Posted at: 10/22/2012 10:42 PM
Updated at: 10/22/2012 10:48 PM
By: Dietrich Nissen
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Email to a FriendWhy Should District 25 And 26 Vote For You?
(ABC 6 News) -- On Monday night, candidates running for local legislative seats in MN Districts 25 and 26 met at RCTC's Heintz center to answer voter's questions. The League Of Women Voters put on the forum which ran for more than two hours. We stopped by and asked a simple question every voter probably wants to ask -- Why should people vote for you?
"I know the system, I know the people, but moreover I love this community. I want to go to Saint Paul and represent it once again," says Republican Senator, David Senjem, who’s running for re-election in District 25.
"[I’d like to go] because two-third of the state budget is in education and health and human services, it is critical to have someone with local knowledge be in our state Senate," says Democratic challenger, Judy Ohly.
"I've got a diverse background and a good skill base to represent them in Saint Paul," says Republican Representative, Duane Quam, who’s running for re-election in District 25A.
"I'm going to be someone that listens to every body's views and then I'm going to speak second and make an informed decision and keep the district in mind," says Democratic challenger, John Vossen.
"My experience, my bipartisan history, and my knowledge of the community is what's needed to represent this district," says Democratic Representative, Kim Norton, who’s running for re-election in District 25B.
"I've been a single mother, I've been a struggling student, I'm now a registered nurse. I know all of these things because I've walked in those shoes so I know what it's like and I can relate to so many different populations that we have here in Minnesota," says Republican challenger, Melissa Valeriano.
"I have a record, a bipartisan record of bringing solutions to Minnesota state government. Solutions to achieve a $7 billion dollar budget turn around, focusing on economic growth, job growth, making sure that student are well educated and ready to succeed," says Republican Senator, Carla Nelson, who’s running for re-election in District 26.
"I would look truly to find common ground that's what we need in the legislature. We need a structurally balanced budget. I can propose one," says Democratic challenger, Ken Moen.
"This is a really important year for healthcare and that's the area that I have concentrated in and I'm prepared and ready to start that very important work," says Democratic Representative, Tina Liebling, who’s running for re-election in District 26A.
"I'm committed to going up there and being the type of legislator that listens, hears both sides, and works to bring people together for the common good of Minnesota," says Republican challenger, Breanna Bly.
"I'm a fiscally responsible legislator protecting the rights of individual in the district. Making sure we have an economic climate that grows jobs and businesses, so that we ultimately have a bright future," says Republican Representative, Mike Benson, who’s running for re-election in District 26B.
"I believe we need to fix the way we are funding or not funding education. I have a real soft spot in my heart for small businesses and small towns. And I also believe taxation needs to be more fair and simple, so that people understand what they're paying for and where their money is going," says Democratic challenger, Pat Stallman.
If you'd like to learn more, below are links to each candidate’s individual websites.
David Senjem - http://www.senjemforsenate.com/
Judy Ohly - http://judyohly.com/
Duane Quam - http://duanequam.com/
John Vossen - http://www.johnvossenforstaterepresentative.com/
Kim Norton - http://www.kimnorton.org/
Melissa Valeriano - http://valerianoforhouse.org/
Carla Nelson - http://www.carlanelson.com/
Ken Moen - http://www.kenmoen.org/
Tina Liebling - http://www.tinaliebling.org/
Breanna Bly - http://blyformnhouse.com/
Mike Benson - http://benson4rep.com/
Pat Stallman - http://www.patstallman.com/
