Question 4:

The Governor of Minnesota will be asked to come up with solutions to a variety of issues that culminate in the tension between the need to protect the environment, and the need to sustain economic development. Solutions to conflicts that have arisen through issues such as the BWCA, timber resources, agriculture, including feedlots, and others will require making difficult choices and creating consensus. What are some of the tradeoffs you see in these rural and urban issues? In your rebuttal please respond to these two questions. Can you create consensus between these divergent Minnesota interests to work out some of these problems. If so, how would you create that consensus?

BENSON Response to Question 4:

Recently a Minnesotan told me, "Joanne, the one thing I want from government is for it to be less noticeable in my everyday life." I replied that when I’m Governor, not only would government be less noticeable, but what he notices - he will understand.

First, top officials cannot throw out irresponsible comments like moratorium and ban. These words have a negative impact, put citizens on the defensive, and stunt job growth. Real science and real information must be the basis of policy, not emotion or political advantage.

Genius exists in every industry, whether it is in the city or on the farm. If we allow all players to be involved, solutions can be found that advance economic development and improve our air and water.

Blurting out the possibility of a moratorium on feedlots hinders Minnesota’s competitive advantage to attract desperately needed agricultural ventures, like a soybean crushing plant in Southwestern Minnesota. Interfering with a farmer’s ability to change production methods like every other business, spells disaster.

The Minnesota River Joint Powers Agreement is an example of residents, businesses, and local governments working together to restore the river’s vitality. Although there were difficult choices and divergent interests, cooperation and significant improvement is occurring without banning manufacturing industries or farming.

State government should establish standards, and allow citizens to determine their own methods to reach standards. State agencies should provide technical and financial resources to help bring citizens into compliance. The Benson administration will spend more time and money to clean the environment and serve citizens, rather than assessing responsibility and blame.