Keenan Gentry
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“As scientists are more knowledgeable in their chosen field than i am, i expect that i would lean on their expertise heavily when trying to decide how to vote on policy.”
KEYWORDS: knowledgeable, expertise, policy
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 am against any mining in the Boundary water. That particular area is a treasure trove of ecological information. I would support any policy that prohibits mining of any kind in the boundary water, as well as any attempt for logging.”
KEYWORDS: ecological, treasure, prohibit
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 fix any community water systems that are currently out of regulation, even if that means having to re-install the entire system. The companies that are supplying the water should face heavy fines until the issue is resolved.”
KEYWORDS: Fix, re-install, fines
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?
“I understand that we probably aren’t going to be able to get away from A.I. at this point, so i feel that A.I. should be heavily regulated. We have already seen some of the adverse effects these programs have on our populace. We should limit the use of A.I. to stop A.I. generated illicit images, the spreading of false or misleading information, and protect the rights of artist and authors within all fields so their work is their work.”
KEYWORDS: regulate, limit, protect
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 simply like to continue to support the NIH. If we can increase the amount of funding available i would absolutely support that as well.”
KEYWORDS: support, increase, funding
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?
“Any person or individual regardless of color, race, ethnic background, or sexual orientation should not face criminal charges for drugs. Rather we should focus on healing and providing opportunities for them to rejoin society in their own time. Allowing time to heal and recover will ultimately reduce the amount of repeat drug offenses also reducing the amount of overdoses.”
KEYWORDS: heal, recover, rejoin