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Candidates for governor square off

MANKATO — Three of Minnesota’s gubernatorial candidates — Republican Jeff Johnson and Democrats Erin Murphy and Tim Walz — debated the issues Thursday night at the Civic Center Plaza in Mankato.

Former governor and current GOP candidate Tim Pawlenty declined an invitation to the forum while Democrat Lori Swanson was forced to bow out at the last minute because of a family emergency.

The forum was co-sponsored by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, Greater Mankato Growth and the Greater Minnesota Partnership.

Johnson and Murphy are the endorsed candidates in their respective parties, but all candidates are eyeing the Aug. 14 primary to see who will advance to the general election in November.

Among other things, the candidates were asked how they would bridge Minnesota’s rural versus metro split.

Walz said the differences have always been part of Minnesota. He said it is important to bring in leaders who can be trusted to make the right decision. He also supports investing in broadband as a way to keep the rural and metro areas connected.

“The divide is real,” Johnson said. “There is a lack of trust when you separate between urban, suburban and greater Minnesota. I think have someone who has worked in all three areas is the best way to bridge the gap.”

Murphy said the gap between rural and urban is a false political argument used to beat the other side. She said the real divide is in the state Capitol.

As the only Republican in the forum, Johnson had the greatest difference of opinion on the questions. On the topic of budget priorities, he said he does not want to spend more money because the state cannot sustain it. However, he did relent on roads and bridges as one area he could consider investing more, but rejected the idea of a gas tax.

If elected, he promised to be an involved governor from the beginning to the end of session. He wants to fix state-federal tax conformity, an issue that blew up during the end of the last session.

Murphy said her first act would be to start budgeting for the future, including an increase to local government aid, which was cut during the Pawlenty administration. She also supports affordable health care, investment in the schools and broadband infrastructure.

Walz promised to stop the last-minute budgets agreements that have been common over the last few session. He too supported more funding of schools, roads, health care and broadband.

Walz and Murphy were in agreement on the need for LGA increases, which help balance out the needs in rural communities.

Johnson would not promise spending extra money for LGA, but said he supported the idea behind LGA. He believes the state’s LGA formula needs to be improved. He said some of the larger communities do not need LGA, as compared to communities with smaller tax bases.

Walz and Murphy support funding to help with child care needs in Minnesota. Walz went further and suggested block grants to communities to create daycare centers.

Johnson blamed government overregulation for driving child care providers out of the industry. He proposed reforming regulations to remove the burden.

Workforce development is a top issue for Minnesota businesses. Johnson said people need to change their attitude about the need for four years of college education and support those who go to two-year colleges or go directly into the work force.

Murphy supported creating partnerships between workforce and schools.

Walz wants the state to embrace the immigrants who are coming to Minnesota. He cited changing demographics and the need to use these talents.

Immigration is itself a hot topic in the country. Murphy and Walz both support bringing in immigrants and refugees as a way of securing Minnesota’s future. Johnson is against the sanctuary state policy and does not want to ban ICE.

On transportation, the Democratic candidates both said they would support a gas tax to pay for the roads and bridges. Johnson refused to support a gas tax because Minnesota already pays the some of the highest taxes in the nation.

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