Mark Dayton comes from an earlier era of Minnesota politics, a time when the state was considered a national leader at finding effective solutions to the issues of the day and for setting a high standard to define quality of life. Now, in a time when Minnesota’s national status has diminished to mediocrity, Dayton is running for the DFL gubernatorial ticket with a campaign slogan “for a Better Minnesota.”
Dayton was in Grand Marais March 23 as part of his “87 Counties in 87 Days” campaign tour of the state. Speaking to a small audience of business owners, he elaborated on a platform that includes increasing education funding annually, restructuring tax codes to reduce property taxes and make the wealthy pay higher income tax rates, creating outstate economic development and improving state-funded health coverage.
During a short interview after the meeting, Dayton responded to the question: Why would you be a good governor for northeastern Minnesota.
“I know this region better than any other candidate,” Dayton said.
During nearly 35 years of public service, including serving as a U.S. Senator from 2001-2007, he believes he has spent more time in the Arrowhead and has worked more on northern Minnesota issues than any other candidate. He served as commissioner of the Department of Economic Development under Governor Rudy Perpich, who devoted considerable effort to northern Minnesota economic growth, job creation and expanded tourism.
“I understand the importance of job development and increasing tourism,” Dayton said. “I am used to working closely with people to achieve economic growth.”
Dayton was also familiar with another northern Minnesota topic, the management of gray wolves. Recently, the DNR petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service to immediately remove Minnesota gray wolves from the federal Endangered Species List. Previous attempts to do so on a regional basis were successfully appealed by animal rights groups.
“My good friend Will Steger tells me wolves have lost their fear of man,” Dayton says. “When wolves begin encroaching on people, there is reason to worry.”
He said Steger, the polar explorer from Ely, lost two dogs to wolves a couple of years ago when he went away for a weekend. Dayton is concerned about potential threats to pets, livestock and possibly humans in the present situation, where wolves are afforded complete protection by the federal government.
As he travels from county to county, Dayton says he’s been hearing frustration regarding the DNR’s interactions with the public in rural areas. He says the agency affects more people directly than just about any arm of state government. As Governor he would try to improve how the state interacts with its constituents..
“I want all state employees to know they are in public service,” he said.