Arlis Sayler
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Health, environment, technology and energy production.”
KEYWORDS: Credence, evidence, critical
Q2 Recently H.J. Res 140 passed, overturning a 20-year mining ban in the National Forest System land surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. What is your position on mining projects in this region and what policies, if any, would you support to protect the surrounding watershed?
“I would support all of the tailings from mining be stored in a waste cavern with an impermeable rock layer between the tailings and the water table. No open pit mine can return the surface to the previous topography nor ensure leaching of sulfates will not occur. Otherwise no sulfide mining should be allowed in or near a wilderness area.”
KEYWORDS: Legacy, assurance, proof
Q3 Contamination from PFAS and other “forever chemicals” in 21 community water systems in Minnesota exceed national regulations, putting residents at risk of negative health impacts. What policies, if any, do you propose to protect Minnesota residents from the potential impacts of PFAS?
“Policies to protect Minnesota residents from well chemical contamination include testing of the water, monitor well testing around industrial sights and supplying clean water to anyone that could be harmed. Clean up of the aquifer is a long term process of pumping ground water out down stream and disposing of the contaminated water where it can do no harm. The cleaning process should be pursued whenever possible.”
KEYWORDS: Prevent, Identify, protect
Q4 There have been multiple hyperscale data centers proposed throughout the state, including one currently under construction. What policies and regulations, if any, do you support to assess and act on the potential impacts of these data centers?
“Polices that should be enacted are NDAs are illegal when public interests are at stake, any company should follow the good neighbor ideal of not causing any economic harm to the public, and environmental balance has to be invested in by a data center.”
KEYWORDS: Neighbor, truthful, balance
Q5 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $700 million for research grants and contracts to Minnesota universities, which directly supported over 7,000 jobs and $1.79 billion of economic activity in Minnesota. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement or support regarding funding for continued science research either at the state or federal level?
“I will support funding for Minnesota to continue to weaning away from fossil fuels. Biomass from farms can help the farmers make money, rural communities to thrive and lessen the loading of greenhouse gasses. The healthcare industry needs continued funding to continue to develop better treatments for all. I do believe that mRNA research is of great value for our well being. Soil management without fossil fuel fertilizers.”
KEYWORDS: Energy, Health, Agriculture
Q6 Fatal drug overdoses in Minnesota have significantly declined in recent years, representing a 28% drop from a record peak of 1,392 overdose deaths in 2022. However, compared to White Minnesotans, Indigenous Minnesotans are 7 to 15 times more likely to experience a fatal drug overdose, while Black Minnesotans are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from a drug-related overdose. What policies, if any, do you support to continue the downward trend of overdose deaths for Minnesotans?
“The segregation of our society has left large voids in our humanity. Policies that can help are more counselors available in underserved communities. Redistributing healthcare from centralization to individual communities. This is a long term fix and will be very difficult to achieve with “for profit” healthcare. Finally, education at all levels to be inclusive of others.”
KEYWORDS: Counseling, redistribution, inclusive