House districts 49A and 49B forum highlights similarities, questions

Last night, I attended the (Sept. 12) League of Women Voters forum for state House districts 49A and 49B. Each race featured two candidates, representing both Republican and Democratic perspectives. In House District 49A, Alex Falconer, the DFL-endorsed candidate, is opposing Stacy Bettison, the GOP-endorsed candidate. In House District 49B, Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, the DFL-endorsed candidate, is running against Wendi Russo, the GOP-endorsed candidate.

The purpose of the forums is to help voters decide which candidate best represents their views on key issues and to understand how the candidates would vote on a bill if elected.

I found the four candidates’ answers on most issues remarkably similar. All four seemed to be pro-choice. All were for protecting the environment and renewable green energy, wind and solar. Even on guns, all supported a law to require to have guns locked up and ammunition locked securely in separate locations. It was difficult to tell who the Republicans were and who the Democrats were.

On the state surplus money and how that money should be spent, the Republicans said they would have sent more money back to taxpayers yet when asked what they would cut, neither could answer.

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I asked all the candidates who they would vote for in the presidential election. Both Alex and Carlie said they would vote for Harris, while Stacy and Wendi claimed they were undecided. Undecided!

This raises many questions. How did these GOP candidates get endorsed? Do they represent the Republican platform? Are these candidates saying one thing to get elected, then voting differently once elected? Do they support Trump but are ashamed to admit it? Are they wolves in sheep’s clothing? The intent of the forum is to give candidates the opportunity to honestly differentiate from others. All we want is the truth, but it seemed damned scarce.

John E. Mallo, Eden Prairie