Media Panel Week 2 - Kathryn Herzog, KFAI-FM Fresh Air Radio

First - Congratulations to E-Democracy, a volunteer run organization working to promote political activism and democracy for all. The E-Debates, in my eyes, have been a great success. It is wonderful to know that so many people have visited this site and are already taking an active interest in who will shaping public policy.

Question 4 (overwritten and complicated) essentially asked the candidates how they will balance environmental protection with economic growth in the state. It seems the dense question caused many candidates to only skim the surface of possible answers.

It was good to read that candidates brought up the feedlots issue, although few gave a definite response as to where they stand on the subject. Benson worries a moratorium on large feedlots will hinder the state's economic competitive advantage. Benson did not address how corporate farms and feedlots also hinder the family farmer and communities surrounding the smelly and polluting industry. Freeman wants a study/inventory before conclusions are made. Marty basically says we already know what the side effects of large farming operations are.

I was surprised that no candidates brought up the issue of Little Alfie. This is a prime example of the false conflict environmentalists and the timber industry have today. The misunderstanding is that the environmentalists, working to stop cutting on public lands, want to take away jobs. Forestry and the timber industry are major segments of our state economy. Perhaps candidates could comment on this issue of today, and explain how they see consensus working here. Do candidates believe there is middle-ground here? Do they agree with the decision to cut Little Alfie first and then sit down to see how we should handle forestry disputes in the future? Dayton said he would work to provide mediation when disputes arise between industry and activists. How does Humphrey's notion that job promotion and environmental protection go together work here?

Pentel, Marty and Ventura all gave excellent suggestions of how local self reliance can promote economic stability and growth. All three wrote about renewable energy, a fast-growing market and one for which Minnesota is geographically excellent. Pentel and Ventura suggested the use of alternative fibers, like hemp, to replace some paper products. This would work to promote new farming in the state or as a possible rotation to farmers' crops.

Many candidates also addressed the Brownfields issue. Congrats to Humphrey, Freeman, Marty and Mondale for encouraging urban revitalization before more urban sprawl. Borrell's answers are difficult to comment on because it's unclear how much of it he wrote himself. Although one of his points is to support "outstate, metro, urban development. Let Minnesota grow!" What that means is both unclear and slightly unsettling. Candidates could have commented on how mass transit will play a role in urban revitalization and bringing people back to the city.

The internet question was easy for the candidates. All candidates believe that everyone should have full access to the internet. Although no candidate gave specifics on how all schools in all districts of all financial backgrounds can be provided with internet access. Many students now are having difficulty reading and passing basic skills tests. Do candidates see computers playing a role in increasing student standard? Borrell and Pentel suggested posting all legislative info on the internet, including the text of bills and notes from committee meetings. Great!

The final question for this week was also easily answered by candidates. They essentially reiterated their ideas on education and crime and keeping our economy growing strong. I have to say it was hard to read the candidates' answers because the questions posed no real challenge. The question easily allows for general promises, leaving the readers with no real answers. But the question did need to be asked. Why should we vote for you? I was disappointed, nonetheless, that the Green Party's candidate, Ken Pentel, and Terwilliger didn't reply.

I believe people are looking for a change in political leaders. They want a candidate they can trust to be free of all special interest influence and big money. Marty gave an excellent response with his ideas on an economy that leaves out no person. Benson and Mondale say they can be held accountable for their actions. Freeman will ensure us that our state will continue to be a great place to live. Borrell made me feel like I was getting lectured by my second grade teacher, Sr. Clarita, preaching about an immoral society. Humphrey will work on crime.

Dayton says he and his staff will remember that they are public servants, put in office by the people to work for the people. This will be the greatest challenge to our new governor - to remain free and unhindered by corporate money. Candidates still have much to prove to gain public trust and confidence that they will remain a people's governor.

Thank you E-Democracy for this opportunity! I appreciate your volunteer work and commitment to enhancing public debate! Well done!