Cynthia Gail
RepublicanQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I would like to hear from more than one scientist or school even the knowledge of other countries. I would also like to consult other colleagues in the profession and workforce.”
KEYWORDS: I like real data and facts more than just written words.
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?
“This is very concerning. I worry about a self-sustaining ecosystem and the consequences of water contamination. I think studies should be done asking other countries how they have protected the environment. We used to be Minnesota kind. Look at where we are today. At present we are the land of 10,000 lakes will that still be the case? Will that also be past tense.”
KEYWORDS: Ecosystem
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?
“I think it is time for facts. We need a student count of the health problems that our youth are facing. Then we need to get the facts on who and why. Can a better alternative be found? Slow down and research the decision first.”
KEYWORDS: Contamination the cannot be reversed is my concern.
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?
“”Right to privacy” is implied by a combination of amendments the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 15th. 9th non-enumerated rights. I feel like the internet and social media together have crossed the line on infringing on right to privacy. They seem to use entrapment as a means of justification rather than it being unjust. The law should protect people from these desires rather than let corporations entrap them. AI is to unregulated at this time. Very hard on our children. Data centers will create more chaos.”
KEYWORDS: Loss of privacy.
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 feel like debate teams should be set up to justify if the grant was justified and have it televised for public learning and knowledge. I would also like to see where the grants have gone. Take a pause on the funding.”
KEYWORDS: Three ways of showing evidence of value to society.
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?
“Border security, mail security, US random highway checks for drug trafficking 90 and 35. Stricter border checks between the U>S> and Canada. Both governments working together to target drug trafficking.”
KEYWORDS: Working with other states and countries.