A4 The Free Press / Sunday, September 25, 2016

Candidates Question: What needs to be done to end the political gridlock in St. Question: What, if any, changes would you make to the way state Paul?: legislators make deals on legislation? SENATE DISTRICT 16 Answers: Answers: (GOP, incumbent): Our political climate is especially emotional these days, and too many times Our political climate is especially emotional these days, and too many times simple political disagreements devolve into something much deeper. Too simple political disagreements devolve into something much deeper. Too often we question each other’s motives. We need to accept disagreements often we question each other’s motives. We need to accept disagreements for what they are and look for areas where we can compromise. for what they are and look for areas where we can compromise.

James Kanne (DFL): No answer given Deal making is a function of structure and a top down structure with all the power in the chair makes for what we have seen; last minute backroom deals between the power elites. At the beginning of the session people’s rules must be adopted so that an open fair process can be followed allowing for citizen input and legislative oversight.

DISTRICT 19 Shane Wernsing (Libertarian): There must be more than two parties at all levels of politics. I envision leg- Bills should be smaller, literally, by being concisely written and easily read. islative bodies that have three, five, seven, or even more parties represent- They should also be smaller, figuratively, in that they should deal with one ing the people of and the nation. Then, true bridge-building and specific and well-circumscribed item at a time. This would require more compromise would occur. The false choice of left versus right would suffer work on the part of legislators, but I’m sure we will be up to the challenge. a long-overdue death. Breaking legislation into smaller packets will also allow constituents to bet- ter follow and judge how their representative or senator is doing. We need to be willing to learn from those who disagree with us. Election I prefer we strike bargains instead of “making deals.” We should have a Willa Dailey (GOP): to public office means performing a temporary service to the public borne deadline for making additions or deletions to legislation, giving all legislators out of a passion for taking on challenges we could not otherwise face alone. ample time to read and clarify before voting; especially on major tax and We have the same goal of a better life for ourselves and our children, and bonding bills. The governor’s authority to add or subtract anything from should express our differences on how to accomplish that in a more empa- legislation that has already been agreed to should be restricted, as it does thetic tone with an eye toward win-win solutions. not reflect the will of the people the legislators more directly represent.

Nick Frentz (DFL): We should expect that legislators put the interests of the state ahead of the I support changes that promote a process that discourages delay and interest of a political party. As I talk with voters over the last eight months, last minute deals. It’s just common sense to allow time for all parties to the No. 1 concern I hear about is a lack of willingness to compromise at the review proposed legislation. We must also work to keep the public in the Legislature. I want to look for solutions that show respect for all sides, and loop, because the value should be two-fold: greater trust by the public in to be open to compromise. Either we are all in this together, or we aren’t. the process, and a greater likelihood of finding the right solutions to our problems because of ideas put forth by the public.

DISTRICT 20 I have been a member of the Purple Caucus for the past several years. This I think we need to add a fourth deadline to the legislative process. This fourth deadline would require that all conference committee reports be Kevin Dahle (DFL, incumbent): group of Democrats and Republicans meets regularly to discuss policy, legislation, consider compromises, and encourage more transparency in completed a week before the end of the session. I am not in favor of huge the legislative process. We should always put people before politics. omnibus bills. Smaller individual bills allow both legislators and the public more say on more issues. I also believe compromise is more likely when conference committees take on less, not more.

Rich Draheim (GOP): Simply stated, elect lawmakers who have a history of success in bringing Republican Senator has forwarded a sensible proposal to people together to get things done. Every day that I operate as a small add new deadlines to the end-of-session conference committee process. business owner, I have to compromise, work together, negotiate and reach Doing so would expedite the negotiations necessary to come up with budget mutually agreeable solutions. I have to answer to my customers and targets needed for the conference committees to complete their work. I employees every day. Sadly, instead of answering to their constituents, would also support docking the pay of legislators when they fail to complete professional politicians like Kevin Dahle do the bidding of union and party their work on time. It may take the imposition of a financial disincentive of bosses who fund their campaigns. this nature to instill needed change. DISTRICT 23 Communication is extremely important in this process.I tend to get alot (GOP, incumbent): Actually, there is a lot of compromise and agreement between two legisla- tive bodies. The problem this year was with the governor and his incon- done while serving in the minority because I have built relationships and sistency and lack of communication towards his priorities. He also vetoed believe in the power of making sure everyone has a voice. It’s unfortunate an extremely important bi-partisan pension bill that received only four no that communicating is confused for cutting deals. votes from the legislative body. Communication is paramount.

Barbara Lake (DFL): It should be stated plainly that gridlock is against the principles upon which We should not be trying to make deals at the last minute or tack bills onto the state and federal governments are founded. People are elected because other legislation in order to get votes. It is basically wrong. Once public leg- their constituents think they are going to do “good” for their area and islators are elected, they should be looking at all of the needs of everyone in the state. Not doing the job of government is failing to live up to the high the state and not just Republican or Democratic platform agendas. Gridlock standards and ideals of service to others. has no place in state or federal government.

DISTRICT 24 Vicki Jensen (DFL, incumbent): Did not participate John Jasinski: (GOP): Did not participate

PROGRESS: Gridlock stymies projects, meanwhile legislature met no goals Continued from Page A1 parties are so far apart, and “The same thing is happening in various forms in lawmakers disagreed over Minnesota districts to the Republican Party in par- all the states that have divided government. And state budget proposals while change the Legislature’s to sneak in GOP-centric ticular has certain lines that Minnesota faced a $5 billion makeup. These so-called projects by subjectively they’re not going to cross.” it’s what’s going on at the federal level too.” deficit. “purple” areas, such as choosing highway projects As lawmakers continue “The same thing is hap- Owatonna and Albert rather than allowing the to obstruct each other, JOE KUNKEL, RETIRED POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR pening in various forms in Lea, have gone back and Minnesota Department of residents suffer from govern- all the states that have di- forth between liberal and Transportation to follow its ment inaction on key issues, package. House and Senate leaders vided government,” Kunkel conservative legislators in own ranking procedures. which this year included tax Those expectations died haven’t agreed on any of said. “And it’s what’s going the past. They offered numerous breaks and major infrastruc- when Democrats and Re- the governor’s priorities for on at the federal level too.” Still, political scientists written amendments before ture projects that would publicans couldn’t agree on more than three months, Today’s polarizing politics expect places like the eventually withdrawing have benefited south-central how best to fund transporta- and on Friday Dayton wrote is adversely affecting the Mankato area to remain them. Minnesota. tion: through a gas tax and in a letter to House Speaker U.S. economy, according to in the DFL’s control, and House Republicans What’s more, there’s no vehicle registration fees, or that he’s “reluc- an annual Harvard Business the surrounding rural accused their DFL counter- sign the Minnesota Legisla- through a shift in the state’s tantly concluded that the School report released ear- areas to remain GOP. parts of stalling for time and ture will rid itself of gridlock general fund by allocating time for a special session lier this month. The report’s Yet some lawmakers potentially thwarting the any time soon. motor vehicle parts sales has expired.” authors label government are trying to bridge the bonding bill. Stuck in the middle taxes, among other mea- Minnesota isn’t the only gridlock as “the single most gap between party lines. That bill made its way sures. state dealing with gridlock. important challenge to U.S. About 20 state senators to the Senate just a few Lawmakers didn’t ac- Transportation talk was Pennsylvania made head- economic progress” and call have joined the Purple minutes before midnight, complish any of their major pushed back to this year, lines earlier this year after for systemic reform across a Caucus, a collaborative but it was all for nothing. goals this legislative session. where lawmakers discussed the state went nine months broad economic spectrum, group started in 2013 Democrats introduced and They didn’t pass a public transportation funding without a budget, which which can’t be done if politi- by Sen. Jeremy Miller, passed an amendment that works bill or a transpor- throughout the session. forced school districts there cians can’t compromise on R-Winona, and Sen. Roger would allow the Met Coun- tation funding package. Yet both parties wouldn’t to borrow an estimated $1 certain initiatives. Reinart, DFL-Duluth, to cil to collect more money Though they passed a tax budge on their prospective billion to keep themselves Yet there’s little reason break through gridlock from metro-area counties bill this year, Gov. Mark plans, nor would they agree open and running. to believe voters will elect and find compromise in for transit projects, but the Dayton declined to sign it on whether transit funding Illinois has gone without centrist lawmakers any the Legislature. Though GOP-controlled House ad- into law after state officials should be included in the a state budget since June time soon. Congressional it received pushback journed just a few minutes found a language error that funding package. 2015, as Democratic law- districts have become more from both parties at first, before midnight. could have cost Minnesota Democrats say transit is makers there can’t agree on polarized over the past the caucus has grown to How did this come to more than $100 million over necessary and economically budget terms with Republi- few decades — causing include a sizable chunk of pass? Partisan gridlock has the next three years. sound for the state, while can Gov. Bruce Rauner. conservative-leaning areas the 67-member Senate over grown from disagreements While House Republicans Republicans believe transit Illinois legislators passed to increasingly vote for Re- the past three years. between Democrats and agreed to change the bill, projects cost far too much a stopgap funding package publicans as liberal-leaning The Purple Caucus has Republicans into political state officials say lawmakers for too little gain. in June to make sure the areas continue to support a long way to go before it polarization that has spread needed a special session to Lawmakers hoped Dayton state had money through Democrats. accomplishes its goals, how- across the country. change the bill so the state would call a special session this December, but analysts In Minnesota, that trend ever. Despite its efforts, law- “When voters elect di- could avoid legal battles this summer to at least say the measure has only has created a schism where makers haven’t found similar vided government, whether over the potential tax loop- salvage the tax and public made the state’s budget is- a majority of outstate dis- support for the caucus in the they do that intentionally or hole. works bills, but the governor sues worse. tricts elect GOP lawmakers House — in part because unintentionally, the result is This isn’t the first time introduced a series of priori- while a majority of metro members of the House are going to be very great dif- lawmakers couldn’t come to ties, including an additional The effects areas vote for DFL legisla- elected every two years, ficulty in coming together, an agreement on legislation. $182 million in public works Similar crises aren’t out- tors. which puts more pressure and most likely gridlock,” In the fall of 2014, many bonding projects, that he side the realm of possibil- Voters in these districts on them to appease their said Joe Kunkel, a retired legislators called 2015 “the required Republicans to ity for Minnesotans, who are unlikely to change their parties and their districts. Minnesota State University year of transportation” as agree to pass. already faced a government minds this fall, though Re- Follow Trey Mewes on political science professor. they expected to work out A special session has yet shutdown in 2011 when publicans and DFLers alike Twitter at @MFPTreyMew- “Especially given that the a transportation funding to happen. Dayton and top Dayton and Republican are targeting certain Greater es. The Free Press / Sunday, September 25, 2016 A5

Candidates Question: What needs to be done to end the political gridlock in St. Question: What, if any, changes would you make to the way state Paul?: legislators make deals on legislation? HOUSE DISTRICT 16B Answers: Answers:

Paul Torkelson (GOP, incumbent): The tax and bonding bills were derailed by the Senate’s eleventh hour No answer given demands and the governor’s refusal to call a special session to pass the things we agreed on.

In order to end political gridlock we need people in St. Paul who are willing My changes to the process would take two main forms. First, I would Austin Grossenburg (DFL): to reach across the aisles and work together to find compromises. It is impose a minimum time limit between when a bill is presented and when it perfectly fine to disagree about something, but as a legislator you have a can be voted upon. I also support limiting bills to one topic. Far too often, responsibility to not just your district but all of the people in Minnesota to bills are created that focus on many issues bundled together. Even if a get the job done. legislator supports certain aspects of a bill, they may be forced to vote against it.

DISTRICT 18B Here is the dilemma: Democrats generally believe that every problem can Glenn Gruenhagen (GOP, incumbent): Currently, the House and Senate pass a similar bill, which then goes be solved by growing government with higher taxes and more regulations. to a “conference committee” to rectify differences between the bills. Republicans generally believe the private sector can solve most problems The agreed-upon conference committee bill then returns to the house faster, cheaper and more effectively with lower taxes and reasonable and senate for an up or down vote without amendments. Unfortunately, regulations. Solving poverty for example: Democrats support current provisions can be added to the conference committee bill, which were not welfare system; Republicans support workfare, welfare reforms and in either previous bill. For example: DFL new Senate office building. These empowering charities to better respond to poverty. These worldviews lead “drop from the sky provisions” should be prohibited! to strong disagreements between the parties. Darrel Mosel (DFL): As your legislator, I would look to find common ground with fellow legisla- I would support efforts to change the process in such a way that negotia- tors. I would spport a rule making process that engages the public more tion on major bills not be done in the last days of the Legislature. Often in the committee hearings. The decisions made in committees would then times legislators do not understand the difference between compromise better represent the views of Minnesotans. As the Legislature convenes to and common ground. Lawmakers, in order to find agreements, do not need vote on these priorities, the amendments would need to be limited in order to compromise but need to find common ground. This ensures they are to ensure the bills passage. representing their constituents but at the same time moving the process ahead. DISTRICT 19A During the 2013-14 session under DFL leadership, we completed our work The bonding bill was presented to the full House of Representatives with Clark Johnson (DFL, incumbent): on time (three days early in 2014) and didn’t need special sessions to fin- about 45 minutes left in the 2016 session. A 599-page spending bill was ish the job. It can be done. With divided government, there is a heightened presented several hours earlier. It is a travesty that we were unable to get need for compromise and members who refuse to compromise need to be the job done because of a political game of chicken. Giving more authority held accountable. All bills need to be available to Minnesotans for 24 hours to committee leaders, creating a 24-hour rule and establishing earlier prior to a vote and we need earlier deadlines for conference committees. deadlines for conference committee targets can improve the process.

Kim Spears (GOP): We should work to eliminate omnibus bills. Unless an issue is trivial it I would get rid of omnibus bills because they provide too much cover for should be able to stand on its own merits. As shown in my previous answer bad deals. I heard a suggestion that all bills be read on the Legislature it is too easy to throw a “poison pill” into a giant bill package covering floor. I think this is a good suggestion as that would prove that at least many issues. It is my opinion that these types of bills lead to a lot of bad enough time was provided for someone to read the bill before it was voted legislation for the sake of getting the deal done. Better to consider the on. My experience in elected office is that few officials read all that they issues separately. are voting on. DISTRICT 19B (DFL, incumbent): Reform the process by having a 24-hour rule for new bills to avoid the First all humanitarian bills should stand alone. If this had been done Mad- last minute shenanigans of the past two years. Put out budget targets two elia would have their relief right now. It delayed aid to the turkey farmers weeks out from the end of the session for everyone to see and look at. In and the steel workers. It is wrong to tie other things to these bills. Next general open the process to more public scrutiny. Don’t accept behind the stop bundling omnibus bills together. Omnibus bills may be okay if bills are door deals brokered by a couple of people. on the same subject and are non controversial, but putting two or three together is asking for abuse.

Adam Isakson (GOP): Did not participate

DISTRICT 20A

Bob Vogel (GOP, incumbent): Did not participate

Jim Connelly (DFL): That’s a $900 million dollar question. I will try to be an example of being Having not been to St. Paul yet, I have no personal experience, however if honest, open minded and willing to help bring a compromising attitude to the voters select me, I will promise to use my character and integrity to the environment. guide me through all decisions.

DISTRICT 23A (GOP, incumbent): Did not participate

Zac Huntley (DFL): Simply put, we need voters across this state to vote out do-nothing We need processes in place that keep us from reaching the points we have politicians on both sides of the aisle. I don’t care if they are Democrat, in recent years at the end of sessions. We cannot have these last-minute Republican, or other. If they aren’t giving 100 percent in St. Paul — if they changes and amendments occurring with mere hours or minutes left. Vot- aren’t willing to compromise so that we can all move forward as a state ers need to vote in legislators who will put rules and processes into place — then they shouldn’t be in St. Paul. Vote them out. That is how this gets that will keep that from happening in the future, in addition to voting in fixed ... putting our collective feet down and saying “enough.” legislators who can actually compromise.

DISTRICT 23B Tony Cornish (GOP, incumbent): Contrary to popular belief, we did not have gridlock. We had “Senate Lock” In the 14 years I have been at the Capitol, state spending increased 54.7 and “Veto Lock!” The Senate added light rail to the bonding bill, knowing it percent from $26.648 billion to $41.763 billion. That should scare you. We would kill it after it came from House with a bipartisan vote. The governor also wade through over 2,000 bills a session. The February forecast we vetoed a tax bill that had 89 percent huge bipartisan vote because he was need to predict our spending doesn’t come out till late in the session. This mad we didn’t spend enough this session. The House GOP did their job. We huge workload will always take time. However, if we break down and can’t had Senate and governor “fail.” come to resolve? I suggest cutting two week’s pay and expenses.

Josh Haseman (DFL): We need to quit pointing fingers and look in the mirror and realize that we I think that any negotiated deal should have a mandatory 72-hour period are all at fault for the gridlock. We need to send a representative to St. of available viewing to the public and other legislators. The final bills for Paul who is willing to listen to other lawmakers and their constituents and session should be put forward no less that 48 hours so that they have time make the best decision for the district and the state, because in the end to be read and have minor changes made if necessary. we are all Minnesotans and not just Republicans or Democrats.

DISTRICT 24A

If gridlock is defined as legislation that doesn’t get passed then I would It may seem like the bargaining process was left to the last days, however (GOP, incumbent): say that sometimes gridlock is the best of the state. It protects us from the deadline is what forces the final decisions. It won’t matter when the legislation that is not ready and has not been thoroughly worked through. deadline is, it will always drive the bargaining and negotiations. With over Most conflict revolves around core values, which one of your core values 200 legislators it would be impossible to have all them in the negotiation would like compromised? meetings. Leadership was elected by each party to make these negotia- tions. That seems to be an appropriate use of democracy.

Bev Cashman (DFL): Divided government only works when both parties work together. The I will support a “sunshine agenda.” This means all legislators are part of Legislature needs some life lessons. Growing up with five older sisters, two the decision making process, not just party leadership. Specifically, hard younger brothers, one TV, and one bathroom I learned early negotiating deadlines for budget targets; time for legislative and public review of all skills on how to get along with others. The foundation for this is a commit- bills before voting; and a commitment to get the work done on time. ment to mutual success, a respect for different opinions and a willingness to compromise. The goal is to serve the interests of the state, rather than partisan politics.

VIDEO: Charlotte police release video footage of police shooting Keith Lamont Scott

Continued from Page A1 prints. They said the gun windows rolled up. Scott footage doesn’t show the pected the footage to calm didn’t break the law but was loaded and Scott was gets out and starts walking moment the shots are fired, protesters, Putney respond- noted that the state is con- Saturday night, Scott could wearing an ankle holster. backward before shots are and Scott next comes into ed: “The footage itself will tinuing its investigation. be seen backing away from They also said Scott also fired. view already on the ground. not create in anyone’s mind “Officers are absolutely his SUV with his hands had marijuana. From a different angle, Before releasing the foot- absolute certainty as to what not being charged by me at down, and it’s unclear if Videos from the dash- police body camera footage age, Chief Kerr Putney said this case represents and this point, but again, there’s there’s anything in his board camera and the body shows an officer approach at a news conference that what the outcome should be. another investigation ongo- hands. Four shots are heard, camera also show events with his gun drawn and an- he received assurances from The footage only supports ing,” he said. and he falls to the ground. leading up to the shooting. other officer already point- the State Bureau of Investi- all of the other information” Putney said that Scott Police also released pho- The dashboard camera ing his gun at Scott. When gation that letting the public such as physical evidence was “absolutely in posses- tos of a gun that they said footage starts with two of- Scott comes into view, he see the video would not im- and statements from wit- sion of a handgun,” and that was retrieved at the scene, ficers pointing their guns at has his hands at his side pact the state’s independent nesses and officers. officers also saw marijuana adding that it contained Scott, who is inside the SUV and is standing outside of probe of the shooting. At his news conference, in his car — prompting Scott’s DNA and finger- with the doors closed and his SUV. The body camera Asked whether he ex- Putney said that his officers them to act.