Bennett, Schindler share priorities, highlight differences

WELLS — The two candidates for District 27A representative gave different answers on abortion Wednesday at a candidate forum at Flame Theatre.

Incumbent Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, who described herself as pro-life, said her 33 years as a first-grade teacher showed her the importance of respecting life.

“I can be nothing but pro-life,” she said, adding that she favors helping pregnant mothers receive support.

Schindler, DFL-Albert Lea, said abortions should be rare and safe and be a difficult decision between a woman and her physician.

The forum, sponsored by the Wells Area Chamber of Commerce, also included a forum for District 27 senator and local county, city and school races.

Top priorities

Schindler said MNsure needs to be addressed in the 2017 legislative session, especially for the 5 percent of state residents who are seeing a premium increase.

He added he wants a bonding bill, which failed to pass in this year’s legislative session, to be addressed next year, noting the bill included $7.4 million to

integrate programs into shared spaces with auto service and diesel programs.

He wants to implement tax relief for small businesses, farmers and families.

“That needs to be brought to the table — ASAP,” Schindler said.

Bennett said MNsure needs to be a priority next year.

“It’s crushing and a crisis, and we need to deal with it,” she said.

Bennett she she has a bill in mind to ensure that highly-controversial issues and spending issues and spending items as stand-alone bills.

She has claimed that enacting the policy would have helped the Legislature pass important bills this year, such as transportation and bonding bills.

Differences

Bennett said though she likes Schindler, there are philosophical differences between Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature.

She directly addressed Schindler and claimed Democrats are not spending wisely.

“I believe I am spending my neighbor’s money,” Bennett said, adding that the Legislature invested in nursing homes and education during her first term.

Schindler — dean of student affairs at Riverland Community College — said he has experience working with students, departments and other schools.

“I have budgets with millions of dollars and a high amount of ability,” he said. “I think that is a critical skill.”

Schindler added that his experience working with financial bonds will be useful in the Legislature.

Closing arguments

Schindler said he is qualified to be a state representative.

“I have the skill and ability to be effective,” he said.

Schindler added that in a polarizing political climate, he will be open-minded.

“I want to be the guy in the middle,” he said, noting he considers his political party to be less important than the district he represents and the state he lives in.

Bennett said people should be the priority of government.

“People are the ones that matter … and I think government has forgotten that,” she said, noting she has learned about farming, education and business during her first term as representative.

“I am ready to put more things in action,” Bennett said.