Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B. Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties. Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area. “People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties. Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages. Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate. “One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote. He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem. Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors. District 1B Kiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states. Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less. “I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire. Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair. Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district. Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.” “My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote. Other races In other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake.
Name: Dan Fabian Age: 60 Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn. Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjuster Education: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State University Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce Patterson Age: 58 Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn. Occupation: Small business owner Education: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical Institute Relevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb Kiel Age: 57 Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn. Occupation: Farmer Education: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia College Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric Bergeson Age: 50 Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn. Occupation: Self-employed Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of Minnesota Relevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B. Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties. Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area. “People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties. Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages. Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate. “One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote. He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem. Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors. District 1B Kiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states. Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less. “I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire. Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair. Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district. Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.” “My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote. Other races In other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan Fabian Age: 60 Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn. Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjuster Education: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State University Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer
Name: Bruce Patterson Age: 58 Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn. Occupation: Small business owner Education: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical Institute Relevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb Kiel Age: 57 Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn. Occupation: Farmer Education: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia College Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric Bergeson Age: 50 Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn. Occupation: Self-employed Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of Minnesota Relevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B. Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties. Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area. “People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties. Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages. Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate. “One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote. He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem. Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors. District 1B Kiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states. Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less. “I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire. Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair. Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district. Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.” “My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote. Other races In other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan Fabian Age: 60 Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn. Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjuster Education: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State University Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce Patterson Age: 58 Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn. Occupation: Small business owner Education: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical Institute Relevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions.
Name: Deb Kiel Age: 57 Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn. Occupation: Farmer Education: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia College Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric Bergeson Age: 50 Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn. Occupation: Self-employed Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of Minnesota Relevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B. Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties. Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area. “People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties. Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages. Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate. “One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote. He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem. Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors. District 1B Kiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states. Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less. “I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire. Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair. Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district. Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.” “My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote. Other races In other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan Fabian Age: 60 Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn. Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjuster Education: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State University Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce Patterson Age: 58 Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn. Occupation: Small business owner Education: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical Institute Relevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb Kiel Age: 57 Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn. Occupation: Farmer Education: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia College Relevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board
Name: Eric Bergeson Age: 50 Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn. Occupation: Self-employed Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of Minnesota Relevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B.Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties.Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area.“People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties.Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages.Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate.“One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote.He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem.Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors.District 1BKiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states.Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less.“I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire.Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair.Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district.Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.”“My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote.Other racesIn other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake.
Name: Dan FabianAge: 60Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn.Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjusterEducation: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State UniversityRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce PattersonAge: 58Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn.Occupation: Small business ownerEducation: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical InstituteRelevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb KielAge: 57Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn.Occupation: FarmerEducation: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia CollegeRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric BergesonAge: 50Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn.Occupation: Self-employedEducation: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of MinnesotaRelevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B.Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties.Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area.“People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties.Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages.Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate.“One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote.He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem.Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors.District 1BKiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states.Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less.“I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire.Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair.Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district.Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.”“My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote.Other racesIn other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan FabianAge: 60Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn.Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjusterEducation: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State UniversityRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer
Name: Bruce PattersonAge: 58Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn.Occupation: Small business ownerEducation: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical InstituteRelevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb KielAge: 57Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn.Occupation: FarmerEducation: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia CollegeRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric BergesonAge: 50Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn.Occupation: Self-employedEducation: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of MinnesotaRelevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B.Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties.Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area.“People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties.Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages.Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate.“One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote.He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem.Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors.District 1BKiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states.Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less.“I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire.Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair.Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district.Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.”“My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote.Other racesIn other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan FabianAge: 60Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn.Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjusterEducation: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State UniversityRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce PattersonAge: 58Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn.Occupation: Small business ownerEducation: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical InstituteRelevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions.
Name: Deb KielAge: 57Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn.Occupation: FarmerEducation: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia CollegeRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263688","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Eric BergesonAge: 50Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn.Occupation: Self-employedEducation: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of MinnesotaRelevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011. Two Republican incumbents for the Minnesota House are defending their seats in Districts 1A and 1B.Dan Fabian, of Roseau, is facing Alvarado Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Bruce Patterson in District 1A, while Crookston’s Deb Kiel is defending her seat against Fertile resident and Eric Bergeson, also a DFLer, in District 1B. District 1A consists of Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties, while District 1B includes Polk, Red Lake and Pennington counties.Fabian was first elected in 2010. In an emailed questionnaire, he said improving “Minnesota’s business and regulatory climate to stay competitive with other states” is an issue for the district. He also cited a disparity in K-12 education and transportation funding that favors the metro area.“People tell me nearly every day that St. Paul has lost touch with rural Minnesota,” he wrote, advocating for reining in government spending and focusing on priorities. He said there needs to be more money spent on roads and bridges in rural counties.Fabian advocated for coordination between employers and the education system to address workforce shortages.Patterson said investing in education is one of his main priorities. He said he would work for lower tuition rates to make sure students aren’t “overburdened” with loans once they graduate.“One of my top priorities will be to ensure every child receives a quality education, from early childhood through college,” he wrote.He also said economic growth in places like Thief River Falls and Roseau is being hampered by a shortage of affordable workforce housing. He said providing state grant money and tax abatements could help address that problem.Patterson also said he will work to fund infrastructure like roads, as well as long-term care providers for seniors.District 1BKiel, who was first elected in 2010, said she’s been hearing from constituents regarding “new, extreme taxes and regulations” that make it “hard to make a living.” She said the tax climate needs to be competitive with neighboring states.Kiel said schools, nursing homes and health care organizations are doing more with less.“I believe in appropriately funding and investing in these groups while removing the red tape that makes their jobs more expensive and difficult,” she wrote in an emailed questionnaire.Kiel criticized “wasteful spending” at the state level, specifically the new $90 million Senate office building. She said people outside the metro area are upset that light rail lines are being built while roads and bridges remain in need of repair.Bergeson said one of the reasons he decided to run was because of “alarm” concerning the possible closing of several small town nursing homes in the region. He said the potential closures were caused by a lack of funding from the state Legislature. He said proper funding for roads, schools and nursing homes are the biggest issues for the district.Bergeson added that he wants to work across the aisle to make sure programs like Local Government Aid are not “looted for the benefit of larger population centers.”“My larger goal is to preserve and in some cases rebuild Minnesota’s historic civic tradition of working together to build a better future,” he wrote.Other racesIn other Minnesota House races, DFL incumbent Roger Erickson will take on Republican Dave Hancock in District 2A, which stretches from Lake of the Woods County to Hubbard County. Meanwhile, DFL incumbent John Persell will face Republican Phillip Nelson in 5A, which includes Bemidji and the area around Leech Lake and Cass Lake. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263691","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Dan FabianAge: 60Address: 705 Main Ave. S., Roseau, Minn.Occupation: Retired high school teacher and coach; crop insurance adjusterEducation: Bachelor of Arts, biology, health and physical education, Concordia College; Master of Arts, education/physical education, North Dakota State UniversityRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, community volunteer [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263690","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"233","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"167"}}]]Name: Bruce PattersonAge: 58Address: 22924 450th Ave. NW, Alvarado, Minn.Occupation: Small business ownerEducation: Studied criminal justice at Northland Community College; studied construction management at East Grand Forks Technical InstituteRelevant Experience: More than 20 years experience in retail sales and management, plus over 20 years in construction and construction management both residential and commercial. I have also served on and held numerous positions within the local, district and state levels of the DFL party, including county precinct chair, board of directors, 7th district executive board of directors, and an alternate to state affirmative action board of directors. I have also served as an alternate and delegate Minnesota state DFL conventions. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1263689","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"209","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"149"}}]]Name: Deb KielAge: 57Address: 36044-275th Ave. SW, Crookston, Minn.Occupation: FarmerEducation: Graduate of Crookston Public schools, attended Concordia CollegeRelevant Experience: Two terms as a state representative, seven years on the Crookston School Board
Name: Eric BergesonAge: 50Address: 411 Washington Ave. NE, Fertile, Minn.Occupation: Self-employedEducation: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history at the University of MinnesotaRelevant Experience: Owned and operated Bergeson Nursery for 17 years, a business started by my grandfather in 1937; Chair of the board of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for five years; awarded a Bush Fellowship to study rural eldercare in 2011.
