Candidates State Senator District 9 – Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

State Senator District 9

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.

Paul Gazelka

Political Office: State Senate District 9
Political Party: Republican
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Contact: sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Conservative, honest, advocate

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

Less regulation, less taxes, and empowerment to innovate.

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

Hosting meetings with the local business community and attending local business community events.

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?

A recent success was decreasing business property taxes statewide. There are still too many regulations, especially in the current climate. I am going to advocate for further deregulation and more local control as we continue to safely reopen society.

Why should people vote for you?

I have a proven record of helping small businesses and I am a small business owner. Most recently, I negotiated lowering small business property taxes.

A. John Peters

Political Office: Senate SD 9
Political Party: DFL
Age: 72
Family: Married
Occupation: Computer Technician, Programer, Educator
Contact: ajpeters@outlook.com 612-419-4033

What are three words that define you as a candidate?

Fact Based, Open

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

Affordable Healthcare As a Covid survivor I believe that we need to help businesses quite the workplace safe. Create business opportunities to Serve Small farms. Create new Tech School Ed (Meat cutting, apprenticeship ). Streamline Small Business Financial Support after and during Covid

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

Regularly attend Chamber meeting. Have regular online meeting for questions, business input and answers. Have onsite visits to businesses when appropriate.

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?

The state funds more than 50% of County and City projects. Local and State police keep us safe and work with the community. There is good communication with local businesses with programs like DEED Need work on Covid response for small family run businesses.

Why should people vote for you?

I base my decisions based on facts. I will to work with the other party to get things done. Not just say no because it my party didn't say it first. I will bring my and technical skills to the legislature. I will work to keep and improve health care.