Candidates State Representative District 9A – Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

State Representative District 9A

All candidates listed above were contacted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce for participation in this Voting Guide. Responses received from our questionnaire are published exactly as submitted, with no additional editing. Please note that candidates marked with * did not respond.

Alex Hering

Political Office: Minnesota House of Representatives. District 9A
Political Party: Democratic Farmer Labor
Age: 52
Family: Jill, my wife of 30 years, 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters
Occupation: General Contractor, Construction Business Owner
Contact: 218 270-0509 / alex@hering4mn9a.com

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Realistic, Innovative, Compassionate

What are your priorities as they relate to our local business community?

Ensuring our local businesses have the infrastructure, access to affordable funding resources, trainable workforce and reliable COVID safety advice. 2020 has been challenging for businesses as consumer spending priorities have shifted to essential needs and business safety measures protecting customers and employees determine where customers will shop, play or dine.

If elected, how would you engage the business community when weighing your decisions?

I miss regular connections with fellow business owners and their employees, I try now more than ever to ask how things are going or compliment them on their customer service, skills or investment in safety precautions. Listening to business owners concerns and ideas for a safe and quicker economic recovery.

In your opinion, what has been the (city’s, county’s or state’s) greatest success in encouraging business growth or eliminating barriers? What could be strengthened or improved?

Nobody started this year thinking each month would be either closed, busier than ever or struggling to balance staff and suppliers. Safely opening our schools and businesses has been hampered by all our local legislators failing to work for our communities, blocking the bonding bill and critical Local Government Assistance.

Why should people vote for you?

I will work for Minnesotans, not wasting limited legislative session time when critical planning and funding to safely reopen our state are the priority to our neighbors and all of Minnesota. I decided to run knowing that economic security, job retraining and access to healthcare are critical for our future.

John Poston

Political Office: Minnesota House of Representatives, District 9A
Political Party: Republican
Age: 62
Family: Wife, Pam
Occupation: State Represntait
Contact: (218) 251-7639 johnposton@hotmail.com

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Reliable, Honest, Compassionate

What are your priorities as they relate to our local business community?

We need to revisit the taxes structure and regulations for small businesses. I will continue to advocate for tax reform and tax simplification. We need to review regulations and mandates and find ways to ease restrictions to small business.

If elected, how would you engage the business community when weighing your decisions?

When legislation comes up in the House of Representatives, I talk to local business owner/resources to gather their opinion.

I am a small business owner, but I do not vote specifically based on my business experience. I do rely on businesses in my District to provide input for decision making.

In your opinion, what has been the (city’s, county’s or state’s) greatest success in encouraging business growth or eliminating barriers? What could be strengthened or improved?

Economic Development Agencies within each county are diligently working to help our business community.

As a State, we put up a lot of barriers for business. With regulation reform and tax reform, we can make a significant impact for businesses to thrive.

Why should people vote for you?

I am running for re-election for the House. I have held this office since 2017. I am engaged, committed, and take my responsibility as a state legislator very seriously. I will continue to advocate for our businesses and our communities. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 3, 2020.