State Rep, Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, whose name will be on the ballot during the Republican primary election Sept. 9, took some of his time to answer these questions from the Jordan Independent:

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.

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 ethanol mandates, 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.

JI: What issues are you most passionate about?

MB: My God and my family. After that, I am most passionate about the safety and well-being of our unborn children. This is the great evil in our society, and if we do not end this senseless destruction of human life, there will come a day where, just as it was with slavery, we must face a reckoning.

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.

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.

JI: If a Republican is elected again to represent District 35B and the state House is again controlled by Democrats, what should his role be? How does one advocate for the local area when the opposing party is in control?

MB: Beware of the politician who says, “I will work across the aisle to get things done.” Today, this almost always means, “I’ll sell out my constituents for your pet project if you do the same.” In the majority or the minority, my principles will be the same. I will be a fighter for smaller government, less taxes, and more accountability. This way, I can best serve the people of Scott County and all of Minnesota.