Mark Buesgens Q&A

The Jordan Independent recently published a Q&A that the publisher had with HD35 B incumbent Mark Buesgens. A couple of the questions were standard boilerplate but the answers remind voters about what they like about Rep. Buesgens.

JI: Why are you a Republican?

MB: I passionately believe in the vision of a governmental structure created by our brilliant founders – one where all power rests with the people and government’s first role is to ensure their liberties and freedoms. A government focused on a few key priorities and held highly accountable for every taxpayer dollar that is spent. The Republican Party’s platform best fits these principles and values, and I’m proud to be endorsed by Scott County Republicans.

Now many of us would argue that the Republican Party Platform still fits the principles of small, accountable government given what we have seen out of the last 8 years but I know that there are many who are working at fixing that. His next answer goes right to that...

JI: Are there any areas in which you disagree with the main party line or you think Republicans have gone astray in state government?

MB: One, of course, is on the issue of gaming, and I’ll expand on that in question 6. A second is ethanolmandates, which have driven up the prices of corn, beef, and other commodities, benefiting a few while harming many, including farmers. A third would be the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, which I believe is a dangerous precedent in government controlling what you can and cannot do on your own private property.

These are just two issues that has gotten Governor Pawlenty in very hot water with his base over the last couple of years. It has become a very real problem for the moderate wing of the Republican Party that they need to address or they run the risk of being minimized again.

Then the interview touches on the last legislative session and what lies in store for the next one.

JI: What did the Minnesota Legislature do right and wrong last session?

MB: The legislature did add additional protections for families of Minnesotans serving in the military, and that was a positive. However, they were very wrong in increasing government spending by almost 10 percent, while the families and business who pay the tab are struggling to make ends meet. The current mindset in St. Paul of putting government before its citizens must be rejected and completely turned around, and I’ll work tirelessly to do so.

JI: The state will likely see another deficit this coming session. How should it be handled?

MB: By downsizing government and cutting taxes. Our government needs to stop doing everything they deem as nice, and zero in on what is necessary. Politicians need to realize that when government coffers are running low, most likely so are family wallets. I will passionately advocate for putting the family budget far ahead of the government trough.

There were many who tried to raise the alarm about growing government so significantly during and economic downturn but those warnings were ignored. Now the state is in dire straits - with businesses leaving the state or downsizing and tax collections way down. The Legislature has no choice but to cut back on current spending and put future spending wants on hold. However, as we saw last year, the current leadership in the House (more on that later).

The one issue that gets Mark in "trouble" with some in his base (and those on the left) is the Racino. Here is Mark's answer to that.

JI: One of the major differences between your opponent and you is your support for permitting Canterbury Park to operate a racino, which would have slot machines. Why are you a proponent of that?

MB: It’s pretty simple: Racino would add 1,300 new jobs to the area. The equestrian center that would be built would be a huge boost to the entertainment facilities in Scott County and boost the equine industry statewide. This would greatly help our local and the state’s economy. With Mystic Lake, Canterbury Park and pull tabs and scratch-offs at every gas station around, to say this would “expand gaming” is very disingenuous.

I happen to agree with Mark on this issue (some will be shocked that I agree with him I know...). As a horse person, I have long supported Canterbury Park in this. The jobs and the income (via horse shows and events) that the equestrian center would bring to the area would be a huge benefit for Scott County. Most people who show horses spend a lot of money at shows (I know the people I showed with did). It would be a huge boom for the local economy.

While most of the questions (and answers) were no real surprise to anyone who has known Representative Buesgens for any length of time, it was a good thing for the Jordan Independent to remind the voters just who is representing them and let them know just what he stands for. That is what the press is supposed to be doing (as opposed to trying to make news themselves). It is nice to see this happening.