Read side-by-side opinions of House 14B candidates Paul Brandmire and Dan Wolgamott
Nora G. Hertel
This is part of a series of question-and-answer reports covering candidates in legislative Districts 13, 14 and 15.
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St. Cloud's House District 14B moved between Republican and DFL control three times in the past decade.
The DFL Party feels the district is becoming even more blue. It includes eastern St. Cloud and Haven and Minden townships.
Freshman incumbent Rep. Dan Wolgamott, D-St. Cloud, is running for a second term. He's up against St. Cloud City Council member Paul Brandmire on the Republican ticket.
Wolgamott, 29, is a realtor and high school football coach. Brandmire, 61, drives a semi and has experience with various community groups, including Lutherans for Life and the Paramount Theatre advisory board.
RELATED: Rep. Dan Wolgamott to launch re-election campaign with Gov. Tim Walz
RELATED: St. Cloud City Council member Paul Brandmire announces run for 14B House seat
The candidates shared their differing views on COVID-19 and the state's response, racism, climate change and the economy. Read below for their answers to the St. Cloud Times' 2020 legislative survey.
Their top priorities
What is your top priority if elected to the Legislature?
BRANDMIRE: Ensuring the safety and security of our citizens through proper support, funding and training of our law enforcement and first responders.
WOLGAMOTT: My top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of Minnesotans through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have to make sure our workers, businesses and families make it through this crisis and that we build a better future for all, no exceptions.
RELATED: 'Renaissance in St. Cloud': DFLers say they're gaining an edge in fight for a Senate seat
COVID-19 and public health
What would you do in the Legislature, if anything, to mitigate the public health crisis of COVID-19?
BRANDMIRE: Re-open the Minnesota economy while monitoring the numbers of cases and the results of infections. We need our lives and livelihoods back by accepting a certain amount of risk. The key is management, not a complete shutdown.
WOLGAMOTT: I chief authored the law ensuring front-line health-care, public safety and child-care workers can receive workers' compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19, and I worked to expand testing capacity. I will keep working with (Gov. Tim) Walz's administration to continue these efforts and make decisions based on science and data, not partisan politics.
RELATED: On the record: What do legislative candidates think about Gov. Walz's emergency powers?
The economy
What would you do as a member of the Legislature to mitigate the economic crisis caused by COVID-19?
BRANDMIRE: Support actions to receive federal funds; re-open our economy; encourage participation and local spending in our community and state.
WOLGAMOTT: I helped secure funding for loans and grants for small businesses, and would continue these efforts. I also supported an economic security package that included housing assistance to help renters and homeowners struggling as a result of COVID-19. I support passing a robust bonding bill to create jobs, invest in local projects, and improve our infrastructure.
The budget deficit
How will you manage the state's projected budget deficit as a member of the Legislature? What will you prioritize or cut in the budget?
BRANDMIRE: I recognize that any cut in any program is going to hurt someone. That's a given. However, the reality is this COVID has done havoc on the state budget and we must have a balanced budget. I would prioritize safety and security of the population, then closely examine every other program for potential cuts.
WOLGAMOTT: Minnesotans need investments in the things that will help them make it through this crisis and thrive after it, including quality health care, economic security, a good education, and safe and healthy communities. Corporate special interests need to pay their fair share in taxes, and I support closing the tax loopholes that benefit them, not us.
RELATED: Central Minnesota legislators reflect on how life experience, race, gender impact service
Drawing new political districts
How will you approach redistricting after the 2020 census? What are your thoughts on gerrymandering and partisan election maps?
BRANDMIRE: Redistricting should be done based on population, not on partisan lines. The districts should be as straight-lined and sensible as possible, based on maps, not winding around to capture voter preferences.
WOLGAMOTT: Minnesota has a long history of good government and strong civic engagement — let's keep that going. We need a fair and open redistricting process.
RELATED: 'No offense meant': Brandmire was intentionally vague with yellow star comment in mask debate
Race and racism
What would you like to do, if anything, to address racist policies or racial inequality in Minnesota?
BRANDMIRE: When found, "racist policies" should be changed. "Racial inequality" should be examined to determine the root cause, and then address that. While I'm certain racism exists, I do not believe it is "systemic," that is, not in the system. I believe in treating all people equally and respectfully until, through their own actions (not of race or ethnicity), they earn the privilege of being treated differently.
WOLGAMOTT: It's time for us to address structural racism for what it is — an economic and public health crisis. Change won't happen overnight, but we can start by working to close the opportunity gap in education, eliminate barriers to the workforce and ensure all Minnesotans have access to quality, affordable health care.
RELATED: Expect clean energy new policies from lawmakers. Here's a preview from St. Cloud
Climate and energy
What would you do, if anything, to address climate change or alter energy policy in Minnesota?
BRANDMIRE: I don't believe that any substantial changes in climate are due to man's activities. I believe that climate changes on its own. I believe the earth has a tremendous ability to heal itself. I believe in clean air, clean water and clean fuel sources. I think that pipelines are safer and more secure than surface transportation.
WOLGAMOTT: Minnesota has been a national leader on renewable energy and taking action on climate. We need to accelerate our efforts, and continue growing good-paying jobs in our clean energy economy. I support moving to 100% clean energy by 2050 and Clean Energy First, which would require utilities to prefer clean energy over polluting energy when possible.
The election is Nov. 3. Early and absentee voting is open.
Nora Hertel is the government watchdog reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-255-8746 or nhertel@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @nghertel.