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As part of Tuesday’s political forum, hosted by the American Association of University Women, those running for the Minnesota House District 23B race rounded out the night.

Republican incumbent Patricia Mueller is running for another term and is being challenged by the Democratic candidate Joe Pacovsky, a newcomer to running for office.

In starting off the night, Pacovsky answered the question of challenges he sees in 23B by returning to the common theme of housing issues, but he also touched on rural healthcare needs as being a priority.

“We need access to healthcare,” he said. “Mayo in Austin is still open, but making an appointment – they may not have a bed and smaller communities are losing access to the services they have. Rural areas are relying more on fire departments.”

Mueller agreed that rural EMS is a challenge and hopes for more funding in that area. She also touched on housing, but at the same time, she added that child care remains a hot issue.

“No. 1, we need more family day care providers and child care,” Mueller said. “We need as many options as possible. We’re currently missing out on $18 million in loss wages because people can’t get (child care). That’s in Mower County alone.”

Both candidates were asked how they would treat a projected budget surplus in the upcoming biennium and Mueller responded by pointing out the dangers of what a one-party control of the legislature has done. This is in reference to what she sees as heavy spending of this year’s surplus by the Democratically-controlled legislature.

“We have to make sure we have sustainable tax cuts that puts money back in your pocket,” Mueller said, adding that money should also go toward funding police and supporting education.

Pacovsky advocated for a plan that cuts the surplus into thirds and that is dedicated to different areas.

“A third for a rainy day fund, third for tax cuts,” he said. “Prioritize some of the capital funding we have.”

They were also asked about their thoughts regarding the Equal Rights Amendment, which guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex.

Pacovsky said that idea should be put into the hands of voters.

“I don’t see anything objectionable to it and it should be passed,” he said. “I say let the voters decide. It’s protecting people’s rights.”

However, Mueller took somewhat of a heated stance on the subject, arguing that women already have equal rights and called the amendment a divisive subject and had nothing to do with equal rights.

“I have been very frustrated by this issue,” she said. “The bill that was put in front of us had nothing to do with equal rights. It was to codify extreme abortion laws. When we talk about the ERA, we know exactly what we are talking about. We do have equality under law.”

The subject shifted to environmentally clean energy policies and while she agreed that environmentally friendly options were good for the country and state, Mueller didn’t think that a current mandate that eyes 100% carbon free energy by 2040 in Minnesota was fair for everybody.

“This was a mandate on our small businesses and homes,” she said, continuing by stating that the mandate just “said you have to be carbon free by 2040. It requires us to follow what is already being done scientifically.”

Pacovsky said that he has come from an area that puts an emphasis on renewable energy, but he said there should be a balance.

“We need to start with conservation,” he said. “On the flip side we need to make sure the lights stay on.”

He went on to say that as coal plants are being processed out, the state has to lean on innovation to make the future viable.

The question was then posed regarding strategies on affordable and available low income and middle class families with Pacovsky feeling that money for initiatives to improve these types of housing options trickle down to counties and cities, who know best how to spend the money for their particular situations.

Mueller advocated for state funding, indicating that it was important, but that it shouldn’t be the only determination to help alleviate the situation. She said barriers have to be removed, which includes taxes. She argued that often these barriers make things more expensive.

And lastly, they were asked about strengthening the economy and creating more jobs.

“This is something I’ve heard from many business owners,” Mueller said. “We need options. We want to take care of their employees. (Business owners) are overtaxed and over burdened. Make sure they thrive and prosper and make sure they are not burdened by taxes and regulations.”

Pacovsky came from the perspective of being a small business owner himself, who has faced these regulations.

“I would propose a special commission that would have a mission to review regulations and get rid of those that aren’t necessary or cost effective,” he said.