. I serve on the board for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, which works with legislators on maintaining local government aid as a way of providing for funding infrastructure needs and as a result, keeps property taxes from skyrocketing.

Is Alexandria drawing enough We have a great manufacturing What would you view as the A base, an expanding medical comQ biggest challenge facing Alexan- Qhigh-paying jobs to the area? What munity, a strong service industry, a dria right now and how would you deal are your ideas for improvement? farming industry, but we are letting our construction industry down. I feel we should evaluate the need to get a city permit two miles outside the city limits, in addition to a county permit. By eliminating the two-mile limit permit, the county will take care of their permit issues outside of the city limits. By adjusting permit fees within the city, we can get our local contractors and their employees back to work in building new and remodeling existing homes with the city limits. As the city ordinance now reads, it will cost up to $8,000 in permits to build a new house within the city limits.

Keep common sense, integrity & experience working for you in St. Paul

with it? Alexandria is fortunate to be a city growing and attracting new and expanding businesses, but this also challenges us to rely on our comprehensive plan as a guideline for development. We have been reviewing the plan to see if modifications are necessary and must continue to monitor it in relation to future growth, infrastructure, road maintenance and community services, all while keeping a reasonable tax levy. We also need to consider local transportation needs along with regional and state transportation services to and from Alexandria. Is light rail a possible means of connecting the Twin Cities and/or Fargo to Alexandria? Is a regional airport a viable consideration? We address and solve many of the situations by listening to the thoughts and concerns of our residents, including those of our senior citizens.

ENDORSED BY: • Minnesota Chamber Leadership Fund • MN Farm Bureau Political Action Committee • NFIB Minnesota (National Federation of Independent Business) • MCCL (MN Citizens Concerned for Life) State PAC • NRA (National Rifle Assn.)

Again, Alexandria is fortunate to atA tract new and expanding businesses through the efforts of the Alexandria Economic Development Commission. The use of tax increment financing (TIF) by the city requires the payment of a livable wage. Since the economic commission was formed, it has also helped neighboring communities in Douglas County, which makes available more opportunities for employment and better wages. There is an old saying: “As Alexandria goes, so goes the county.” This is true since Alexandria is the major hub for the county, regional medical services, retail and cultural arts. As we continue to encourage development as a regional center, we will see growth in these services. This growth may best be accomplished by a countywide financially supported economic development commission utilizing the current board. As a member of your city council, I will continue to work for responsible development of our community.

Re-Elect Dan Olson for District 5 Commissioner

AWARDED:

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• Guardian of Small Business Award by NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) • Farm & Rural Legislative Award by MN Farmers Union • Legislator of the Year by MN Milk Producers Assn.

I would like to continue serving the people of District 5 and Douglas County as your commissioner. Paid for by Dan Olson on his own behalf.

Paid for by the Anderson Campaign Committee, Mark Thompson, Treasurer, P.O. Box 490, Starbuck, MN 56381

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A Vote For Bonnie Is A vote For:

Dan Skogen for State Senate

Responsible use of tax dollars...not save a dime now to spend dollars later such as...build a new jail/LEC and courts for $32M or spend $33+M for new public works building that wasn’t needed, rehab a very old building with ongoing problems, build a jail and still need court space. Best use of tax dollars??? I think not!

Create opportunities to engage in discussions, should not embarrass Dept. Heads with surprise items on the agenda, is that professional conduct?

Experienced Leadership... to protect the integrity of Douglas County!

NOV. 6TH Dan Skogen is one of us a life-long resident of West Central Minnesota. For local control, lower property taxes, education and long-term care funding - VOTE DAN SKOGEN. 4 Years in the Minnesota Senate 10 Years on Board of Directors at Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op 25 Years as Radio Announcer in Wadena Paid for by Skogen for Senate, John Lindlief, treasurer

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Being Proactive rather than reactive...actually manage the county business. When the options you are given aren’t what you want, YOU must as a Commissioner engage in finding the alternative.

Questions, comments or concerns Contact Bonnie at 834-3287 or huettl4dist1@gctel.net Prepared and paid for by Huettl Election Committee 1728 Golden Dr. SW, Alexandria, MN

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FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

2012

ECHO PRESS

extra

CITY COUNCIL - Ward 5

TODD JENSEN

ELROY FRANK

WARD 5

WARD 5 (Incumbent)

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position. I am a 49-year-old native of Minnesota. My wife Peggy and I have been married for 29 years and have lived in Alexandria for the past 18 years. We have four grown children and 11 grandchildren. I have been employed as the sales manager at KEYL/KXDL Radio for the past 13 years. My entire adult life has been spent in sales and management. With roughly 30 years of sales experience dealing primarily with business customers, I have learned that the most important quality a person can have is the ability to listen to the wants and needs of the people they are dealing with or representing. city council members need to constantly remind themselves that they are not on the council to serve their own interests or agendas, but rather to serve the needs and interests of the people who reside in, or own businesses in, the wards they represent. My knowledge of our local business community along with the communication skills I have worked to develop over the years are additional qualifications I hope to bring to this position. I will work hard to represent first and foremost the needs and interests of the people of Ward 5.

What would you view as the Q biggest challenge facing Alexandria right now and how would you deal with it? The biggest challenge we face is getting the city’s spending under control. It seems every time we pick up the paper or listen to the radio, the city is starting or proposing another project. I understand that in a city the size of Alexandria there is a level of new construction, renovation, remodeling, equipment purchases and addition of services that are inherently necessary. However, this must be balanced with a fiscal responsibility to the citizens of this community because they are the ones ultimately paying the bills. Expenditures need to be evaluated not on a “want” but rather a “need” basis. The council needs to start being more creative by seeking ways to share services with the county to reduce costs, contracting services that can be performed more cost effectively than the city can on its own, and moving projects and purchases into the “maybe when the economy rebounds” or “when it can be done without adding additional tax burden” categories. I urge the residents of this community to become more involved. Attend city council meetings when possible, reach out to your ward representatives, and make your voices heard. Council members are elected to serve the wishes of the people. It’s time to start holding them accountable.

What are your feelings about havQ ing an event center in the city? How much involvement should the city have in such a project? I will not commit to a position on the question of an event center until I A have had an opportunity to completely review the findings and recommendations of the study that the city council has already approved commissioning. I will base my opinion on that information along with input from the residents and business owners of Ward 5. It’s the responsibility of the council members to represent the wishes of the people of their wards, not their own personal agendas.

I will however say that I go into this issue with great caution. Current economic conditions call for prudence in our spending. I cannot and will not support such a project unless it can demonstrate an immediate need and can be done in a fiscally responsible manner. This is not a time to mortgage our city’s future on projects that are unnecessary, unneeded and sometimes unwanted by the people of this community, which I believe has happened far too often under our current council members’ watch.

The event center is a study and a Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this po- Alook at what this community’s needs sition. are.

Is Alexandria doing enough to keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget?

budget is to be working smarter with the staff, knowledge and equipment we have. Combining departments and equipment is a start to be smarter and cost effective.

The city council is not doing enough to keep property taxes down. Our A city administrator recently stated that although there was going to be a budget increase for 2013, that due to annexation, the property taxes for individual property owners would actually go down. This was only a partial truth. I do not believe he took into consideration the levy increase that the Alexandria HRA was granted by the city council. He also did not factor in the insinuated property tax increase that was contained in a recent letter from Alexandria Lake Area Sanitary District. Recent state property tax increases, the school levy, HRA levy increases, a 3.8 percent increase in the 2013 city budget and the threat of further increased taxes by ALASD guarantee property taxes will increase dramatically. The city administrator is hardly comforting. A lot of people of this community are struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes. Many haven’t seen a pay raise in several years. So the city council considering non-essential projects, giving every employee of the city a 3 percent pay increase for next year, giving themselves a 3 percent raise for 2013 and another 3 percent for 2014, is evidence they are not doing everything possible to keep property taxes down. Is Alexandria drawing enough Q high-paying jobs to the area? What are your ideas for improvement? I’ve learned over the years that before we go looking for more in life we A need to make sure we’re doing the best possible job taking care of what we already have. Too often the focus is on what we desire and not enough on what we already have. The more important question here is not what we can do to bring in more jobs and businesses, but what are we doing to take care of the businesses that are already the lifeblood of Alexandria? Unnecessary property taxes and assessments frustrate business owners and may result in them looking elsewhere. Being involved in sales for over 30 years, I’ve learned it’s easier and more beneficial to keep the accounts you have than constantly seek new ones to replace them. Focusing on doing the best possible job we can to take care of the businesses already in this community will result in growth as a bi-product, without losing the “place we want to live” atmosphere that my wife and I fell in love with when we moved here 18 years ago. Growth is a good thing, but not at the cost of what we already have.

What would you view as the biggest challenge facing Alexandria right now and how would you deal with it?

Budget is a big challenge. To provide more and to spend less is what A everyone needs, but the reality is we

Do we need one? Yes. I think the city should be involved with it, as it can bring more to the RCC arena we have. Is Alexandria doing enough to Q keep local property taxes low? What are some specific cost saving ideas you have for the budget? The council is doing the right thing A by keeping the budget in line with a small increase in the levy. Saving in the

have to pay our obligations. The increases that you see this year are from the items we need to pay and cutting departments’ expenses and still provide a great service to the people of Alexandria.

Is Alexandria drawing enough Q high-paying jobs to the area? What are your ideas for improvement?

What are your feelings about havQ ing an event center in the city? How much involvement should the city

is to promote the great city of Alexandria and Douglas County.

We have great business in the area A to provide jobs and to be able to support our area. To draw more in growth

have in such a project?

Voting: Are you registered? Editor’s note: The following information was provided through the Douglas County Auditor’s website. Persons wishing to vote are required by state law to be registered. Are you a registered voter? You can check on your voter registration status at the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State web site: www.sos.state.mn.us. Click on the Elections/Voting tab click on “Registering to Vote?” in the box under Voter Information. If you are not already registered, you may register at the polls on Election Day. To be eligible to vote, a person must: • Be at least 18 years old on election day. • Be a citizen of the United States. • Have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day. • Maintain a residence at the address given on the registration form. • Not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes the right to vote. • Not found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote. • Have the right to vote because, if convicted of a felony, the felony sentence has expired (been completed) or have been discharged from their sentence.

REGISTERING ON ELECTION DAY If you are not registered to vote or need to update your registration information, you may do so at your local polling location on Election Day.

However, you are required to provide proof of residence when registering on Election Day. To register at your polling place, you must have one of the following with your current name and address in the precinct to verify your residence: • A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these. • A valid student ID card including your photo, if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials. • A Tribal ID card that contains your picture and signature. • A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address. • A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk. • A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath. • An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath. Alternatively, you may provide both 1) a photo ID from the list below and 2) a current bill with your current name and address in the precinct. Acceptable photo IDs: Minnesota driver’s license; Minnesota ID card; U.S. passport, U.S. military ID card; tribal ID card; or a Minnesota university, college or technical college ID card. Additional information can be found at the Minnesota Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Re-Elect

Paul C. Anderson for

JAY McNAMAR Your candidate for

MN House District 12A

Douglas County Commissioner

• Jay taught and coached at West Central Area schools for 36 years • Jay was a volunteer Elbow Lake firefighter for 20 years

...keep the voice of common sense on the board ...bring years of needed experience to the board ...work toward reducing real estate taxes ...reduce size of government ...implement long range planning

• Jay is an EMT for Prairie Ridge Hospital • Jay is currently the Mayor of Elbow Lake “Working together to get things done, along with creative problem solving and commitment, are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through these life experiences. I hope to encourage and continue this type of cooperation in returning our state to economic stability and growth if elected to represent the good people in District 12A.”

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~ Jay McNamar, DFL Candidate

Approved by Jay McNamar. Paid for by the McNamar for House Committee.

Loiann and I have been living here almost 30 years. I have been serving on the city council for the past 16 years, representing the citizens of Alexandria. We are members of Shalom Lutheran Church, involved in many local service groups. I believe in our community and working for all the people in Alexandra.

“This is NOT the time for change. With the programs that we are working hard to implement/maintain, EXPERIENCE is a necessity. I believe strongly in the work that I have done and I sincerely wish to continue to serve this country. I humbly ask for your vote in the general election on November 6, 2012”

Please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love to share my history, ideas and beliefs with you. 274 County Road 44 NW NORTHBROOK274@GCTEL.NET 320.763.3440

Paid for by Paul C. Anderson on his own behalf.

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FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

2012

ECHO PRESS

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

BOB CUNNIFF, DFL

MARY FRANSON, R

District 8B

District 8B (Incumbent)

Please list your Q background and specific qualifications for this position. My name is Bob CunA niff, and I am a retired elementary teacher and coach of 35 years in the Alexandria school system. I am a 1976 graduate of the University of Minnesota. I have also worked at KXRA as a sports broadcaster. I have been a 4H and FCA volunteer, along with being a Sunday school teacher and confirmation mentor. I have been married 33 years to Darice, who teaches kindergarten. I guess you could call us an education family. We truly value education. We have three grown children who all grew up in this area: Chanda, Kevin, Bryce and one grandchild, Keegan. We were married here, worked here, and raised our family in this great area. We love the moral values, work ethic, the respect and generosity of this area. I have never been involved in politics before but have always been interested in issues and how Minnesota government works. I look forward to the challenges of the job of being a public servant. The public is tired of Q the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done? We need a legislator who will work for all people and that includes the middle class, a person who will work across the aisle toward new solutions and have respect for the office. For government to work effectively, compromise has to happen. It is not a sign of weakness. If we want things to work, we need people who are thoughtful, creative, considerate and able to see the big picture. We need politicians who are willing to look at evidence and statistics, and use that data to decide how to vote on an issue. Telling the truth and getting the facts correct is important. We need to be good listeners and to work together and be considerate of everybody in our district, not just the people who support us. People don’t want government shutdowns. It is important to find common ground and build from that so we can do the people’s business of running our state. That is what people expect from their elected officials.

Many people saw significant increases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

My opponent eliminated the Homestead A Credit and replaced it with the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. This replacement increased property taxes on homes, farms and businesses by $291 million. It contributed to business tax increases of more than 7 percent in our cities and farm tax increases of more than 10 percent. Property taxes increased three times more in Greater Minnesota than in the Twin Cities. Local government aid (LGA) is property tax relief for cities paid by the state.

State funding for LGA has been cut 25 percent over the last 10 years and has remained flat since 2010. Eliminating or reducing LGA will weaken regional centers and small cities. Taxes will go up and services will go down, encouraging people and businesses to leave Greater Minnesota for other states or the Twin Cities metro area. The Legislature has used property tax relief programs to help balance the state budget, which has resulted in much higher property taxes, especially for Greater Minnesota. We need to stop balancing the state budget with property tax increases. Restoring LGA cuts would benefit our area and keep our property taxes down. Is the state taking Q the right approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? The Legislature has made protecting our waterways from aquatic invasive species (AIS) a priority. They have toughened AIS penalties, secured additional funding for enhanced enforcement of existing laws, and found new funding in the Legacy Bill for Asian carp barriers on the Mississippi River and a new invasive species research institute at the University of Minnesota. The new laws are good, and I agree with what the Legislature has done. By educating the public, enforcing new laws, and research, we can slow down the AIS problem. Still, there is no silver bullet to solve this problem. The boats coming into the Great Lakes have caused many of our AIS problems over the years, including zebra mussels. There are new laws going into effect that will help that problem.

What priority will you give to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

The Renewable EnA ergy Standard (RES), which was passed in 2007, mandates 25 percent renewable generation by 2025 for all Minnesota electric utilities. This encourages our utilities to work toward renewable energy. Some want to be more aggressive and raise the percent of renewable on the utilities. Others want to weaken the mandate. At this time, I would leave it as is to run its course. I am taking a balanced approach. It can be reevaluated at a later time. Some of the best options for the future for renewable energy are wind, hydro, biomass and solar. I don’t believe we should have a certain percentage of the mandate include a certain type of renewable. We also should do as much as possible to protect the environment, but we need to make sure we don’t put too much pressure on the consumer and business. Minnesota is home to abundant renewable energy sources that are beneficial to the environment and have the potential to create good paying jobs that cannot be outsourced. Minnesota’s clean energy economy is a growing segment of the private sector economy.

Please list your background Q and specific qualifications for this position. I am a mother of three beautiful children who grew up on a small hobby farm. Previous to being elected, I operated a licensed childcare business out of my home. I balance my family budget and truly know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet. We live in the greatest country on this earth and our Constitution guarantees us that we will all have the same opportunity. But I fear with the over-spending and overregulation that is occurring in St. Paul by politicians from both sides, my children, your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will not have the same chances as past generations have had to achieve their wildest dreams.

The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

In my two years as your state A legislator, I fought for property tax relief, the rights of the unborn, and helped turn a $5 billion deficit into a $1 billion surplus, without job killing tax increases. When I took office, unemployment was at 8.05 percent, and as of August, it’s at 4.65 percent for Douglas/Otter Tail counties.

It is this type of leadership that can only be accomplished when we work across party lines in order to get things done. I will continue to work with Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to ensure that small business will be able to expand and create more jobs in our communities. When small businesses succeed, we all succeed. There is not one Democrat running for re-election that has cast a higher percentage of bipartisan roll call votes than myself.

Is the state taking the right Q approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? Our state needs to continue to A focus on eliminating aquatic invasive species. We can work to empower enforcement officials and improve knowledge on this important issue so that Minnesotans can continue to enjoy one of our greatest attractions: our beautiful lakes.

What priority will you give to Many people saw significant Q increases in property taxes Qenergy efficiency and renewthis year. If elected, what will you able energies? What energy fudo to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners? I voted to put a freeze on local property taxes and voted for property tax relief for local homeowners and small businesses. (Homeowners, if you haven’t filed for your property tax refund, you should.) If our state is going to be competitive going forward, we need to look at all options of tax relief in order to create a better economic climate for businesses. We will need to free up cash flow for small businesses and provide more incentives for start-up companies looking to compete in our global economy.

ture do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

We should always encourage energy efficiencies. As long as A renewable energy is a product of the private sector, and if the market demands it, then I am all for it. But when the government mandates our energy companies to innovate and diversify when the market doesn’t have a need for it, we run into problems. One problem is higher energy costs to the consumer and another is crony capitalism. We have exciting renewable technology on the horizon, such as nuclear energy. As a mother of three children, I know first-hand how spiraling energy costs affect the family budget. Nuclear energy is clean and safe and would be a cost-effective energy source as long as the government stays out of the way.

SCOTT DUTCHER, R District 12A

As a member of the Brandon Please list your background Q and specific qualifications for ACity Council, I have established this position. a strong track record of lowering My name is Scott Dutcher. My wife Tessa and I live in Brandon with our two boys, Jackson and Thomas. I am running for the Minnesota Legislature because I want to work to get our economy back on the right track. I am the owner of a successful small business, so I know what it means to hire employees, meet a payroll, pay the rent, and still pay the mortgage and ensure food is on the table at the end of the day. As a member of the Brandon City Council, I have established a strong record of lowering taxes and making smart spending decisions for the benefit of our citizens. If I am elected, I will work tirelessly to secure the future for Western Minnesota’s small businesses so that they can succeed and create new jobs. Too often, our best and brightest in Western Minnesota are drawn across the border to North Dakota and South Dakota or to the Twin Cities. To reverse that trend, we need to do better at creating good-paying jobs right here in Western Minnesota.

The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

The partisanship in WashingA ton, D.C. and in St. Paul has truly gotten out of hand. It is not just that our elected officials are having a tough time finding common ground, they can’t seem to be in the same room together! That’s ridiculous. Minnesota needs responsible, mature leaders who are willing and eager to reach across the aisle. We need to get back to a time when elected officials put aside their partisan affiliation and did what was best for the state of Minnesota. Many people saw significant Q increases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

property taxes. In 2011, I pushed for, and won, a 5 percent reduction to our city’s tax levy. That was a huge win for our citizens. Going forward, the best way to reduce the property tax burden in Western Minnesota is to refocus the Local Government Aid (LGA) program on Minnesota’s small cities. LGA is a $400 million program designed to support our small cities so that we may provide essential services like police and fire protection. Unfortunately, even though LGA is meant for our small cities, more than $100 million is diverted every year to Minneapolis and St. Paul. By refocusing those funds on Minnesota’s small cities, we could dramatically increase the support for our cities without adding any new costs to the state government. If elected, I would fight for Western Minnesota’s rural communities and our right to receive a larger share of LGA funds. Is the state taking the right Q approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? I am not a biologist, so I do not think it would be responsible for A me to speculate on the best answer to this difficult problem. What I do want to explain is how I would approach this problem. As a legislator, one is often confronted with difficult and important problems outside of his or her field of expertise. So a person’s decision-making process and judgment are important. In confronting an issue like aquatic invasive species, my first step would be to assess the nature of the problem. I would ask questions like: What have other states done to slow the spread of zebra mussels? Was it effective? How long did those steps delay their spread? What would be the likely effect of zebra mussels on important industries like tourism? What are the potential costs related to the range of options available? I would also consult with experts both in the biological field and in any potentially affected industries. In doing so, I would assess both the relevance of the expert’s experience as well as his or her potential bias.

In the end, I would make a decision that I believed best for the people of Minnesota. What priority will you give Q to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota? One of the dominant themes of A the 21st century will be our nation’s ability (or inability) to safely secure our energy future. As we stand today, we are at a crucial transition point in the history of energy. Whereas the 20th century was defined by the acquisition and exploitation of the world’s oil reserves, our next 100 years will focus on technological advancements in natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, biofuels, wind, solar, and even tidal energy. Before exploring the future for these varied energy sources, we must first understand just how central energy is to our society. From the moment we wake up, relatively inexpensive energy enriches our lives from our warm showers, to our electric coffee makers, to the gas in our cars. To secure our nation’s energy future, we must take an all-of-theabove approach to developing our resources. We must continue to explore new sources of oil while taking steps to prevent environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon leak. We must continue to make progress developing our nation’s tremendous natural gas resources and consider approving new nuclear power plants in locations that are safe from earthquakes, tsunamis, and similar events. We must continue to encourage progress in developing renewable energies to the point where they may be able to compete against more traditional energy sources. In all, there is much work to be done, but our energy future should be bright. With wise decisions made at the top, the days of $4 per gallon gasoline could soon be a thing of the past.

FRIDAY

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2012

ECHO PRESS

JAY McNAMAR, DFL

DAVE HOLMAN, Independence

District 12A

extra

I have been fighting high property Please list your background and Please list your background and Many people saw significant inQ specific qualifications for this po- Ataxes the past four years as mayor. Q specific qualifications for this po- Qcreases in property taxes this year. sition. sition. If elected, what will you do to lower the My city has lowered property taxes a

The public is tired of the partisan Q politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done? There is no guarantee that I will be successful working with members of either party. However, I am willing to use a common ground, common sense approach to problem solving, which I have used all my life as a teacher, coach and mayor. I would always be willing to meet, exchange ideas, listen and negotiate to get something done with fellow legislators. My motto for the past four years as mayor has been: “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

Many people saw significant inQ creases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

small amount in the face of difficult economic times and drastic cuts in Local Government Aid (LGA). My solutions to lowering property taxes would be to first reinstate the Homestead Credit and secondly to gradually increase LGA to cities back to the 2008 level. With an increase in LGA, cities could lower their levies, thus reducing property taxes. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? The laws and regulations are fine, but enforcement and monitoring are what is needed to help prevent the spread of invasive species in our lakes, rivers and streams. The cost could be high, but if all our bodies of water become contaminated, what would that cost? We could limit access areas to waters designated as infested waters to make it easier to monitor water craft that could possibly spread an invasive species.

What priority will you give to enQ ergy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota? A high priority should be given to all renewable energy production. With A a combination of wind, solar and biofuels, we can help reduce our reliance on foreign oils, create jobs, and provide markets for our agricultural products. In conjunction with renewable energy and the creation of more fuel efficient cars, homes and electrical appliances, we could conceivably become an energy self-reliant state and nation. Our future depends on us to support energy conservation and renewable fuel production to be able to escape the hold foreign nations have on our economy.

I am a retired educator that has lived in the district for more than 50 years. I’ve been active politically for most of that time, even being a county chairman. At that time, I pointed out that a bird with only wing cannot fly. The same is true of political parties. I am the son of Swedish parents, so I am a first-generation American, educated in our American public school system, graduated from Bemidji with both graduate and under-graduate degrees. Most of my career was with the Morris public schools, where my wife and I raised our family.

The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

I am the endorsed candidate of the Independence Party. The party is independent, not a compromise between the other parties. We have our own agendas, but do not walk in lock-step. The candidate can be more of an individual. All parties need to get out of the lockstep mentality. The voters in House District 12A have another choice this year, rather than the standard two. Remember, if you vote the same way you did in the past, you will get the same results in the present.

PAUL ANDERSON, R

RICK ROSENFIELD, DFL

District 12B (Incumbent)

District 12B

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position.

I am a graduate of the University of f Minnesota with a degree in teaching and coaching. After college, I returned y home and joined our family farming operation and have been actively farming for nearly 40 years. Also during that time, I have served on the school board at Starbuck, I was a township officer for more than 20 years, and I was elected to the Pope County Board of Commissioners in 2006. Two years later, when the then- current representative retired, I was elected to the Minnesota House and have served there for the past four years. I am vice-chairman of the House r Agriculture committee and also serve on the K-12 Education Finance Committee and the Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Committee. y r The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done? r My service on the Agriculture Committee is an example of how legislators on both sides of the aisle work together to get things done. Last year, when the government shut down, the agriculture budget was the only one that was passed and signed into law by the governor before the shutdown. I was also part of the working group made up of both House and Senate members from both parties who put the basic framework of a Vikings stadium bill together. y Many people saw significant increases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

OCTOBER 12

STATE REPRESENTATIVE continued

I have lived my entire life in Western Minnesota; therefore, I’m aware of our communities and their unique situations. I have been a teacher at West Central Area Schools for 36 years plus two years at Waubun High School School, which has given me insight into the structure, curriculum, financing, etc. of our schools. For the past 33 years, I have been involved in the EMS system as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, both of which have given me valuable knowledge of how our communities are protected. g Finally, the past four years, I’ve served as mayor of Elbow Lake, which has provided me knowledge and experience concerning taxation, funding, needs, etc. of our rural Minnesota cities. f I feel I’m well suited for the position of state representative.

In reality, property taxes are affected most by decisions made at A the local level by city councils, school boards and county commissioners. I will work to lower the statewide commercial/industrial property tax, or at the very least, to eliminate the automatic annual increases in that tax, which is actually a double hit on commercial property. I also support increased funding for the Property Tax Refund program, which targets relief to homeowners based on their incomes. I support maintaining local government aid and freezing the amount re-

ceived at current levels. Because of changes in population made known by the 2010 census, many of our towns and cities would have seen their LGA levels reduced, but we passed legislation to keep the amount the same. In fact, 2012 was the first year in the past five that local aid hadn’t been reduced. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? Yes, I think the state is taking the right approach by funding increased enforcement and educational programs. We are also funding nearly $2 million of research at the University of Minnesota, which offers the best hope of coming up with a biological or chemical method of controlling some of these pests, especially the zebra mussel. Because of the large number of lakes and public accesses in Minnesota, trying to police every one is a logistical nightmare. That’s why the public must become better educated and buy in to these programs.

What priority will you give to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

property taxes for average/middle class home owners? Yes, taxes have gone upwards. The A problems are in part due to the national economy, population increase, increase in state mandates and protection of the environment. I will try to keep all increases reasonable and moderate, if needed. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? Yes, it will be costly. Prevention and education are the keys. New rules A and regulations have to be made as to not be a hindrance to property owners and sportsmen. This will be a difficult issue. What priority will you give to enQ ergy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota? This is a very high priority of mine. A Energy, in the past, wasted fuels. We need to educate people on how to use our natural resources wisely, including in farming, forestry, water, etc. The future can have less waste through more efficiency, and there is also a great need for education of the upcoming generations.

The last-minute deal to remove the Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this po- Ahomestead credit was wrong and sition. must be reversed. Property taxes have I graduated from Villard High School and then received a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Minnesota at Morris. My career has been in manufacturing management and executive management. I retired in 2009 after 34 years at Douglas Machine, where I achieved the position of vice president over two business units. For the last five years, I was director of Douglas Metal Finishing, where we completed a joint venture with Alexandria Extrusion, building and operating the largest aluminum anodizing line in Greater Minnesota. My years of problem solving, consensus building, analytical thinking and successful results give me a unique background to work in the Legislature. I was a National Ski Patrol member for 20 years, a volunteer football coach at Osakis and Villard, a reserve police officer in Osakis, and my wife and I raised quarter horses for 40-plus years.

surpassed income tax as the state’s number-one source of revenue. Rural businesses and property owners will see much higher property taxes than in the metro areas. We need to start with a blank sheet of paper and build a new property tax system that is fair and is not an abnormal burden on any group. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? I am not a marine biologist or an enA vironmental specialist. It just seems to me that the ideas we have so far are very expensive and somewhat impractical. We must rely on our specialists to come up with ways to combat this problem and give them the resourcing that they need to accomplish their goals. This is too important of an issue for Minnesota to ignore or not give our all to solve.

The public is tired of the partisan What priority will you give to enQ politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, Qergy efficiency and renewable enhow will you work with legislators ergies? What energy future do you from the other political party to get things done?

envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

After speaking to persons in the field For opposite sides to reach a conEnergy efficiency is one component sensus, you must find the common Aof energy, it seems to me that we A of reducing our demand for electricA ground and expand on it. Working with have two different types of providers in ity and fuel. But, it can only go so far, and the easy fruits have already been plucked. The cost for increased efficiencies sometimes out-weighs the benefit as utilities and electric co-ops must continue coming up with new ways to conserve energy. We have come a long way with our use of renewable forms of energy, and they now provide a significant portion of our energy needs. Going forward, however, many of these alternatives must be able to stand on their own, with fewer public subsidies or tax credits. As the federal government finally faces its own financial crisis, states must make plans to proceed with fewer federal dollars, and this is one area where that very well may happen. The bottom line is that we need to continue having a dependable and relatively low cost supply of base load electricity. The technologies for burning coal are improving, and natural gas has become a low cost alternative source of fuel, and its use should be expanded. Nuclear must also be a part of Minnesota’s energy future.

the negatives will get you nowhere. People must be open to all options and then narrow them down to one final idea. This is the hardest task in moving a project forward because you must start with different solutions or it will not be a strong result. Differences make us strong, but only if they can be molded into one strong operating plan for the state. I have the experience and willingness to reach the results that will make Minnesota stronger and a leader again. Many people saw significant inQ creases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

Minnesota, but we treat them the same. The first is the for-profit company, which has a main goal of providing profit for its stockholders. The second is the non-profit, cooperative company, which has a main goal of providing energy to its customers and members at the lowest possible price. Many of the energy goals set forth by the state are putting an undue financial burden on the cooperatives. All companies have reached their 2012 goals and are now looking to meet their 2025 targets in renewable energy. In the future, we must look to all energy sources and keep improving the technologies, and we must not cease our efforts in energy conservation.

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FRIDAY

OCTOBER 12

2012

ECHO PRESS

STATE SENATOR - District 8

BILL INGEBRIGTSEN, R

DAN SKOGEN, DFL

District 8 (Incumbent)

District 8

Last session, we passed into law a $30 No, we have not done enough. Please list your background and spePlease list your background Qcific qualifications for this position. Q and specific qualifications AThirty years ago, we should million Homeowner Property Tax Refund A for this position. that the DFL lawmakers opposed. Although have put in place rules and reguI have a 34-year career in law enforce- this bill will show a statewide increase of 2.3 lations to keep ships from dumpA ment, including being elected four times percent, it is significantly lower than the 10Four years in the Minnesota ing ballast in the Great Lakes, a as the Douglas County Sheriff. In three of year average increase of 6.94 percent. This A Senate, 10 years on the Board leading source for the introducthose elections, I ran unopposed. I have been bill was supported by Minnesota county comof Directors of Todd Wadena Elec- tion of AIS. Now we are saddled elected two times as state senator and am seeking my third term. My years of administrative experience and dealing with and serving the people I have worked for makes me very qualified to represent them for another term in St. Paul. I take pride in always remembering who I work for.

missioners, and was signed into law by Governor Dayton. It is projected that in 2013, homeowner property taxes will decrease by 1.6 percent. If re-elected, I will continue to work on lowering taxes for all homeowners in our state. Is the state taking the right approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done?

tric Co-op, 34 years in radio broadcasting. The public is tired of the Q partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

The public is tired of the partisan poli- Q Q tics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work During my four years in the with legislators from the other political Yes. All the aquatic invasive species (AIS) party to get things done? A Senate, I worked across the funding came through the committee that A aisle on several issues, including I chair in the senate. We, in a bi-partisan way, a veterans’ issue that the goverOne must understand that in the Legisla- funded $4 million in new money to the Uninor’s office worked with me on. I ture, politicians will not always get along. versity of Minnesota for research. We, A served with Republican House This is nothing new. There will and has al- through the bonding process, funded electric ways been good strong debates. In my six years in the senate, I have crossed the aisle and worked with and passed new legislation that cuts the red tape regulations. Because of that, businesses now get their permits in a more timely fashion. That wouldn’t have been accomplished without me working with the Dayton administration. The Vikings stadium wouldn’t have happened without work from both parties, and the invasive species work was done in a bi-partisan agreement. I will compromise when it makes sense for my district, but my conservative values will not always match up with liberal ideas. One top DFL legislator said that we just finished a “do nothing legislative session” because we only passed 250 new bills. I agree with my constituents when they think less laws are good.

Many people saw significant increases Q in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

shock barriers for the lock and dam systems to hold back the flying carp. We also funded barriers for the Coon Rapids Dam. With that, along with education and law enforcement, I feel the state and our local lake associations have stepped up in a big way to combat all invasive species. With the big work accomplished, we must still maintain the efforts in the future. What priority will you give to energy efQ ficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota? We Minnesotans have expended many resources on renewable energy in our state. A We should always encourage the public and business to seek energy efficiencies. Renewable energy is moving forward in several areas, and if the outcomes are cost effective, government should not stand in the way. I, along with other Republican senators, sent a bill to Governor Dayton that would lift the ban on nuclear energy in our state and he vetoed it. I envision this to be the new meaningful, pollution free energy source for our upcoming generations.

### U.S. HOUSE - District 7 COLLIN PETERSON, DFL (Incumbent)

Why are you Qseeking this office? Collin C. Peterson: If I have the honor of being A re-elected Congressman of Minnesota’s Seventh District, I will continue to be an independent voice on behalf of my constituents and for rural economic development. I also am working to secure funding for water retention projects that could help alleviate flooding in many communities throughout the Red River Valley. What should the federal government do, if anything, to help younger Americans achieve greater financial security?

members in my district and often coordinated with them on local business, school, county, city and township issues. I have a proven record of bipartisan leadership.

How should the U.S. meet its energy Qneeds? Energy is a bright spot in our economy, and there are many opportunities for reA newable energy and domestic production to help meet America’s needs. Agriculture has helped to develop many renewable energy options and we are seeing those markets grow. The U.S. also can continue to promote conservation to help us reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Describe what actions you would take Q in Washington to strengthen the economy. Washington should stop trying to fix the A economy and let it run its course. Congress should pass long-term infrastructure bills that pay for themselves, like the transportation reauthorization that rebuilds our aging public infrastructure while promoting economic development and creating jobs. How would you work to balance the costs of our domestic challenges and military engagements around the world?

To balance our long-term budget, every domestic and defense program must be on the table. We’ll always respond to national security threats, however, we have to pay for the military engagements that we get involved in or we’ll continue to accumulate debt. If we put all options on the table and work together to make the tough choices, we can get back on track.

What priority will you give to Q energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

Many people saw significant Q increases in property taxes Energy efficiency and renewthis year. If elected, what will Aable energy should always be you do to lower the property in our long-range strategic plan. taxes for average/middle class home owners?

We need to reestablish the Homestead Tax Credit and A fund it to the best of our ability; increase our local government aid, and push back on property taxes, especially those to small businesses and the elderly, and renters who get credit. Is the state taking the right Q approach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done?

Whether in vehicles, home, school and business construction, industry and more, we always should strive to do it better, and cleaner. The renewable energy standards that were passed in 2007 are helping, but I think we need to give them and those who work with them some time to make them work. Five years is not enough. Meanwhile, I see us slowly adding more renewable energy, waste to energy, natural gas and creating incentives to help that happen. Keeping in mind we need our energy to be reliable, affordable and environmentally safe.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided through the League of Women Voters Minnesota Education Fund, with support from Target.

LEE BYBERG, R Why are you Qseeking this office? I am running for Congress because I am concerned about the current direction of A our country and what kind of future we will

be handing our children. Government is too big, too intrusive, too expensive, and spends money that we do not have. The national deficit and debt are not only a disgrace, but also a serious threat to the economy. Free markets are being undermined by crony capitalism, and our health care freedom are under threat. I am running because I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. What should the federal government do, if anything, Q to help younger Americans achieve greater financial security? The federal government is the single-biggest threat to Americans’ economic security. Deficits, debt, excessive regulations, a broken tax system, and bailouts for too-big-tofail companies paid for by small businesses and high taxes all harm the economy and job creation. The unemployment rate for young Americans is the highest ever recorded in our history, and the only thing that will ensure financial security for the next generation is a healthy economy unfettered by excessive government. A good job is the best financial security.

We can help younger Americans achieve A greater financial security by cutting A spending and paying down the debt that our country has accumulated over the last decade. I was one of 38 Democrats and Republicans who recently voted for the Simpson-Bowles Amendment to balance the budget and reduce the deficit in a responsible way. We have to stop fighting over ideology and put our country back on a solid fiscal path.

with chasing rather than containing, and it will cost millions of dollars. We need to step up our research and development because science will be our biggest helper. And at a time when the DNR admittedly has more land than they can properly manage, we need to see more of the Legacy money funneled into containment and enforcement of lakes with AIS and those who use those lakes, not on taking more property off the tax rolls by purchasing more land we cannot manage.

QHow should the U.S. meet its energy needs? Sometimes it seems like politicians think energy is a A. dirty word, even though energy is the lifeblood of our economy and the modern way of life. Government should quit picking companies and technologies to subsidize, and free our entrepreneurs to pursue an “all of the above” energy strategy. Fossil fuels, biofuels, wind and solar all have their place in the energy mix. Fracking has opened up new sources of energy, and the Keystone Pipeline can help bring a secure oil supply from our Canadian friends. Let’s stop subsidizing boondoggles like Solyndra and start building the Keystone Pipeline.

ADAM STEELE, Independence Why are you Qseeking this office? To bring Constitutional justice to MinA nesota. We reacted with horror to what happened at Guantanamo. But this sort of denial of Constitutional rights goes on continuously in certain Northern Minnesota regions where corrupt officials are in power; and it affects not international terrorists, but law-abiding U.S. citizens. Targeted innocent people are being framed, by law enforcement, for crimes they didn’t commit, and once jailed are denied bail, competent counsel, and the right to present evidence in their defense. Many are coerced into pleading guilty; others are sentenced to prison. See the Steve Samuelson case at steelescampsite.info What should the federal government do, if anyQ thing, to help younger Americans achieve greater financial security? It should encourage them to get a job, and be thrifty. Multi-generation welfare dependence must be A scrapped. Every able-bodied person should work, if they want to eat. If the private sector cannot provide enough jobs, there are many public services (like the old C.C.C.) that can provide work. It is time America returned to its place as a creditor (producing and exporting) nation; not a debtor (consuming more than it produces) one. This will restore individual security, as well as to protect the value of the dollar and the stability of the U.S. in global economy.

QHow should the U.S. meet its energy needs? First and foremost is population control. We’ve outbred our resources. That’s why gasoline costs what it does. A Food and clean water will be not far behind. It is time to remove all government economic incentives to overbreeding (such as the misnamed “Earned Income Credit”, which is actually welfare wrapped in a tax form, for people with kids); and provide education and incentives as to the need to control our population. Secondly, the government should take a greater role in making wind and solar affordable to average property owners and small businesses.

what actions you would take in Washington QtoDescribe strengthen the economy. Stop the deficit spending, reign in the EPA, and get the Describe what actions you would take in Washingbureaucrats out of the way of our job creators. The A Q ton to strengthen the economy. Obama Administration has spent the last three years trying to “stimulate” and regulate our economy into prosperity, and Restore the American work ethic that made this counthe results are dismal. Washington doesn’t create wealthy, but try great. Encourage work and production; remove proA it can easily destroy it. We need to audit and reign in the fedgrams that discourage same. That will help correct the eral reserve, and quit bailing out failing companies and subsidizing companies with political connections. We need to create a strong business environment, and ensure that trade is both free and fair. American needs more jobs, not bigger government.

How would you work to balance the costs of our doQ mestic challenges and military engagements around the world? The only way to pay for America’s commitments aboard is to ensure a strong economy at home. America needs to A get out of the business of nation-building, and focus on ensuring the security of our country and the stability of trade. America needs the strongest, most technologically advanced armed forces in the world, but we should be reluctant to use them except to defend vital security interests. We also need to reign in domestic spending, as the largest challenge to our national security today is our ballooning deficit and debt.

trade imbalance. Restore backing, as much as can now be done, to the dollar. How would you work to balance the costs of our doQ mestic challenges and military engagements around the world? Military strength is important, particularly with people A like Iran’s Ahmadinejad running around. But we don’t need any more $200 toilet seats. As an accountant, I am familiar with prioritization and budgeting. Here in Northern Minnesota, one sees waste of tax money almost daily in widening and resurfacing roads that don’t need it, to funnel money to the sweetheart contractors; and other unneeded projects and staff. With waste eliminated, there is enough tax money for the needed domestic challenges; and to keep the world’s strongest military. And Social Security benefits should not be taxed.

FRIDAY

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OCTOBER 12

2012

District 12

to accomplish their goals. I’m pretty skilled in speaking and writing clearly and know that when people understand the message, they are much more likely to support the organization. I’ve worked with the Minnesota Land Trust, Southside Family School, Carleton College, and, most recently, the Center for Victims of Torture. Perhaps more importantly, this work allows me to live full time on the farm again, which I’ve done for the past 10-plus years. Even to a casual observer, it’s obvious that Minnesota is suffering a crisis of leadership. In my view, I can help solve that. I have extensive experience in agriculture (the economic engine of SD12) and a wealth of education and involvement in the business community. I have a broad background of experience and the skills that can help reverse our current backward direction. The public is tired of the partisan Q politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done? Successful political action is not about pushing a personal agenda, reA gardless of the nature of the legislative body or needs of the constituents. It’s about the act of compromise. It’s about working with others to develop the ideas that best serve, not just the legislator’s constituency, but the entire state of Minnesota. Last year, the Republican majority decided to shut down the state government rather than compromise in any way. In my view, that’s not the way competent legislators operate and, if elected, I will not follow such a path. Many people saw significant increases in property taxes this year. If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners?

Property taxes have increased as state aid to our area has decreased. AThere are two ways to reset the state’s ability to support our area: increased revenues and decreased expenditures. As the economy improves, tax revenues to the state will increase. The state tax code can be reworked at

the highest income levels to make it fairer, also increasing revenues. Governor Dayton has already begun, and I support the continuation of a more streamlined structure for state administrative agencies, decreasing expenditures. While some candidates have claimed there is wide-spread waste in state government, none of them has produced a list of such wasteful areas or offered concrete suggestions for improvement. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? Fighting invasive species is a very difficult task. The more aggressive the A actions taken, the more disruption occurs in all related systems. Striking a balance between the types of action under consideration requires the professional advice of knowledgeable people, along with the informed input of our citizens. That balance must always consider the potential for failure and the possibility these species may become established, or, indeed, prominent, in our area. The consequences of such a scenario should temper the discussion. How much can we afford to lose economically if we lose the biological battle? Since I am not a biologist, I would depend upon, but not acquiesce to, professional counsel. What priority will you give to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

“Priority” suggests a numerical rating system, which, in my view, is neiA ther truly reflective nor rigidly applicable in legislative action. There is no question that we must address energy considerations in our state. We would like to diminish actions disruptive to our economic situation while acknowledging that the time for action is right now. Every alternative energy source needs to be examined in this light. How does it help? Is it sustainable? Is it economically feasible? Could it become feasible under different circumstances? Conservation efforts should get closer attention than they currently warrant.

TORREY WESTROM, R Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position. I am married with three children: twin daughters and a son. We live in A and own a home in Elbow Lake. I grew

up on a dairy farm near Elbow Lake and r graduated from West Central High School. I worked my way through college, earning degrees from Bemidji State University and later the William Mitchell College of Law. y With experience in livestock agri-business, and as a small business owner, I represent our rural values and way of life in St. Paul. I lost my eyesight in a farm-related accident in 1987, but I have tried to never f let this challenge stop me in life. Like everyone who faces adversity from time to time, I work hard to find a way to get things done. In 2011, I was named one of four speaker pro tempore by the Minnesota d Speaker of the House and served in this role the past two years. In 2012, with great humility, I was nominated and inducted into the high school national Wrestling Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Medal of Courage award. The public is tired of the partisan politics that often bog down the work of the Legislature. Specifically, how will you work with legislators from the other political party to get things done?

I would promote committee chairs and vice-chairs to be a mix of ReA publicans and Democrats; have more of a pro-rata percentage of the legislative make-up of each party on the committees; change legislative rules so every legislator could be assured of having two to five bills with an up or down vote on the House floor every session, so one party cannot lock them out. I will vigorously fight against any “gag rules” that would try to be imposed to limit debate of the minority party. This was implemented for the first time in 2008 by the DFL leadership, who was in control then. In 2012, I joined forces with Democrat and Republican legislators to repeal this rule. I believe it should stay that way so all elected legislators have the ability to raise their constituent is-

GERALD “JERRY” JOHNSON District 1 (Incumbent)

Please list your background Q and specific qualifications for this position. Lifetime resident, born and raised in Douglas County. FaA ther was Orvin, mother Nadine resides in Evansville. Married to Cheryl 43 years. We have three kids and six grandkids, two of whom attend Brandon-Evansville Charger High School. Graduated from Evansville High School and Staples Vo-Tech. Member of Chippewa Lutheran Church and Evansville American Legion. More than 140 years of family history in Douglas County have imprinted the need to keep Douglas County a good place for our kids, grandkids and, someday, great-grandkids to live. My work history of farming, a tour of duty in the Army in Vietnam, raising a family and being involved in their church, school and 4-H activities, doing construction work and township assessing, driving snowplow for the township, 13 years on the Urness Town Board and 8.5 years on the county board has given me the experience to do this job. What do you view as the Q biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it? As always, it’s the budget. Since A our 2009 budget (assuming the 2013 budget is approved at 2 percent), the levy has increased $3.2 million. The cost of fuel, labor and $1.2 million in state revenue cuts to the county has made budgeting interesting. The way county government works must change if we expect real estate taxes to continue paying 50 percent of the total budget. Would you say the current Q board has shown commitment and follow through on current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? I think our board has followed A through with the remodel of the service center (old Central High

District 12

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COMMISSIONER District 1

JOHN SCHULTZ, DFL

After a normal, small-town childhood in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, I came to Minnesota as a young adult to attend Carleton College in Northfield. Upon graduating from Carleton, where I majored in economics, I worked for nearly 10 years in New York City. First at the Irving Trust Company, a very large commercial bank, and then at Lehman Brothers, which at the time was the largest investment bank in the nation. While in New York, I studied at the NYU night school for a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in banking and finance. At the same time, I was a music theory student in the evening program at The Juilliard School. I had a lot of energy then; still do. But agriculture got the best of me. I left New York in 1973 and bought a large (for that time) farm in Big Stone County. I raised registered Polled Herefords and some of the less-common grain crops: barley, durum and sunflowers. And I did pretty well. My cattle won in the show ring, at the test stations, and in the sale barn. My crops were good, too, except for the complete drought of 1976. In 1979, I was named Minnesota Conservation Farmer of the Year. I paid my bills and made progress until 1980, which brought us Ronald Reagan and Paul Volcker. Like all beginning farmers, especially those starting from scratch (which could actually be done in those days), I carried significant debt. So when interest rates skyrocketed and grain and cattle prices fell, I was in trouble. Eventually, I sold most of my land and paid all my debts. But I was able to keep a few acres and a building site. Unwilling to quit entirely, I still run a few cattle in the summer and keep a few chickens, both broilers and layers. After farming for almost 20 years, I became a registered investment advisor in a small firm I started called Ethical Investments. We counseled individuals and foundations on socially responsible investing. Our clients earned good returns on investments concentrated with companies that were also good corporate citizens. More recently, I’ve focused on helping good non-profit organizations refine their messages and raise the funds necessary

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STATE SENATOR - District 12

Please list your background and Q specific qualifications for this position.

ECHO PRESS

sues on the Senate or House floors. Many people saw significant increases in property taxes this year. Q If elected, what will you do to lower the property taxes for average/middle class home owners? I would again support levy limits to allow property taxpayers to be proA tected from increases beyond the rate of inflation, unless the local unit of government (LUG) passes a referendum. This is the same way our school districts operate and cannot just raise property taxes if they want. This is the purest form of local control when each property taxpayer has a final vote. I also support giving all LUGs the right to opt out of any unfunded mandate with a three-fifths vote. This would dramatically allow LUGs to reduce costs that either the state or federal government impose on them. Is the state taking the right apQ proach to battling aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? What more can be done? Not completely. Last year, I introduced HF 1439, which would have established a DNR pilot project to test the effectiveness of Zequanox in Douglas County lakes. This proposal came from a group of local constituents and initially from a conversation at a local tire shop, where they brought Zequanox to my attention. Zequanox is a naturally occuring organism that is lethal to zebra and quagga mussels but harmless to other aquatic species. It is primarily used to remove zebra mussels from industrial plants that draw water from rivers and lakes, but researchers continue to study its efficacy in areas of open water that are infested with zebra mussels. Initially, in 2011, the DNR was uninterested in testing Zequanox. Their approach was to just make more criminals out of average Minnesotans through extreme penalties and fines. Many think this borders on going too far, yet protecting our lakes is important. By only adding more criminal penalties, it just focuses on punishment instead of eradication research. In recent years, the DNR has relied on

heavier fines and penalties, including criminal charges, for people who do not leave their boat plug out when moving the boat on a trailer, for example. Fortunately, this past summer, the DNR changed its stance toward Zequanox a bit and announced that they will test it at Lake Carlos. The test will be done by injecting Zequanox into controlled tanks filled with lake water that is infested with zebra mussels. I think the DNR should embrace more avenues to combat AIS. They maybe should be more focused on all the lakes that have known AIS and make sure no boats leave those lakes without being clean. AIS can even be spread by birds, so eradication is ultimately a more-sure goal to stop more AIS infestation. Recently, I met with local constituents who made me aware of the DNR making the new criminal rules so tough that they cannot comply and have recently applied for a permit to exempt themselves. This permit would allow them to transport their equipment with potential AIS on it. Hence, it has maybe gone too far when the DNR cannot even comply with their own rules. What priority will you give to energy efficiency and renewable energies? What energy future do you envision for upcoming generations in Minnesota?

Just like natural gas, clean coal and nuclear power, renewable energies need to remain a part of Minnesota’s energy supply. All of the above is a balanced and reasonable approach. This allows the state to help promote homegrown renewable energies, but that needs to be balanced with the cost of such renewable energies. The competitive energies like wind have grown significantly in our state over the past 20 years. More expensive sources should continue to be tested and research done through our universities and electric companies. This will help keep bringing those costs down as they become more commercially viable. I will continue to seek this balanced approach, being cognizant that we cannot drive up the cost of electricity more for consumers, but there is a legitimate place for homegrown renewable energies where they make sense.

School). This has been a very long process, but it will be completed by the end of the year. Some of the remodel decisions have not been easy and not always a 5-0 vote, but after the vote, the entire board has supported the decision. The county board’s choice has been very clear: catch up with fix-up, or scrap this building and spend three times more to replace the space used by Douglas County in the service center. Is there anything more the Q county can do to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. We will continue to support education about invasive species A and continue use of the county’s power wash at boat landings as long as needed. Removing large quantities of carp has made a huge difference in water quality in Red Rock Lake. County commissioners have Q recently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? The joint meetings twice a year A provide a chance for our Douglas County Board and the Alexandria City Council to discuss shared responsibilities, such as the 5th Avenue extension to the Public Works building, the turning back of county roads to the city and flood board. Many of these things are routinely handled by staff with no face-toface discussion by our elected boards.

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2012

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COMMISSIONER - District 1

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NORM SALTO

BONNIE HUETTL District 1

Please list your background and specific qualifications Qfor this position. Since 2005, I have attended a majority of the county commissioners’ board meetings as well as Board of AdjustA ment and Planning Advisory Board meetings. As a member of the board of directors for a nonprofit, this added to my experience in management. My professional experience includes: City of St. Paul’s Planning Economic Development, interacting with city officials regarding census data; office/store operations manager for a chain of retail stores, managing the store’s inventory, implementing a computerized inventory system for owners to track store inventory, hiring and managing staff in the office and warehouse, maintaining the business financial records and working with the CPA. As a small business owner for 22 years in real estate, I managed every aspect of my business, which covers advertising, crisis management, marketing and unbelievable communication responsibilities. In a large company, I trained new agents, and I participated in the management program. The communication component is the most important skill when working with title companies, appraisers, loan officers, buyers, sellers, other realtors, advertisers and inspectors, which results in a successful home purchase. Interacting with people in every aspect comes naturally to me and will serve our county well. What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the Qcounty right now and how would you deal with it? That is a multifaceted question, as all departments the county manages have challenges facing them around A budgeting. The county needs to be looking at how to be able to deliver services when the local government aid is lowered or eliminated in 2015. This should not be ignored, and we should plan now for that possibility. The biggest challenge is broad in that, as the need increases for social services with the baby boom generation entering retirement, dollars will need to be very wisely spent, and efficiencies will need to be found to stretch those dollars and not cut services The Public Health Department is in the process of considering merging several counties into forming one entity. This needs much scrutiny, as the impact may be positive to some but not others. How might it affect the delivery of services to those in need? Close attention and involvement of the board is needed to have an informed voice. Future expansion of courts will be a topic that will need revisiting, as there was no expansion done when the jail and LEC were constructed. The need is there. Would you say the current board has shown commitQ ment and follow through on current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? Much time, energy and dollars were put into trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, keeping the jail downtown. More than $200,000 was spent on consultant’s time redesigning and having studies done repeatedly and then rejecting them over and over during four years of debate. This time could have been more effective working with the Sheriff, consultants and other board members communicating concerns and managing costs. It appeared as though some board members decided not to accept a green site, even though that was the recommendation of the justice committee. The board also was advised many times against building on the downtown site by paid consultants, yet it was pursued. The energy, time and money spent trying to defeat the green site was wasted as the dollars spent now exceed the original project cost. Also, the county did not leverage their opportunity to cost share with the city on a joint law enforcement center. This was not a business-based decision, a waste of time and money. Now we are stuck with a disjointed system having the jail, LEC and the courts in separate locations. Plus, we have a beautiful new public works building we didn’t need.

Is there anything more the county can do to combat Q aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. Douglas County has been a leader in the state around this issue and needs to remain there. The county made a first step in fighting these aquatic invaders by acquiring a decontamination station at the recommendation of the board-appointed Douglas County Citizens Committee. My involvement in this arena has included going to the Legislature pleading for more funding for the DNR. Through this, I have gained invaluable information that can be used to further the education that is so desperately needed that the county can participate in at minimal cost. This growing issue has been on the forefront in D.C. since I brought it forward to the Douglas County Lakes Association in 2008. I was on the cutting edge gathering information and trying to gain support from area lakes that we needed to do something. While we cannot completely stop the spread of these invasives because either people remain ignorant of the facts or don’t care, the spread needs to be slowed. It is ignorant to believe doing nothing has no consequences. Slowing the spread allows more time for scientists to find a viable way to eradicate these invaders. My experience can be used effectively here.

County commissioners have recently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership?

It is unfortunate that this is news. Dialogue between the A cities and the county should be expected, not “recently opened.” By being engaged, attending each other’s meetings, you can gain a spirit of cooperation that continues in time least expected. Good communication should be a trait that all commissioners possess. A skill I possess is to gain respect from others through being engaged and knowledgeable in whatever I do. Collaboration saves everyone involved time and money by being able to share experiences with what works and does not in any given area. Being a commissioner should be a career and, as such, would include being involved with all agencies and communicating with them. My expectations are high in the area of knowing who the players are in any given arena, which is a big part of communication. The only way to do that is to be engaged at the local and state level. I enjoy being engaged and will continue to be.

COMMISSIONER - District 2

District 2 (Incumbent)

Please list your background and specific . Is there anything more the county can do Qqualifications for this position. Q to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about My background has given me a lot of oppor- protecting water quality. A tunity to work with the people of our commuAs for protecting our water quality, Douglas nity and surrounding communities, as deputy, sheriff, business owner and commissioner for the ACounty has purchased a portable washing unit to be used at the public access of infested past six years. What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it.

One of the big challenges our board faces is to see the completion of the Horizon health A merger and to keep in mind the possibility of other counties in our district sharing services. Would you say the current board has shown Q commitment and follow through on current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? I would say the current board is very committed to the completion of the law enforcement services center, and the courtroom remodel will move to the top of the list when the current projects are completed and the funds are available.

lakes as has the DNR. We must keep informing people how important it is to clean boats and trailers upon entering and exiting our lakes. A big thank you to the Douglas County Lake Association for bringing this problem to our attention and cooperation in a plan of action. County commissioners have recently Q opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? Communication between Douglas County commissioners and Alexandria City Council A just makes sense. It could prevent duplication of services by sharing ideas that could save us all money, while still providing the best possible service to our city and county.

JAMES STRATTON District 2

Please list your background and specific Qqualifications for this position. As a long-time resident of Douglas County, I A understand the issues and challenges the citizens of Douglas County face as we move forward. As a home owner, I have an interest in maintaining a tax structure to keep the county competitive for business and for residents. I will bring new energy and prior experience developing teams in both the business and public sector to the board. The commissioners need to work together and make a commitment to keeping Douglas County a leader and a place where people want to and can afford to live. I will bring a history of proven leadership skills to the board. Examples of this are serving as past president of the Viking Sportsmen and a member of the Sertoma executive board. I have demonstrated the ability to work with a variety of people from both the business and private sides of the community. With a varied employment history that includes service, management and non-profit, I have developed strong verbal and written communication skills. I feel this will serve the position well because it is essential that issues and possible solutions be discussed with the constituents before major decisions are made. I value people’s opinions and opinions with data even more. What do you view as the biggest challenge Q facing the county right now and how would you deal with it. We have an issue of runaway spending. I A would address the issue by looking at the real needs of the county. Once they are identified, close examination of budgets past and present may lead to potential savings and cuts. A list of the wants that are presented can be analyzed and determine if they are needed. If the prospective project has a potential pay back to the county, we need to determine what the benefit truly is and work out a time line that will enable it to be completed without increasing taxes. We have been on a run that has convoluted them into one category, and it has cost the taxpayers way too much. The recent court decision concerning the Alexandria Lakes Area Sewer District will be one of the biggest issues facing the county in the near future. I would do my best to bring the facts to the public so they can understand what the issues are and what the potential costs to the county could be. Would you say the current board has shown Q commitment and follow through on current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? I can remember my father would say, “You A can’t make a silk purse from a pig’s ear,” if I had an unrealistic idea. The county has spent many dollars trying to turn an old school building, that the school did not want for many reasons, into what we have today.

But this is not productive. It is a decision that was made, and now we have to live with it. What I would like to see now is a budget line item to pay for the cost of maintenance to ensure that in 10 years we are not in the same situation, with people saying we need a new law enforcement or service center. Is there anything more the county can do to Q combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. Everyone is quick to point fingers and blame someone else for bringing invasive species to A our area lakes. The hard part is to come up with a coalition of all the players and focus not on blame but on solutions. Many of these aquatic species are not new to the lakes and streams in the U.S. We need to pressure the DNR to be more aggressive in their research to kill mussels. The financial impact of tourism to the county makes it very important in finding a solution to prevent the further infestations in our area. We must make the first thing everyone thinks about when moving boats, docks and lifts is what chance is there of moving a mussel? We need to treat every lake as if it is infested because we never know if and when it could be identified and added to the list of infested lakes. When, in the meantime, we have moved our boats and other equipment to other area lakes and infested them. This is going to have to be everyone’s responsibility and foremost on their minds when dealing with anything concerning our lakes and waterways. County commissioners have recently Q opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? My thoughts on this process are: Why did it take so long? Alexandria is just one of the A many pieces of the puzzle that make up Douglas County. Although it is a major part of the Douglas County community, all communities in Douglas County need to have input into county plans. Without their commitment to the county’s overall plans, it would be like leaving out one of our townships and their residents. I would encourage more conversation with the Alexandria City Council. What I see happening is a potential partnership in services and systems in the city and county. What I would bring to the partnership would be a clear goal of streamlining any replicated service or process that both the city and county perform. As we look toward the future, we cannot afford to do business as usual simply because it is what we have always done. I see the next several years as pivotal in our being able to provide the level of services our county residents have come to expect. With new growth and added needs, resources will be stretched. Now is the time to plan for the future.

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2012

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COMMISSIONER - District 3

JERRY RAPP

BEV BALES

District 3

District 3 (Incumbent)

Please list your background and specific qualifications for this position.

I was born and raised on a farm in Barnesville and went to Assumption A Grade School, Barnesville High School and to North Dakota State College of Science. I was employed by IBM Corporation for 16 years. My duties were in administration and personnel. I was also a national instructor for IBM, the first female instructor in IBM’s field engineering division, conducting classes in 20 major cities. For 27 years, I was a successful small business owner/operator. I am widowed and have one daughter, Becky. She is division director for corrections in Stearns County. Becky’s husband, Adam, is an engineer at Alexandria Industries. They have two sons, Drew, 6, and Collin, 3. My experience being a grandmother, growing up on a farm, working in the corporate world, running a small business, in addition to township and county government experience, gives me a great background to continue serving as county commissioner. What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it?

I think one of the major challenges may be to convince citizens how important county government is to them. Some may not know what a county budget includes or serves. They need to know counties are entities of the state and are at their mercy. It becomes a major issue as how to provide all the services of a growing county while keeping expenses down. It becomes a huge challenge for townships, counties and cities to keep up with the needs of the people with the Legislature cutting homestead credit for 95 percent of the people, raising their taxes, with the constant unfunded mandates by the state and the program aid that is constantly cut. It is difficult to plan and budget when the rules keep changing. We discuss new issues with technology and its cost at every board meeting. Every department has issues with budget pressures and inflation.

Would you say the current board Q has shown commitment and follow through on current projects, for exam-

The law enforcement center is close to being totally remodeled. I believe that it will be an improvement that everyone will appreciate. It has been controversial at nearly every step of the way, but my main goal has been to keep the court and law enforcement together and save many dollars. I still believe that this has been wise. If you compare alternative plans, this has been a considerable cost savings and changes for real future needs.

Is there anything more the county Q can do to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. Douglas County has led the state in A invasive species control. We are a test county trying a product that kills the zebra mussels. The signage at public accesses has made folks more aware of protecting our lakes from aquatic species. So many issues with water pollution are not visible. Mussels are so visible, and their control is controversial. We must stay alert to all pollution to protect our lake area resources. County commissioners have reQ cently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? The question is directed at the city of Alexandria and Douglas County. I A would first like to say that I have always had open communication with the townships and cities in my district. Their needs are well known by me, and their budget issues are of real concern to me. There has been ongoing discussion as Alexandria has acquired township areas, highway jurisdiction has changed, licensure or code discussion has been necessary. All levels of government compete with each other for programs and tax dollars. There are often turf issues. However, meetings between city and county are an excellent way to see where we agree and disagree and are necessary for good decision-making. They are helpful to see where we can save taxpayer dollars. I have opened up lots of conversation with other counties through the committees I serve on statewide and will continue to see what we can do together, be it a city or township or other county, for the good of all.

ple the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress?

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Please list your background and Would you say the current board Q specific qualifications for this poQ has shown commitment and follow sition. through on current projects, for examI was born and raised in Alexandria ple the law enforcement and services A and have been a resident of Carlos center and courtroom remodel? What Township for 45 years. My wife, Jane, would your strategy be to further and I have four children, Jeremy, Maggie, Robert and Lane. I am a graduate of Jefferson High School and Alexandria Technical College. I am a veteran of the United States Army, having served our country from 1969-1971. I am also a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. My parents, Bob and Lavon Rapp, live in the Alexandria area. I am co-owner of Rapp Construction, Inc., with more than 40 years’ experience in commercial and residential construction, on-site sewer treatment installations and hooking up ALASD sewer connections. I have also been active in farming for the past 40 years, and I am well aware of all the challenges that the farmers fact to make a living today. I know what it takes to keep the fuel tanks full and the equipment running. I believe that with my background as a business owner in my fields, that I can provide the positive leadership required and bring new direction to the voters and taxpayers of Douglas County in District 3. What do you view as the biggest Q challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it? I feel the biggest challenge facing the county right now is stabilizing A taxes. I realize there are necessary expenses in running the county government. Growth is very important, but if this growth costs the taxpayers more in tax dollars, then we need to take a better look at the spending. I do believe we have to take a conservative approach when spending your tax dollars. We need to support and encourage our small businesses. Employers cannot hire employees without the work to make it profitable. We shouldn’t move people into Douglas County without available jobs or this will burden our already stressed economy. We need to be knowledgeable, caring and cautious about all decision making but still be aggressive enough to make smart decisions. I am also well aware of the day-to-day issues and concerns that face seniors. People on fixed incomes are greatly affected by the rising real estate taxes. With my leadership as your District 3 county commissioner, I would aim to do whatever is necessary to maintain stability with expenditures to control your taxes. We need to stabilize real estate taxes to prevent being taxed out of our homes.

progress?

The projects that are currently in motion for Douglas County are comA mitted and need to be followed through to completion. As District 3 county commissioner, I would be hands-on future projects. I would make certain that as many of the products and materials being used are available locally. This would help our local economy, as well as being efficient with budget spending. Is there anything more the county Q can do to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. As far as the issue to combat the aquatic invasive species, the obvious way to control the zebra mussels is to personally take every precaution to not remove any watercraft, dock, boatlift, anchors or bait from infected waters and move them to uninfected waters. Without a doubt, we have an uphill battle. If you sell any items that have been in any infected waters, you must take responsibility and inform the buyer what needs to be done before transferring. It is absolutely everyone’s responsibility to monitor ourselves to keep the problem from getting worse. County commissioners have reQ cently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? I think that open communication with the city council is a very posiA tive move forward. There are many business owners that live outside of Alexandria city limits and cannot vote on issues that affect their businesses in the city of Alexandria. With this open communication between the county and the city, it will bring positive representation for District 3 to the business owners that fall under this guideline. With the city and county working together, this should bring better decision making for all taxpayers. The small towns in District 3, Carlos, Miltona, Nelson and Osakis, are great small towns to raise a family, and I personally want to see them maintain their own identity. Your vote for me, Jerry Rapp, as District 3 county commissioner, will bring positive impact with fresh ideas and new direction. Thank you for your support!

COMMISSIONER - District 4

CHARLIE MEYER

PAUL C. ANDERSON

District 4

District 4 (Incumbent)

Please list your background Q and specific qualifications for this position.

operation. I would try to get each department to work more efficiently within their budget.

I was born and raised in Douglas Would you say the current A County. I graduated from Jeffer- Qboard has shown commitment son High School in 1973. I went to and follow through on current Alexandria Tech and graduated with a degree in sales and marketing. I have worked full time at Garden Center since 1974. My wife, Kathy, and I have been married since 1978. I have three grown children, two sons and a daughter, all living in Douglas County. My two sons and I currently own and operate our family business. I retired from the Alexandria Fire Department with more than 20 years of service. I was president of the AFD Relief Association for 18 years. I was on the board of directors for Viking Savings Association from 1996 to 2008. I have been on the Minnesota Bowling Proprietors Board of Directors since 1984. I have been on the executive board for 12 years, serving as the president in 2005 and 2006. I am active in the West Central Food and Beverage Association and am now serving my second term as president. What do you view as the biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it?

projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? I think they definitely had good follow through on their project A with the courthouse and the old Central School. I would make sure there is a better maintenance program in place moving forward.

administration. Most of my military time was in Kyoto, Japan. Following that, I spent 31 years in the insurance industry and at the same time served Alexandria Township as clerk/treasurer. I have served on the board of directors for the Association of Minnesota Counties and as District 4 chair of the 11 counties in western Minnesota. My wife Velma and I have been married for the past 64 years. During this relationship we were blessed with two children, Sandy, who passed away in 1999 at age 49 and Dan, who is a teacher in Florida.

the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? I for one am not happy with the conA struction costs involved in our law enforcement buildings. This is an area where cooperation between county and city could have saved us many dollars. But we cannot look back, we must move forward. This is where the long range plan would come into the picture. We have the plan. Now we must use it.

Is there anything more the county can Is there anything more the What do you view as the biggest chal- Qdo to combat aquatic invasive species, Q county can do to combat Q lenge facing the county right now and such as zebra mussels? Share other aquatic invasive species, such as thoughts about protecting water quality. how would you deal with it? zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality.

I think the county has been doing a good job keeping an eye A on that. I think if we continue to work closely with the DNR, our water quality will improve. County commissioners have Q recently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership?

I think the city and county I believe the biggest challenge right now is trying to reduce the Ashould work together as often as A government’s wasteful spending possible. We could save the taxpaywhile continuing to run an efficient

Please list your background and spe- December 15, we will be able to reduce this to 1 percent or lower. Qcific qualifications for this position. Would you say the current board has I was raised in Pope County as a farm A boy. Following my education, my military Qshown commitment and follow service was in the Army Security Agency in through on current projects, for example

ers money if we didn’t duplicate some services.

This is an area where we must depend All units of government, federal, state A and local, are becoming too large to be ef- Aon experts in the field such as DNR and ficient. We must do whatever is necessary to citizens who are trained in this effort. We become more efficient in our delivery of services such as cooperating with other units of government and working closer with our Legislature, urging them to enact legislation that would enable us to deliver services more efficiently. I would continue to do as I have advocated in the past. This would include combining services with other entities locally and other counties. We must rid ourselves of the “us and they” attitude and work together. If we can do this, we would be able to deliver the needed services more efficiently. Please remember, we have five unions in our courthouse who represent many of our employees. Through hours of negotiation, we were able to set our levy for 2013 at 2.03 percent, and hopefully by

must look at the most economical solution. If you, as our taxpayers, have any ideas, let us know. We will listen. County commissioners have recently Q opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? Cooperation with the city of Alexandria A on various boards would naturally save money, and we are beginning a dialog with the council. If we don’t start cooperating with our various units of local government, cities and townships, and neighboring counties, I can see the state of Minnesota doing it for us, and that we do not need. Let’s keep it local.

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2012

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COMMISSIONER - District 5

DAN OLSON

CAROL WENNER

District 5 (Incumbent)

District 5

Please list your backQ ground and specific qualifications for this position. I was born and raised in Alexandria in Douglas County. I graduated from Jefferson High School. I have been a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church where I was baptized, confirmed and married. I served on many committees such as Board of Lay Ministry, chairman of the Board of Education, chairman of the 100-year anniversary celebration. I sing in the choir and with the praise worship team. I attended Alexandria Technical College and graduated with a degree in sales and marketing. I have been married to my wife, Dawn, for 40 years. We have two daughters, three grandsons and a step-granddaughter. The majority of my professional life was spent in business with my parents and brother at Olson Decorating, both in retail and contracting. The ability to listen to others and not make snap decisions is one of my best traits. I make sure that I remain accessible, representing not only the people of District 5 but the entire county. I am very much a “people person” and do not micro-manage. Currently, I am entrusted by my colleagues as chairperson of Pope Douglas Solid Waste, Rainbow Rider, treasurer of West Central Community Actions and Lakeland Mental Health, past chairperson of the Hospital Board and County Board and I serve as chairperson of the Compliance, Security and Oversight Committee for Prime West. I have also worked on bringing five counties together to form Horizon Public Health, a start to bringing our counties together into greater fiscal responsibility.

What do you view as Q the biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it? There are always different challenges every day such as: keeping our county a good, clean place that people want to live and work in, keeping our tax levy low and yet provide for the needs of our county and its residents. Another important challenge not only for us but other counties is the combining of services. The more we

do together with other counties becomes a plus as far as fiscal responsibility and delivery of services. The state has made some indications they would like the counties to combine and the more we do now will help us to partner with the counties we know will work together. Would you say the curQ rent board has shown commitment and follow through on current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress? We have followed A through on some projects such as law enforcement and services center, etc., not always the way I thought best, but yet they are done. We need to remodel our current courtroom facilities soon! We have to do these things, and when they are done, we need to maintain these buildings continuously, which will help us keep our facilities to serve us longer! Is there anything more the county can do to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality.

We, as a board along with A the lake associations and some very committed constituents, have actually been ahead of the game with our work on zebra mussels, trying to find different ways of eradicating these and other invasive species from spreading any farther into our lakes. We need to keep working locally along with the DNR and the state to find and use new ideas to further keep our lakes as clean and pristine as possible. County commissioners have recently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? Open communication is A very important. This is something I have been working on and am glad to see happening. Having grown up in Alexandria, I can honestly say I have the ability and vision of the importance of the continued open communication, not only with Alexandria but all the towns of Douglas County.

Please list your backQ ground and specific qualifications for this position.

would encourage an increase in grant funding to fund programming and aggressively advocate for funding in rural areas.

I have been an employee, parWould you say the current A ent, volunteer, and concerned citizen of Douglas County for 30 Qboard has shown commityears. I received an associate’s ment and follow through on degree in marketing sales management from Alexandria Technical and Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Southwest Minnesota State University. Through these experiences I learned to scrutinize budgets and came to understand the value of building relationships through effective communication skills such as listening and negotiating. I was also employed at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce where I built strong relationships with local small businesses and served on the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State Colleges and University System. Additionally, I worked at Douglas County Hospital and understand the challenges facing hospital and county-level employees. Finally, at Knute Nelson I learned how to advocate for seniors and other vulnerable groups. In summary, I have a sense of humor, an open mind, a clear vision of where county government should go, and Douglas County residents can count on me to advocate on their behalf. What do you view as the Q biggest challenge facing the county right now and how would you deal with it? The demographic forecast for A our community is that by 2030, those older than 65 will increase by 70 percent and those 55 or older will double. Because of likely state government deficits and the increasing service needs of an aging population in Douglas County, we could have fewer resources to meet these increasing demands. This will lead to tightened budgets, even if we raise additional revenues and reduce or eliminate some services. Because we rely so much on public health nurses to fulfill care plans, it is essential that we have adequate resources, public health nurses and the capacity to manage these growing caseloads. In order to serve a growing senior population we need to maintain a vibrant aging services network at the county level through funding of lower-cost, non-medical services and supports so seniors wishing to stay in their homes can remain independent. We need to maintain a coordinated and cost-effective system of home and community-based services that will help seniors stay healthy and in their homes. I

and look to the future of service delivery across departments and county wide. My strategy for further progress toward improvements in local government would be to engage voters and citizen groups to participate in the decision making process. The residents in Douglas County are willing to accept changes in how services are delivered but they will want to remain informed of why changes or redesign are needed, what is being changed and how they will be impacted. People are willing to participate if they are invited to the table and if they see that their concerns or ideas are seriously considered. With limited resources available, we need to be thinking about how to redesign our service delivery and overcome the barriers to doing so. We need to encourage innovation and reward cost saving ideas. I believe firmly in the fundamental importance of strong, efficient and effective local government, so I will work diligently with department heads to educate the public on the services provided to citizens in Douglas County as well as the challenges we face in this tough economy. Is there anything more the Q county can do to combat aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels? Share other thoughts about protecting water quality. Our lakes are an essential inA gredient to our success in Douglas County. The Douglas County Lakes Association has received DNR grant funding for inspections. They conducted a survey on impact, which can be found on their website at www.dcla.org. We need to continue partnerships with the Douglas County Lakes Association and the DNR. They are the experts we need to rely on to explore the problem and make recommendations to protect our lakes. The DCLA recommends prohibiting transport by enforcing decontamination of boats and trailers, enforcing existing Min-

County commissioners Q have recently opened communication with the Alexandria City Council. What would you contribute to this partnership? I have been attending both A the Alexandria City Council meetings and the Douglas County Commissioner meetings, and I have been impressed with the camaraderie and the willingness of both entities to attend each other’s meetings. As resources become scarcer, it is critical to have everyone at the table. My chamber work provided a great conduit for collaboration. Oftentimes I would bring different business sectors together for a common community goal. For example, after attending a lunch and learn hosted by the chamber facilitated by a Minnesota epidemiologist about disaster preparedness for disease epidemics and other community disasters, I learned that one of the first steps in disaster preparedness is to know who the decision makers are in a community. Crossing traditional organizational lines is a valuable tool to break down barriers to communication. I believe it is a win-win for state, county, city, and business leaders to put this into practice. It is time to set aside any territorial notions and work together to find a better and more efficient way to deliver services. The state of Minnesota is encouraging counties to implement redesign of services to improve outcomes. We are currently participating in some great partnerships across jurisdictional lines, and we need to encourage department heads to continue improving processes by looking at other best practices.

Lifelong resident of Alexandria Graduate of Jefferson High School Married to Jan (Raap) 33 years. Three grown children and three grandchildren Licensed contractor and independent business man for over 30 years Past exalted ruler and past trustee at Alexandria Elks Lodge 1685 Past member Alexandria Economic Development board from inception - 2006 Lifelong member St. Mary’s Church Member Knights of Columbus, Eagles, Elks, Viking Sportsman, life member NRA, life member MN Deer Hunters

Vote Bob Cunniff for State House 8B

The decision has been made, A and it is time to move past the jail/law enforcement facility issue

Mark R. Pederson for Mayor of Alexandria

The Voice We Deserve.

Paid for by Cunniff for State House, PO Box 182, Carlos, MN 56319

current projects, for example the law enforcement and services center and courtroom remodel? What would your strategy be to further progress?

nesota law, and eradication with Zequanox, an environmentally friendly bio pesticide. The Lakes Association has requested funds from the Legacy Act to combat the zebra mussel problem with inspection, education, and enforcement and they urged legislators to provide the DNR with the tools they need to halt the spread as well. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners supports the Minnesota Senate Action, and the Douglas County Lakes Association recommended the endorsement of a 2011 watercraft season pilot eradication effort on two acres of Lake Darling. The work is ongoing, but I feel confident that the Douglas County Lakes Association and the DNR will provide the commissioners with the most up-todate information on water quality issues while keeping the citizens of Douglas County informed and our lakes and waterways as healthy as possible.

FOR POSITIVE LEADERSHIP

The Change we Need.

R001802249

FRIDAY

I would proudly and responsibly serve the people of Alexandria. I humbly ask for your support and vote in November.

Paid for by Mark R. Pederson on his own behalf.

R001803254

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