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?

MARTY Question 4 rebuttal:

Conflicts between environmental protection and development interests frequently become heated. Consensus is not always possible, but it is important to reduce tensions and help people to work together. To ease these conflicts, a Marty administration will:

• promote environment-friendly business-we will work with interested companies to create new jobs such as the growing wind-power industry in western Minnesota.
• use mediation. While not always 100% successful, bringing opposing sides to the table with skilled mediators can break down misunderstandings and lead to compromise.
• reframe the debate to focus on the impact current practices will have on our grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. Even when there cannot be consensus, strong gubernatorial leadership can educate and give long-term perspective to the debate.
• actively address the economic and employment needs of people involved. Concern for the environment does not eliminate the need for jobs now.

The state needs to take responsibility for the full impact of our agriculture and business development policies, including the impact on future generations. A Marty administration will move to sustainable policies and serve as a wise steward of Minnesota’s rich resources, preserving them for future generations. At the same time, we will not ignore current employment needs.