Voter's guide: Minnesota House District 36B

Talk about it

We asked all candidates the same questions and gave them each 600 words to answer. They got to use those words however they thought was best.

The questions are:

1. Why are you the best person to Represent District 36B in the Minnesota House of Representatives?

2. Transportation has been a big issue in this area, with proposals for everything from improved bus transit to light rail in the area? Do you think this area’s transportation needs are being met? If not, what must change?

3. What would be your priorities when trying to put together a balanced budget for the state?

4. If you could address just one issue as a state Representative what would it be and how would you address it?Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Pat Garofalo

Why are you most

qualified?

My record is that of a legislator who has voted for limited government, responsible spending, and reasonable energy policies. In my first two terms in office, I have worked to bring Republicans and Democrats together. I've been fortunate enough to be looked to by members of both parties as a leading reforming of the education funding formula, opposing federal education mandates, and fighting for honest budget solutions. In addition, people are very thankful that I led the effort to stop the transit property tax increase on Farmington and the surrounding townships.

How would you address

transportation?

We need to expand both road and bus capacity to our area. I believe there is consensus on that. As usual, the bigger fight is over how to pay for it. I believe we should find efficiencies in government to help pay for this. Others believe we need to raise taxes. The Cedar Ave. busway and I-35W busway are 2 examples of successes for our area.

What are budget priorities?

By keeping a lid on taxes, supporting policies that have government live within it's means, and growing private sector jobs.

Just one issue?

Get legislators to focus on doing the "right" thing as opposed to the "popular" thing. There is too much politics at the Capitol. We need to get more Democrats and Republicans who focus on working together instead of attacking each other.

Bev Topp

Why are you most

qualified?

I have a broad background that has prepared me to represent the residents of District 36B. I grew up on a farm in Dakota County and have lived in this district for most of my life, residing in Eureka Township for the last 33 years. I worked for 20 years in the business world, 16 of them as a manager. I have a degree in international studies with an emphasis in economics from the U of St. Thomas. I have experience in township government leadership as well as serving on the Dakota County Planning Commission, co-chair of the Farmland and Natural Areas Projects, protecting our water and preserving valued open spaces. I worked with people from all levels of state government and with environmental and sportsmen’s groups to preserve the Chub Lake WMA. I started the Citizens Energy Task Force to allow the public participate in the permitting hearings for the CapX high voltage large transmission lines. Our goal has been to support transparency in this $1.7 million dollar project that will be paid for by rate payers and affect Minnesota’s energy picture far into the future. I take my leadership efforts seriously and work for solutions that consider the present and the future. I believe approaching the complex issues we face today require thoughtful consideration and an effort to involve citizens. It will take working together with Minnesota’s elected representatives from all parties to sustain the Minnesota we all want to live in.

How would you address

transportation?

The high dollar and social costs of sitting in congested traffic must be addressed in ways that are most beneficial to specific parts of our district and the metro area that impacts it. Transit is needed in the metro area to relieve congestion, stress, and the high cost of fuel. Bus Rapid Transit is a good answer for Dakota County at present and the Hiawatha Line’s success has led the way for the Central Corridor. But we must also fund the needed repairs and upgrades to our district’s extensive road system to keep commerce flowing smoothly and to get our people to work. Our rural areas have a number of roads that are dangerous, with steep ditch grades and little to no shoulders. These roads have contributed to high and serious accident rates and upgrading them has been slow considering the human cost to our district.

What are budget priorities?

We must be sure government is operating as leanly and efficiently as possible and funding its present commitments. We must try to pay as we go rather than do excessive bonding that puts more future burden on our children.

Just one issue?

Because of our present national and state economy, I would address investing in the people of Minnesota: job creation including green jobs and incentives for small business, reduction of property taxes, making our education funding more fair and equitable, and continuing to work on health care reform that provides a less expensive health care system for everyone.

Tags: farmington, independent, election, minnesota, house, 36b