Colton Kratky
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Anything around health or the environment is a must. Scientists give us the facts that can be used to make legislation. Social science would also be one that I would lean heavily on for knowledge. In the end, I can look up the papers and reports, but oftentimes an expert will understand the meaning behind the numbers better than I can.”
KEYWORDS: Experts, Knowledge, Facts
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?
“While we have come a long way in the technology and techniques when it comes to this kind of mining, I think it still needs more advancement before we consider mining that close to the Boundary Waters. I do not agree with having someone else be the guinea pig in these cases so I am against legislation that says someone else needs to try it first. I would need clear proof that the mining would have an extremely low or no impact on the boundary waters.”
KEYWORDS: Advancement, NIMBY, 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?
“We need to invest in the study, creation, and implementation of technology or systems that can begin to clean PFAS from our water. We also need to do the same to prevent more PFAS from entering the water in the first place.”
KEYWORDS: Advancement, Prevention, Implementation
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?
“One of these proposed ones is a mile from my house and I work in IT, so I know them well. First, would be updating noise nuisance laws to accommodate low frequency and continuous sounds. Second, mandatory reporting of electricity and water usage above certain thresholds. Third, classifying hyperscale data centers as heavy industry. Forth, no NDAs.”
KEYWORDS: Modernization, Transparency, Personal
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 would ensure current state funding is kept intact and add to it where we need additional research for any subject. We can’t make decisions if we don’t have the information. I do not have anything more specific at this time, but I am always in favor of more information where feasible.”
KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Decisions, Important
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?
“We should take what has been working, I’m assuming here that the decline is due to some sort of change in either how drug issues are treated or cared for, and make sure that Indigenous and Black Minnesotans also have access to them. Treatments and help needs to be available and affordable to everyone.”
KEYWORDS: Availability, affordability, Everyone