Democratic candidate Gregg Hendrickson, of Long Prairie, is challenging incumbent Republican candidate Mike Wiener, of Long Prairie, for the District 5B seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The winner will serve a two-year term.
Responses to biographical information like name, age and occupation were limited to 50 characters each. Responses to the open-ended candidate questions were limited to 100 words each. Any responses beyond the maximum length were cut off at the limit with ellipses.
Gregg Hendrickson
Age: 63
Occupation: Sales/marketing
Why are you running for this position? I’m a U.S. Army Veteran. I was stationed in South Korea 1979 and 1980. During this time, South Korea was going through their coup. I learned firsthand what a coup can do to a country and the innocent civilians. When I saw Jan, 6 happen, it was a deja vu moment, and I had to get involved.
If elected, what state issues do you hope to address in the 2025 legislative session? Affordable housing, affordable healthcare, affordable daycare for young families, and saving Social Security and Medicare, which is under threat.
Political polarization is a common theme in state and federal politics. How do you plan to effectively work across the aisle? I’ve been endorsed by the DFL and cross-endorsed by the lndependence-Alliance of Minnesota. This cross-endorsement is a testament to my ability to work with all parties in this great state of Minnesota. I will always work toward the best possible outcomes, morally and economically, for all in District 5B.
What issues affecting your district do you find most pertinent and pressing? Housing. We have lots of jobs here; we just don’t have the housing for the workers to fill all the job vacancies. Senior housing. We have shovel-ready projects like the Hilltop Apartments in Eagle Bend that need funding and the seniors need.
Are there other issues you want to address? Everyone has a seat at my table, the Democrats, Farmers and Laborers; the Independents and Republicans that feel they no longer have a party. I am the moderate in this district.
Mike Wiener
Age: 48
Occupation: Small business owner/farm
Why are you running for this position? I’m running for re-election because I’m concerned about the direction this state is heading and the future we’ll leave for our future generations.
If elected, what state issue do you hope to address within the 2025 legislative session? The looming budget deficit in the state gets almost no attention but has to be addressed. The $19.5 billion surplus was one time money that was directed to ongoing spending that enlarged the size of government. Our state is one of the highest taxed states, and unless the spending is cut, taxes will go even higher to cover the increased government spending. Government over regulation has decimated the daycare industry, which has reduced the number of daycares in Greater Minnesota by half. Getting back to common sense regulation which allows more in home daycares to thrive is a good step …
Political polarization is a common theme in state and federal politics. How do you plan to effectively work across the aisle? The last two years in the State of Minnesota has seen one party control and the effects of that. The voice of Greater Minnesota was completely ignored, representation wasn’t included in the conference committee, and a massive 1,400-page omnibus bill was passed in the dead of night without the chance to ever read it. Don’t forget the $19.5 billion surplus was spent and an additional $10 billion in tax increases. The majority party had the opportunity to tone down the rhetoric and lessen the polarization, which has only increased in the last two years. We need balance in government and apply …
What issue affecting your district do you find most pertinent and pressing? Protect life, lower taxes, cut regulation, eliminate unfunded mandates, defend our 2nd amendment.
Are there other issues you want to address? Bring the voice of Greater Minnesota to the current metro-centric government. We are more than “rocks and cows” and deserve equal representation. Our state was once a leader in education but has fallen to 19 in the national standings despite record education spending. Bonding was intended to pay for infrastructure projects, “roads, bridges, drinking water,” not sport facilities, campaign fodder and other “pork” projects. These issues and so many more need to be addressed in order to reign in government bloat and put the power back in the hands of the citizens.
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