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MAX RYMER

QUESTION #1 

This is a two-part question. One of you has lived in the district since 2020 and the other is a resident for many years. Candidate Murphy, state your argument on the value in sending someone to St Paul who has historic background in issues and relationships affecting your district’s communities— Candidate Rymer, convince voters of the positives to be found in seating a relative district newcomer. Next, please explain one district-specific issue that is a priority for you to get addressed. 

There are a LOT of new families moving to Chisago County; it's an incredible place to live and raise a family. I represent a new contingent of people who CHOSE to live in Chisago County, following the chaos and heavy-handed COVID restrictions of the metro area. This is critical, because many families like mine have an optimistic view of our county. We invest here, send our kids to schools here, and have a good sense for the pitfalls to avoid as we grow. As far as District specific issues, I've had a lot of conversations with municipal leaders who are confused about the implementation of Cannabis dispensaries following the passage of legalized marijuana. City leaders cannot get a straight answer about how they're supposed to implement what the state laid out for them. It's my hope to work within the commerce subcommittee and get clarification for our city councils.

QUESTION #2

The Minnesota House seat you are running for previously was held by Anne Neu Brindley, R-North Branch. She chose not to seek re-election this cycle. The Representative stated, in speaking on the House Floor, her philosophical opposition to authorizing state funding for any “local” capital projects. There are legislation-watchers who believe this stance is one of the reasons Chisago County missed out on state aid appropriations sought to help make local projects feasible. What’s your feeling about local projects being assisted financially with state monies?

We need to have managed, careful growth locally. "Grow at all costs" is not a personal philosophy of mine when it comes to local projects and government. The Editor frames this question as "we've missed out on projects." That may be true in some circumstances, but in others - new top-down initiatives come with increased maintenance, growth our cities may not be ready for, and other unforeseen hiccups that we need to be cognizant of. I generally agree with former Representative Neu-Brindley. As opposed to spending surplus dollars on numerous projects determined at the state level, I'd like to see that money returned to tax payers and cities manage their own growth initiatives. An exception to this might be infrastructure funding, such as highway improvements.

QUESTION #3

Gridlock in government, when there is no clear control by one party, was the basis for dissatisfaction with lawmakers not long ago. Much is now being made of the state’s lack of “balance” considering the DFL governing majority and DFL Governor. In general talk a bit about how you plan to make the system work for your district in general, whether you are in the majority or not.

I agree with the recent comments of Minnesota Democratic State Rep. Gene Pelowski. We need to flip the State House to Republicans to review, remove and amend a lot of what was done last session by the trifecta control of the Democrats. Minnesotans pride themselves on good governance - and it is my belief, Democrats threw that to the wind the last 2 years. Instead of truly representing their districts and communities, they instead chose to fall lockstep with our governor's agenda. We spent the entirety of an $18 Billion+ surplus, raised taxes, removed bipartisan protections for the unborn, passed unconstitutional red flag laws, and a myriad of unbalanced ideas. Republicans in the House were not consulted on most of it. It would be my goal to review and repeal as much as we can to get back to a place of sustainability and balance long-term.

MARY JO MURPHY

QUESTION #1 

This is a two-part question. One of you has lived in the district since 2020 and the other is a resident for many years. Candidate Murphy, state your argument on the value in sending someone to St Paul who has historic background in issues and relationships affecting your district’s communities— Candidate Rymer, convince voters of the positives to be found in seating a relative district newcomer. Next, please explain one district-specific issue that is a priority for you to get addressed. 

While my opponent has lived in our district since 2020, I have been a proud resident for many years.  As a 3-term council member in Taylors Falls, I have a comprehensive understanding of the issues that have shaped our community over time. My long-standing relationships enable me to better understand the unique needs of our district and effectively advocate for policies that reflect our shared values.  In contrast, my opponent, who has only lived here for three years, does not have the same depth of connection or knowledge of the historical context behind the issues that impact us today.  Our district deserves a representative who not only knows the community but has spent years working alongside it.

My years of living in the district have given me a clear understanding of the challenges our community faces, particularly when it comes to mental health.  One of my top priorities is bridging the gap for mental health access, especially for children, teenagers, elderly, and rural citizens. These groups are often underserved in our current system, with barriers like long wait times, lack of providers and inadequate resources.  I will advocate for expanding access to mental health services, increasing funding for community health centers, an improving telehealth infrastructure, so no one in our district has to suffer in silence due to a lack of care or resources.

QUESTION #2

The Minnesota House seat you are running for previously was held by Anne Neu Brindley, R-North Branch. She chose not to seek re-election this cycle. The Representative stated, in speaking on the House Floor, her philosophical opposition to authorizing state funding for any “local” capital projects. There are legislation-watchers who believe this stance is one of the reasons Chisago County missed out on state aid appropriations sought to help make local projects feasible. What’s your feeling about local projects being assisted financially with state monies?

I believe that state funding can play a critical role in making local projects feasible, particularly in districts like ours, where certain projects are too large to be funded by local resources alone.  While my predecessor may have had a philosophical opposition to authorizing these funds, I believe that strategic state investments in local infrastructure, mental health services, and schools, and public works projects are necessary for Chisago County to thrive. If elected, I will advocate for the careful allocation of state monies to support projects that directly benefit our community, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents across the district.

QUESTION #3

Gridlock in government, when there is no clear control by one party, was the basis for dissatisfaction with lawmakers not long ago. Much is now being made of the state’s lack of “balance” considering the DFL governing majority and DFL Governor. In general talk a bit about how you plan to make the system work for your district in general, whether you are in the majority or not.

Regardless of which party holds the majority, my goal is to deliver results for the people of our district.  Gridlock in government only serves to stall progress, and I believe in finding common ground to move our state forward.  Whether in the majority or minority, I will focus on collaboration, listening to my constituents, and building coalitions with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.  Our district’s needs – like improving mental health access, supporting local infrastructure projects, and ensuring economic growth- transcend party lines.  My job is to ensure that our voice is heard and that our community gets the attention it deserves, no matter the political makeup in St. Paul.

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