I commend District 49 residents for taking an interest in our local politics by watching the League of Women Voters’ (LWV) forum on Sept. 12, 2024. The author of a recent letter lamented that “it was difficult to tell who the Republicans were and who the Democrats were.” They did agree on several issues. This is a good thing! It shows that on some issues both parties can come together.
The LWV forum did provide contrast between the candidates on several important topics, however. One significant differentiation is that Stacy Bettison (49A) and Wendi Russo (49B) are running out of concern for fiscally irresponsible actions taken by the current legislature: spending an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion, and increasing the state’s budget by nearly 40 percent. From rampant fraud ($250 million Feeding our Future, $200 million frontline worker pay), to lavish spending on a luxury office building for legislators, taxpayers need representatives who are reluctant to burden our citizens with unsustainable spending – fueling high prices and inflation that make it hard to afford housing, gas, and groceries.
Finding agreement on issues facilitates government that functions well and represents the people. The divisive, extreme, and roughshod approach to politics that we have seen in recent years is precisely the reason we need moderate candidates who put the welfare of constituents first.
Stacy Bettison and Wendi Russo are running to be voices of reason for our district. Stacy has been a lifelong swing voter, and Wendi is a former Democrat. They are running as Republicans now because they want to bring back the moderation that many voters desire.
I, for one, would like to see more reasonable taxes – for families, seniors and businesses alike. We will not agree on every issue, but I will vote the issues that I consider most important. This is why I wholeheartedly support Stacy Bettison and Wendi Russo to represent the people of SD49 in the State House.
Connie Schlundt, Eden Prairie
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