Juhnke is the best choice
for District 13B
Monday, October 18, 2004
Tribune Editorial
The Minnesota House 13B race is a choice between the four-term DFL incumbent Al Juhnke and the Republican challenger Bonnie Wilhelm. This campaign between two moderates has been one of Minnesota nice for which both are to be commended.
Local legislators are always important, and this is especially true for 13B, a district that encompasses the southern two-thirds of Kandiyohi County, including Willmar. The district faces city growth around Willmar and concern about the future of the Willmar Regional Treatment Center. There are rural challenges, such as agriculture energy development and land-use zoning. The entire district has concerns about transportation needs and health care costs.
The West Central Tribune believes voters of district 13B should return Juhnke for a fifth term.
Juhnke has the legislative experience to meet the needs of the district over the next two years. He’s gained influence through his work as assistant minority leader. He is a leader with a good understanding of Minnesota’s legislative process.
He will be a rural and agriculture advocate for the district as well as all of west central Minnesota. His education in soil science and his career in agriculture research, fertilizer sales and real estate appraisal provide a strong background for an agricultural district. He has also worked to counter the metro suburban influence that discriminates against rural Minnesota at times.
Serving on the Transportation Finance committee, Juhnke has made rural roads and bridges a priority. He supports an increase in the state gas tax, something that is needed to help rebuild the state’s infrastructure as well as job growth in the state. He is also seeking state support for expanding the runway length at the new Willmar airport to better serve larger aircraft.
This legislator has been unrelenting in recent years in fighting for WRTC as well as seeking campus alternatives, such as a methamphetamine treatment program or a state veterans home. He has accomplishments on important district issues, such as a local sales tax for the Willmar library project and bonding for the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center near Spicer. And he has also addressed unique constituency needs by helping ease government restrictions with his famous “Hotdish” and “Pickle” bills.
Wilhelm brings a multifaceted background to her campaign. She grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. She’s lived with the challenges of being a single parent. Her work experience includes supervisory experience in the medical field as well as more than eight years as production manager at the Barn Theatre in Willmar. She has demonstrated leadership and an ability to work with people throughout her career.
However, Wilhelm’s newcomer passion cannot overcome her lack of political experience. While she is concerned about transportation, she opposes any gas tax increase to fix the state’s infrastructure and instead favors toll roads. She has not clearly articulated enough sound reasons to justify voters sending her to St. Paul.
We endorse Juhnke for re-election in 13B.
