My point of view: the governors’ forum gave a good overview of the candidates – Albert Lea Tribune

My Point of View by Brad Kramer, Lindsay Kramer and Emma Palmer

On Thursday, January 20, several members of the Albert Lea community attended an event in Austin where we had the opportunity to meet and hear from four of the Republican gubernatorial candidates. We were all very impressed with the contestants and decided to create a My Viewpoint group so that a few of us could share our views. The candidates were Senator Michelle Benson, Senator Paul Gazelka, Dr. Scott Jenson and Dr. Neil Shah.

Brad Kramer: I was very impressed with the understanding of all candidates’ issues. Two were exceptionally eloquent, passionate and educated doctors, who had a much better understanding of the pandemic than any other politician in charge. We need non-politicized decision-making right now to get us out of this pandemic and move forward, which Dr. Neil Shah or Dr. Scott Jenson would bring. The common sense responses and love of our country from each candidate were impressive. Each of the Republican candidates has convinced me that they are passionate about their views and will support them.

Lindsay Kramer: As a centrist voter, I never wanted to attend an early-season political debate. But after the last two years of life on Earth, I believe most humans want a better world than the one we live in now. For me, that means finding new opportunities, keeping my mind open to new experiences through learning and growing. The invitation to attend the Minnesota Governor’s Forum allowed me to play a part in learning about the possibilities of electing a new Governor in November. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the event itself. I had the chance to speak with all but one of the candidates present and felt immense gratitude that all of the candidates had very similar views on wanting to change the current control that our Governor has placed on our state. I didn’t expect to see such a fondness for people, after all I was led to believe Republicans weren’t empathetic and bullies like President Trump. You could cut these candidates’ passion with a butter knife. Statements such as “we need to give parents more control over their children’s education, so they can help them grow into the people they were born to be.” After all, shouldn’t parents know their children’s natural desires and talents better than any school administration? Another candidate spoke of the many changes that needed to be implemented immediately, but then admitted that he was not running for this election to become a politician, but to make the necessary changes and then train his successor to be a politician. can resume his career. and do what he loves. One contestant who particularly caught my eye poured out his point loud as an erupting volcano, leaving nothing behind, then slumping in his chair as if he had just breathed his last. The room filled with hopeful energy. For me, this is just the beginning of learning about the public servants who are running for office in the upcoming elections. I encourage you all to find a place where you can learn and grow this year to help be a part of bettering our community, our state, and our country.

Lindsay Kramer

Emma Palmer: I really enjoyed listening to and learning more about the four contestants at the event. One of the questions they answered that stuck with me was about passports and vaccination orders. I am extremely happy that all four of them are not in favor of forcing the public to have a vaccination card or to be tested to go out to dinner. Another great response they got was that all four agreed they would respect the endorsement, so there shouldn’t be any nasty primary battles between the contestants.

Emma Palm

Who would you choose to be on a ticket?

Emma Palmer: Personally, I would like to see Senator Gazelka become Governor, and I wouldn’t mind if Dr. Jenson or Senator Benson were Lieutenant Governor. Gazelka has a good track record and, in my opinion, would be the best of the four candidates due to his track record as leader of the Senate.

Lindsay Kramer: Currently Dr. Jenson and Senator Benson as Lieutenant Governor. Dr. Jenson’s level of knowledge and passion make him an ideal governor, while Senator Benson has excellent experience and knowledge of rural Minnesota.

Brad Kramer: I would like to see Dr. Jenson or Dr. Shah as Governor with Senator Benson or Senator Gazelka as Lieutenant Governor to bring a strong mix of political experience, new ideas and medical training to get our state back on the right track with a combination of sound policy and compassion.

Brad and Lindsay Kramer and Emma Palmer are members of the Freeborn County Republican Party.