News, Views, and Events
-Forum Survey Questions-
1. Why are you seeking this office?
It has been an honor and a privilege to have represented Minnesota
House District 9A for the past eight years, and I would like to
continue my public service. Moorhead has been my home and public
service my passion for most of my life, and I want to continue working
for the betterment of my community and state.
2. How does your background make you the best choice?
My experience and record of accomplishment in both the public and
private sectors of our community makes me the most qualified. Having
worked effectively in both local and state governments, higher
education and private business gives me breadth and depth of
experience necessary in representing our District at the state level.
3. What issues are the most important in this election?
Solving the state's budget challenges, enacting more flood mitigation
and basin water management practices, adequately funding education,
maintaining support for the most vulnerable citizens, improving tax
and regulatory policies that enable and encourage job growth are all
important issues in this election cycle.
4. What would you do to balance the state budget? Be specific about
any tax or fee increases and any budget cuts.
As we work to solve the state's budget problems, all options need to
be kept on the table. But before any tax or fee increases are
considered, we must make sure that we have enacted the necessary
program reforms and fiscal restraint to reduce the annual growth in
government spending, especially where it significantly exceeds
inflation.
5. How would you deal with education (K-12 and higher education) in
light of the state's budget problems?
Funding for education should be among the most protected areas of the
state's budget. However, education cannot be exempted from reform or
redesign that might reduce costs. That is exactly what our local
school districts and colleges and universities have been doing. They
should be commended for the efforts they have already undertaken.
6. What would you do to increase the number of jobs in Minnesota?
The private sector is the best place for job creation to occur. The
private sector job creators tell us that government can create a
favorable business climate for job growth by enacting tax and
regulatory policies that enable, not hinder, job growth and by
providing quality education for the work force.
Representative Morrie Lanning
July 30. 2010
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