Brian Hensley is chairman of the Freeborn County Republican Party and local financial adviser with Intego Financial Group. Brian also serves on the city of Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Board. All opinions are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the organizations he is associated with.

President:  I am holding my nose and voting for Trump.  Personally, I am extremely disappointed in both candidates that the Republicans and Democrats have nominated. I hope Republicans and Democrats in Congress can pass legislation that address this country’s problems. I hope that during the next presidential nomination process people get more involved and help pick top quality, well qualified candidates on both sides of the political spectrum.

Congress: Jim Hagedorn.
Between the messes with Obamacare and the Veterans Affairs,  I think Congressman Walz has served in Washington long enough, and it’s time for some fresh views.

State Senate: Gene Dornink. The MNsure and state health insurance program that the DFL supported from the start has been a disaster and the recent pledges to make changes are a direct result of election year panic. The bonding bill that would have benefited Riverland, city of Albert Lea and many other great projects were killed in the last minute.DFL love affair with light rail, and Sen. Sparks voted in favor of the amendment. From the 2013-14 tax hikes, to lack of a transportation bill, to the unsigned tax relief bill, St. Paul needs new leadership. Remember the 2013-14 session when the DFL controlled both houses and the governorship. They raised taxes on all Minnesotans including farmers and retired couples, they passed additional MNsure spending and built themselves a new Senate office building.

This weekend I got two pieces of literature from the candidates themselves — not outside committees, not attack groups, postcards the candidates paid for. Sparks’ piece had a nice picture of him on the front, a picture of his young son on the back, and a caption saying “Vote for My Dad.” It didn’t have a single issue that mattered to him or give a single reason to vote for him.

In contrast, Gene Dornink laid out a list of issues, his positions and how he hopes to help Minnesota. Sparks didn’t even bother to show up to forums held in Hayfield, Wells and Kiester. He has been an absent senator. Compare how often you see him to our state representative. Sparks’ attitude of not having to work to earn our vote this year tells me it’s time for a new senator.

State House: Peggy Bennett. Rep. Bennett has worked hard in her first term to move legislation that helps teachers, students, veterans and long-term care residents. She can be found most nights and many weekends in the district, talking with voters. Fire hall fundraisers, nonprofit walks, town hall forums and many different public events allow people to express their concerns directly to Rep. Bennett. I hope her energy for the district lasts for years to come.

School board, city council and county commissioners: The county Republican Party has not endorsed candidates for these races. Many issues at this level do not separate easily into Republican versus Democrat. I am thrilled to see so many candidates and that we have challengers in every single race in the county. All the forums are viewable on YouTube. Please take the time to watch them.  The Tribune has had articles featuring each candidate and their top issues and where they stand on different topics. These candidates spend many hours campaigning, preparing for the forums and learning about the issues. We, as voters, owe it to them, to educate ourselves before we vote.

Sales tax resolution: Yes.
The Shell Rock River Watershed has worked for the past 12 years to complete the upstreams projects that are required to makes sure that the restoration of Foundation Lake is a success. Many feel it has taken too long for a dredge to start dredging, but the upstream projects have been a vital precursor to the restoration. Albert Lea is on the verge of seeing this project becoming fully funded, and the continuation of the half-cent sales tax is the right funding source for this type of project. (Disclosure, I serve as the secretary for the volunteer-led Albert Lea Lakes Foundation, which has supported passing this extension.)

Lawmakers power to set their own pay ballot question:  No.

A little discussed ballot question will be on the ballot this year. The amendment sounds great — but a little thought shows this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The idea behind the amendment is to take the power to set legislative pay out of the hands of lawmakers and put it to an independent citizen council.

If passed, legislator’s pay would increase quickly. Currently, legislators are afraid to vote for raises for themselves, because they know voters hate this. So the thought process is to let a council do it and then place blame on non-elected council.  Our Legislature should be a citizen-lead Legislature, part-time, with people serving for several years, and then passing the torch. Not a full-time, lifetime career position. Vote No.

Judges: All the judges with an (Incumbent) beside their name were appointed by Gov. Dayton. Several conservatives are running opposing those Dayton appointees including Scott Springer, Craig Monnier, David McLeod, William French and Timothy Guth. Many have local appearances and deserve your attention.

Most importantly please educate yourself and then vote.  From the top of the ballot to the local races several of these races are going to be very close. Everyone is invited to attend the Freeborn County Republican Party Election Night celebration. It will start at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the American’s Best Value Inn Conference Center in Albert Lea. We will have food, television, results and an opportunity to share in the excitement of watching election results. Cost will be $10, and a cash bar will be available. New leadership will be selected this winter. I encourage you to contact me if you have interest in serving on the Republican leadership team.