Mike Freeman Response
2
Question 2: Overall, Minnesota's economy is the
strongest it has been in years. On the agenda are issues such as
living wages, labor shortages,
welfare-to-work, and the changing economy in Greater
Minnesota. What do you feel the most pressing challenges will be?
How will you address them?
As Governor, I will invest in Minnesota's future.
I envision a Minnesota where economic competitiveness is flexible and
responsive to employers' and workers' needs. Our future must include
enhanced workforce training that encourages regional cooperation between
private businesses and Minnesota's high schools and post-secondary
institutions.
We must address barriers to economic competitiveness like the lack of
affordable housing and accessible transportation. State government
should serve as a catalyst and bridge builder, bringing different
interests together.
Government in partnership with the private sector must pay workers
living wages and make available full-time jobs for people who want them.
I will fight for basic dignity for working Minnesotans and their
families. I will work for affordable and quality health care and child
care. I will lead the charge to protect the right to organize in the
workplace.
I have defended and will continue to defend our public employees and
teachers for their important public service. It is appalling that our
current Governor, as well as others seeking this position, cannot bring
themselves to do the same.
I also envision sustainable economic development for Greater Minnesota
that includes better and more affordable housing choices. I will support
value-added production and processing as important mechanisms to
creating good wages and jobs, and I will promote the marketing of
locally grown products.
We need to invest in our family farm system of agriculture and
aggressively fight against the short-sighted promotion of factory or
corporate farms.
Access to transportation systems, such as good two-lane roads
constructed for high volume traffic, are key to linking regional
centers. I will work to ensure that communication and the marketing of
goods and services will be enhanced in rural areas by increased access
to the World Wide Web.
As Governor, we can work together to build Minnesota's future.
