1. K-12 Education: Should the state increase its level of funding for public education? If so, how should the state pay for it? What reforms, if any, are necessary to improve student achievement? (Please limit your answer to 75 words.)

Yes.  I support public education. The Legislature needs to meet its commitment to fund K-12 education. This means funding to reduce class sizes and improve quality. We need to support special education, English as a Learned Language (ELL) and look at the per pupil funding formula. The heavy reliance on standardized testing does not take into account that children learn at different rates and levels.

2. Taxes: Should the state adhere to a “no new taxes” pledge as prescribed by the governor? Do you support an increase or expansion in taxes? If so, which taxes? (Please limit your answer to 75 words.)

No.  Yes.  I support a gas tax increase to meet our road and bridge needs.  I support a balanced approach to solve the deficit. Past solutions have been one-sided and have had negative consequences for the long-term health of our state. I believe in an honest approach, rather than hiding the deficits and not taking inflation into account.  I will tell the public where the state budget stands and what the choices are we face.

3. Stadiums. Do you support public financing for new stadiums for the Twins, Vikings or University of Minnesota? (Please limit your answer to 75 words.)

I support private funding of professional sports stadiums.  I am open to public funding of University of Minnesota sports complexes because of the public responsibility to fund the University.  However, our first priority must be to keep tuition low and maintain the University's standing as a first rate institution.

4. Health Care. Should the state-imposed health care provider tax be eliminated or replaced? Why or why not? (Please limit your answer to 75 words.)

The health care provider tax should be supplemented to provide a greater and more stable source of funding for MNCare, a program that provides affordable health insurance to working poor families and individuals who have no other source of income.  This means looking at additional sources of revenue, which would allow a reduction of the tax.  We need to retain high quality doctors and dentists, but we also need to keep our commitment to MNCare.

5. Qualifications: What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) in the race? What are your qualifications for the job? Why should the voters elect you? (Please limit your answer to 75 words.)