Savage Pacer
Submitted by Nancy Huddleston on October 15, 2010

Will Morgan

Age: 43

Family: Wife, Denise. Sons: Jack, Sam and Charlie

Party affiliation: DFL (incumbent in District 40A)

Employment: Physics and chemistry teacher, Burnsville High School (20 years)

Education: B.A., physics, Carleton College. M.A., Education, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Community involvement: Teacher and coach since 1991. Two-term state representative.

Address and phone number: 409 Oakland Lane, Burnsville; (952) 892-5788

E-mail address and website: willmorgan84@comcast.net, www.votewillmorgan.com

Q: Why are you running and what special skills or attributes do you bring to the job?

A: I’m running to make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. I believe we should keep government focused on its four key functions: education, transportation, public safety and public health. Residents need those functions done efficiently and effectively to maintain our quality of life. Though we have faced many recent challenges, and we still have some ahead, I believe the solutions to these challenges will be found in the middle, not at the extremes.

Q: The state is forecasting a huge deficit in the next biennium. How would you increase revenue or eliminate expenses?

A: We must look at every line of the budget. The people of our community expect me to eliminate unnecessary or wasteful spending. They expect me to deliver necessary services more efficiently and effectively. They expect me to make thoughtful decisions not based on ideology, but rather with a long-term consideration for the economic stability and prosperity of our state. I will continue to work hard to meet these expectations of the voters.

Q: Where do you stand on the use of taxpayer money for a new Vikings stadium? Do you support allowing a Racino at Canterbury Park, and, if so, under what circumstance?

A: I will not support using general fund money for a Vikings stadium. I will look carefully at any other stadium proposal to examine the relative contributions by the private and public sector and the relative benefit to each. I have always resisted an expansion of gambling because of the unintended social costs that come with it. However, in these unusually challenging times, I think taxpayers expect us to at least consider options we wouldn’t ordinarily consider.

Q: How can the state encourage business growth?

A: I think we should continue working to provide targeted tax credits for job creation. We should continue to work with business leaders to eliminate or reduce unnecessary or duplicative mandates and red tape. We should continue to find creative ways to help small businesses afford health insurance for their employees. And, of course, we should always consider the long-term economic impact of all the budget decisions we make.

Q: Does Minnesota’s tax system require restructuring? Do you support proposals that would lower the corporate tax code or expand the sales tax?

A: The corporate tax is a regressive tax that is also the most volatile revenue generator in our tax code. If Minnesota does restructure our tax code, I would certainly support significant reform or even a phase out of the corporate tax. I would look skeptically at proposals to expand the sales tax.

Q: Name one way the state can become more efficient:

A: I supported a bipartisan bill to establish a Collaborative Governance Council that is instructed to propose means to remove obstacles to collaboration across various levels of government. I look forward to passing legislation based on recommendations from this group that will further reduce unfunded mandates, eliminate duplicative services, reduce wasteful, redundant spending and help cities, townships, counties and the state work more effectively and efficiently.

Q: One gubernatorial candidate has recommended reducing higher education funding to around $2.5 billion (a reduction of approximately $300 million) to help resolve the state deficit. Others contend that college education must be protected so unemployed workers can be retrained and the University of Minnesota can maintain its reputation for research. Where do you stand?

A: Minnesota’s well-educated workforce is the primary reason we have the highest median income of any Midwest state. Certainly we must always look for better, more efficient and more effective means to deliver key services in every area of government. But, we can’t have a state college and university system that is priced out of the range of middle class families.

Q: Some school districts feel they are kept hostage during contract negotiations because they are financially penalized if they don’t reach an agreement with teachers unions by the state deadline. Should this policy be changed?

A: I think describing it as being “kept hostage” is inflammatory language that dishonors the important efforts of school board members, administration officials and teachers who very often work collaboratively to complete the negotiations process in a reasonable time frame. Everyone is penalized when negotiations drag on too long. Reasonable deadlines, known far in advance by everyone, are a good part of any productive work environment.

Q: Would you support consolidating some of the state’s 87 counties?

A: This is a proposal worthy of consideration. Another option may be to further coordinate services between some of the smaller counties in the state.

Q: The Metropolitan Council is often criticized as a thorn in local governments’ side and for being an unelected body with taxing authority. What should be the proper role and function of this regional agency?

A: I have supported proposals to make the Metropolitan Council an elected body. I think any body with taxing authority should be directly accountable to the voters. I am very concerned that the Met Council is making decisions that negatively impact our suburban transit providers. I’ve authored a bill that would make sure providers like the Minnesota Valley Transit Association get their fair share of the dedicated transit money added to the constitution by voters in 2006.

Pam Myhra

Age: 53

Family: Married 29 years to Chuck Myhra, three college-age children

Party affiliation: Republican endorsed

Employment: retired educator; Certified Public Accountant, inactive; former manager at international accounting firm KPMG

Education: Graduate of Burnsville High School; University of St. Thomas, B.A., Business Administration

Community involvement: Served in a variety of community volunteer roles including teen service group coordinator, parenting class teacher, and girls club director; Burnsville and Dakota Chair/Co-Chair of presidential campaigns; graduate of Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series; active member, Bethesda Church

Address and phone number: 13220 Elm Lane, Burnsville; 952-894-0544

E-mail address and website: pam@pamforhouse.com; www.pamforhouse.com

Q: Why are you running and what special skills or attributes do you bring to the job?

A: I am running for state representative because I believe in the need for sensible state spending within its means, the creation of an economic environment that allows businesses to start and stay in Minnesota and create jobs, and the need to protect family incomes from the barrage of added taxes. I have extensive business and management experience. I am characterized by my dedicated and effective service to others and willingness to listen. I commit to take a conservative, pro-jobs, limited-government voice to the Minnesota Legislature.

Q: The state is forecasting a huge deficit in the next biennium. How would you increase revenue or eliminate expenses?

A: In the next biennium state revenues are projected to increase over 7 percent to $32.9 billion; however, projected automatic spending increases are over 25 percent, taking spending to $38.7 billion resulting in a $5.8 billion projected deficit. Minnesota does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. How many Minnesota households will see a 7 percent income increase and then increase expenditures over 25 percent? The automatic projected spending increases are unsustainable. State government needs to set responsible priorities, commit to sensible spending, and operate within its means.

Q: Where do you stand on the use of taxpayer money for a new Vikings stadium? Do you support allowing a Racino at Canterbury Park, and, if so, under what circumstance?

A: While the Vikings are important to Minnesota and I am an avid Vikings fan, I am opposed to spending general taxpayer money on a new stadium. However, I would not be opposed to a stadium partially financed through user fees on ticket sales, concessions and dedicated parking facilities. I am not in favor of expanding gambling in Minnesota.

Q: How can the state encourage business growth?

A: In a recent article in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 64 percent of business owners and managers identified taxes and 29 percent identified health care as the biggest barriers to job creation. State taxes and regulation on businesses are like a dam on a mighty river. We end up with a stagnant economy and the drying up of job opportunities. We need to open the flood gates by reducing the tax burden on businesses and allowing for competition in healthcare, so businesses can flourish and the job market can grow.

Q: Does Minnesota’s tax system require restructuring? Do you support proposals that would lower the corporate tax code or expand the sales tax?

A: Currently, Minnesota has the third highest business tax in the country. Business taxes, which kill jobs, need to be reduced. Lower business taxes will promote job creation resulting in a larger workforce and more opportunities for Minnesota residents. Tax revenues will increase as a result of vigorous business activity, without placing new burdens on Minnesota families and businesses. I oppose expanding the state sales tax to basic necessities such as clothing.

Q: Name one way the state can become more efficient:

A: One way the state can become more efficient is to reform and streamline the delivery of government services by coordinating and merging state agencies performing similar functions and duties.

Q: One gubernatorial candidate has recommended reducing higher education funding to around $2.5 billion (a reduction of approximately $300 million) to help resolve the state deficit. Others contend that college education must be protected so unemployed workers can be retrained and the University of Minnesota can maintain its reputation for research. Where do you stand?

A: I believe fair funding at the K-12 level of education is our highest educational funding priority in Minnesota.

Q: Some school districts feel they are kept hostage during contract negotiations because they are financially penalized if they don’t reach an agreement with teachers unions by the state deadline. Should this policy be changed?

A: Yes, this policy needs to be changed and there should not be an imposed deadline on contract negotiations that favors one side of the bargaining table. Eliminating the state deadline will force both school districts and the teachers’ union to negotiate on equal terms.

Q: Would you support consolidating some of the state’s 87 counties?

A: I believe consolidation of Minnesota counties should be studied with a careful analysis of the impact on individual Minnesota communities before any action is taken.

Q: The Metropolitan Council is often criticized as a thorn in local governments’ side and for being an unelected body with taxing authority. What should be the proper role and function of this regional agency?

A: The scope of the Metropolitan Council should focus on its original purpose of coordinating the delivery of services in the seven-county metro area that cannot be effectively delivered by any one city or county. Examples of these services include water and sewage treatment and regional public transit.

Candidates disagree on how state can best help bring them back
By Jessica Fleming
jfleming@pioneerpress.com

In District 40A, candidates for the Minnesota Legislature are mostly focused on one thing:  jobs.

All three contenders say it’s important to help create them, but they differ on how to do it.

Rep. Will Morgan, 43, who is running for his third term, said his conversations with constituents have a running theme.

“People are nervous,” he said. “They’re wondering when things are going to turn around, and I’m telling them I’m going to work with businesses.”

Morgan, a Democratic-Farmer-Laborite, said that he’s worked on some targeted tax credits in Burnsville and that he intends to push for more ways to help businesses grow.

Republican Pam Myhra, 53, said voters she has spoken with are hurting.

“It seems to have hit just about everybody,” Myra said. “Everyone is having to take a close look at their budgets. Our family budget took a hit, so we reduced our spending. Government needs to do the same thing.”

Myhra said she was against increasing taxes and would even be for cutting taxes on businesses.

“We need to have a more business-friendly environment,” she said.

Constitution Party candidate Bruce Johnson, 45, also said he favors reducing corporate taxes to “bring back businesses and high-quality jobs to our state.”

“This would help create more spending money and help jump start our economy,” he said.

The candidates:

Will Morgan (Dfl), 43 / City: Burnsville

Family: Wife, Denise; three sons, Jack, Sam and Charlie

Education: Bachelor’s degree in physics, Carleton College; master’s in education, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Occupation: Science teacher, Burnsville High School

Relevant experience: As a teacher, I have the experience to know what actually helps our students achieve in the classroom. As a contract negotiator, I have experience working with others to find common ground and compromise. As a sitting legislator, I know the significance of the challenges that face us.

If budget cuts were needed, what would you cut? We must look at every line of the budget to end programs that are not working, eliminate waste and fraud, and refocus on the core missions of state government: education, transportation, public safety and public health. We must act with the long-term prosperity of our state in mind.

Why vote for you? I understand that the solutions to the challenges we face will be found in the middle, not at the extremes. Our community expects its leaders to find common ground to continue to make Burnsville and Savage great places to live, work and raise a family.

Contact: www.votewillmorgan.com; 952-707-8866

Bruce Johnson (Cp), 45 / City: Burnsville

Family: Married

Education: Inver Hills Community College

Occupation: Operations manager

Relevant experience: A member of the executive committee and district chairman of the Constitution Party. Also, more than 20 years of experience as an operations manager, working to solve problems.

If budget cuts were needed, what would you cut? I would merge the three child care assistance programs into one for efficiency. This would save us $21.3 million. I would recommend selling state-owned excess land, such as Giant Ridge Golf and Ski Resort. This could bring in $60 million, plus property tax collection of $762,000/year.

Why vote for you? Because I believe that building democracy and choices for voters outside the two-party monopoly is our right as Americans. Also, help reduce corporate taxes to bring high-quality jobs back to Minnesota.

Contact: www.johnsonformnhouse.com

Pam Myhra (Gop), 53 / City: Burnsville

Family: Husband, Chuck Myhra; three children

Education: Burnsville High School graduate; Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas

Occupation: Currently candidate for Minnesota House of Representatives; educator, retired; certified public accountant, inactive; former manager at the international public accounting firm KPMG

Relevant experience: Extensive business, accounting, and management experience with specialties in banking, insurance, government, and public and private companies; served in a variety of community volunteer leadership roles including teen community service group coordinator, parenting class teacher, and girls club director; a graduate of the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series.

If budget cuts were needed, what would you cut? State revenues are projected to increase seven percent while projected spending is expected to increase over 25 percent. State government needs to live within its means. Spending priorities should focus on fair funding for K-12 education; health and human services for children, vulnerable adults, and seniors; public safety; and infrastructure.

Why vote for you? My priorities are sensible state spending within its means, creating an economic environment where businesses start, stay and create jobs in Minnesota, and the protection of family incomes. I have extensive business and management experience, I am characterized by my dedicated and effective service to others, and willingness to listen.

Contact: www.pamforhouse.com; 952-894-0544

by John Gessner
Thisweek Newspapers

The lone Democrat was the only one talking about new taxes Sept. 24 at a Burnsville Chamber of Commerce forum for state legislative candidates.

District 40 Sen. John Doll of Burnsville said spending cuts and new revenue are needed to plug a projected $5.8 billion hole in Minnesota’s next two-year budget.

Doll was the only DFL candidate to attend the business group’s forum for Burnsville-area legislative races.

“I don’t walk in lockstep with any particular group,” the first-term senator told chamber members at Burnsville City Hall. “I don’t think that’s particularly effective.”

A broadened sales tax may be a partial budget fix, said Doll, one of a number of suburban Democrats elected in 2006 in what had been traditionally Republican districts. During the 2010 legislative session, he signed onto a bill to phase out the corporate tax and replace the lost revenue with a broadened sales tax, Doll said.

His Republican challenger, Dan Hall of Burnsville, ruled out any tax hikes.

“I believe it’s a spending issue,” Hall said of the state budget woes. “I believe the revenue’s there. Taxes are extremely high.”

Veteran District 37 Sen. Chris Gerlach said that in a bad economy he’s had to make cutbacks and do more of the work himself at his direct-marketing company in Eagan.

“Then I go to the Capitol and it’s like Monopoly money,” said the Apple Valley Republican, noting that state revenue is expected to rise by 7 percent in the next budget period. “It’s easy to spend other people’s money.”

“We do have an obligation to our residents to not be raising taxes on them at this hard economic time,” said Republican Diane Anderson of Eagan, who’s challenging two-term Rep. Sandra Masin of Eagan in House District 38A.

Republican Pam Myhra of Burnsville, who’s challenging two-term Rep. Will Morgan of Burnsville in House District 40A, said state spending would rise by more than 25 percent in the next two years under current law.

“Which one of us can have automatic increases of over 25 percent?” said Myhra, who pledged to be a “conservative, pro-jobs, limited-government” lawmaker.

First-term District 37A Rep. Tara Mack of Apple Valley said that with a state budget dominated by K-12 education and health and human services, “one or both” will have to be cut.

Minnesota provides “generous” health and human services benefits, she said, calling for reform. State employee costs, including benefits more generous than in the private sector, also contribute to budget problems, she said.

“Our state government needs to be right-sized in every way possible,” Mack said.

Health and human services is “really out of control,” with costs rising by 30 percent in the last two-year budget period, Anderson said.

The Legislature needs to “reform all that or eliminate a lot of that,” Hall said.

Health and human services will probably be a prime budget-cutting target, Doll said.

“Obviously, nobody wants to touch education, or shouldn’t,” he said.

Republican Ted Daley of Eagan, who’s challenging first-term Sen. Jim Carlson in District 38, criticized his opponent’s support of a single-payer state health plan that many DFL legislators back.

“Eagan and Burnsville, especially Eagan, would lose over 3,000 jobs,” Daley said. “Blue Cross, Prime Therapeutics and Delta Dental would be out of business with this legislation.”

Doll touted his jobs record in the Senate, including passage of a tax measure to help Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems expand in Burnsville and legislation to allow tax-increment financing to spur development in the area known as the Minnesota River Quadrant.

Invited DFLers who did not attend the forum are Morgan, Carlson, Masin, Senate District 37 challenger Mike Germain, and House District 37A challenger Derrick Lindstrom.

The Burnsville chamber’s political action committee has endorsed Gerlach in Senate District 37, Mack in House District 37A, Daley in Senate District 38, Anderson in House District 38A and Myhra in House District 40A. It did not make an endorsement in Senate District 40.

John Gessner is at burnsville.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

Two Senate DFLers among MN Chamber PAC endorsees

Politics in Minnesota
by Charley Shaw
Published: August 2,2010

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee has announced its first slate of endorsements of legislative candidates.

The Chamber’s Leadership Fund is a frequent source of campaign cash for Republicans. The Chamber has also thrown its support behind two Senate DFLers from the western Minneapolis suburbs: Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, and Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope.

Some DFLers would be horrified to get the official backing from the state’s largest business group. But Bonoff was happy to get the Chamber’s nod.

“I’m proud to stand with the Chamber as we work to build a sustainable economic recovery that allows businesses to expand, prosper and create the jobs our state needs,” Bonoff said in a press release.

Bonoff has drawn applause from the business community and the enmity of the Education Minnesota teacher’s union by supporting alternative ways to allow mid-career professionals get licenses to teach. The teacher licensure issue didn’t pass in 2010 and remains a priority for business interests at the Capitol.

Rest calls attention to the Chamber’s PAC support on her campaign website. Rest faces a DFL primary challenger from Patrick Wiles.

House GOP incumbent endorsees are: Steve Gottwalt, Mary Kiffmeyer, Ron Shimanki, Dean Urdahl, Bruce Anderson, Paul Torkelson, Bob Gunther, Tim Kelly, Steve Drazkowski, Connie Doepke, Mike Beard, Mark Buesgens, Pat Garofalo, Tara Mack, Jennifer Loon, Sarah Anderson, Peggy Scott, Tom Hackbarth, Matt Dean, Carol McFarlane and Denny McNamara.

House GOP challenger endorsees are: King Banaian (Distrrict 15B), Sondra Erickson (16A), Joe Schomacker (22A), Kelby Woodard (25B), Daniel Kaiser (26B), Kurt Bills (37B), Diane Anderson (38A), Pam Myhra (40A), Pat Mazerol (41B), Russell Bertsch (52B), Linda Runbeck (53A).

Senate GOP incumbent endorsees include: Michelle Fischbach, Amy Koch, Julie Rosen, Minority Leader Dave Senjem, Claire Robling, Geoff Michel, David Hann, Mike Jungbauer and Ray Vandeveer.

Endorsed Senate GOP challengers are: John Carson (District 4), John Pederson (15), Sean Nienow (17), Al DeKruif (25), Jeremy Miller (31), Ted Daley (38), Benjamin Kruse (47) and Roger Chamberlain (53).

The Chamber’s endorsement criteria isn’t limited to voting records. The Chamber employs a set of five criteria that can also consider a legislator’s efforts to stop proposals unfavorable to business from coming to a vote. The PAC also reviews a candidate questionnaire and input from local chambers.

It remains to be seen if the Chamber will endorse a House DFLer. The Chamber hasn’t endorsed in every race yet because some questionnaires and local chamber responses haven’t been received yet.

The Chamber plans to announce more endorsements for the Legislature and the governor’s race around Labor Day.