Swenson

seeks

re-election

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NICOLLET -- Howard Swenson, the Republican incumbent in House District 23B, seeks to maintain consistency in state government if re-elected.

He is running against Democrat Darrel Mosel, a former legislator and school teacher from Arlington, and Independent Lance Bennett, a business owner from Winthrop.

"I consider it an honor to have served the people in the area for the past six years in the Legislature," Swenson said. "It has provided me with a valuable experience. I have knowledge about the issues and want to continue to provide representation as best as possible."

Swenson, 70, is a graduate of Bethany Lutheran High School in Mankato. He is a native of Nicollet County.

He is a retired dairy farmer who still lives on the farm. He and his wife Jane have five children and 11 grandchildren. He was a member of the Nicollet School Board.

One of Swenson's goals for the upcoming legislative session is more funding solutions for education.

"There are too many of our rural districts suffering because of declining enrollments," he said. "We have put lots of money into helping, but it still isn't enough. Our schools are still struggling."

During the last few years, the basic formula has increased, but there is still a lack of equity in the state, Swenson said.

"One of my goals is to do more to equalize the funding so our rural schools don't get left while metro schools get what they need," Swenson said.

Gov. Jesse Ventura's proposal to provide 100 percent of funding for schools is interesting, but Swenson feels the situation is more complex than it appears.

Education funding is taken out of property tax and totals nearly $900 million per year. If property taxes are reduced, the state would need to find additional sources for the money, he said.

"One of the issues at stake is whether districts would lose local control if the plan passes," Swenson said. "I support increasing the state portion of education funding, but I don't support additional taxes in other areas."

The Legislature managed to reduce the school tax on agricultural land, which has helped considerably, Swenson feels.

"I don't support putting a sales tax on clothes or food, because those are necessities, and we shouldn't tax necessities," Swenson said. "We need to look for a fair way to find the needed funding. I am not opposed to the state picking up a larger share."

Transportation is another area of concern for Swenson, who believes roads are important for strong economic development.

"I would like to see the motor vehicle excise tax used for highway projects," Swenson said. "The reduction of tab fees put a hole in the funding for highways. That was a dedicated source that needs to be replaced. I will work on getting that funding back."

During the past two years, the Legislature has worked at cutting taxes, increasing wages for nursing home workers, and senior drug plans. Swenson plans to continue the fight for more relief in those areas during the next session, he said.

"We keep hearing about another surplus," Swenson said. "I hope that if there is a surplus we can adequately fund education and take care of other needs as much as possible. A surplus just means we should provide more tax relief."

As a farmer, Swenson recognizes the struggles faced by people in rural Minnesota, and he strongly supports soybean-based diesel and ethanol development programs.

"I will continue my pledge to support our family farmers in St. Paul," he said.