Torkelson in 21B
Over the past several years the New Ulm area has been fortunate to be represented in the Legislature by strong, talented and active legislators. Rep. Brad Finstad, who decided not to run again this year after three terms, had risen in recognition and respect among his colleagues and was, we felt, poised to assume stronger leadership roles.
Before him, James Clark had served six years and was also on the brink of assuming more leadership duties in the House when he decided not to run.
We think District 21B can send another candidate with similar potential to the House if we elect Paul Torkelson, the Republican candidate.
We had a difficult time deciding between Torkelson and Bob Skillings, the DFL candidate who is making his second run after challenging Finstad two years ago. Skillings has the intelligence and the work ethic to make a good legislator, and his positions on issues are moderate. We know he has the ability to work with disparate groups, after his work on building support for the city sales tax.
But Torkelson is also a strong candidate. He is a working farmer and would be one of the few in the House, with a special understanding of one of our state's most vital industries. He also understands the problems of small business. He has been a vice president for the Minnesota Farm Bureau, who put together Farm Bureau issues from resolutions sent from throughout the state, so he knows how to listen to different groups.
Torkelson is a former educator whose wife is a teacher, so he understands the needs of education, especially in rural Minnesota.
He understands the need to invest in our state's infrastructure to keep Greater Minnesota economically vital.
Like Skillings, he is a strong pro-life supporter.
Torkelson has shown throughout the campaign his willingness to travel throughout the district to hear local concerns.
He has tackled leadership positions in his community and through the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program. We think he would quickly become a strong leader for rural Minnesota in the Legislature, and ask District 21B voters to support him on Nov. 4.
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MinnesotaCentral
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10-23-08 1:57 PM
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The number 1 issue facing the next legislative session is taxes. The state is facing a economic crisis as noted in the state’s economic update issued October 11th, "Unless conditions in financial markets change dramatically for the better, however, this recession will be the most severe faced by U.S. residents in the past 25 years." Yet, your endorsement barely mentions how the two candidates would address taxes. It is encouraging that NUJ recognizes that Skillings “<i>has the ability to work with disparate groups, after his work on building support for the city sales tax.</i> Reading Fritz Busch piece on the candidates debate, Skillings displays a greater understanding that the current tax system needs changes while Torkelson is wants to retain the status quo. Considering how close your decision was, and the other NUJ endorsements where experience was valued, why didn’t you give Skillings the nod ?
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