Mark Legvold
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“One of my core values is that I “Value Learning.” In carrying this forward I seek people who actively search out the truth through the scientific method and through active, facts based research. I’ll look for the experts - scientists, economists, medical providers, economists, etc. in order to have the most factual information to make decisions.”
KEYWORDS: Hypothesize, Experiment, Learn
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?
“Prove that mining can be done without degrading water quality and quantity and other environmental factors prior to moving forward with projects.”
KEYWORDS: Water, Climate, Soil health
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?
“Continue work to eliminate PFAS from water sources and increase funding for testing, especially for those who live on well water.”
KEYWORDS: Regenerate, Mitigate, Manage
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?
“Maintain clean and plentiful water for all, Reliable and stable cost for homeowner energy with no “volume discount” for big data centers, Zone Data Centers appropriately (far from neighborhoods - only in industrial areas or very poor farmland), Start with the end in mind: Municipalities shouldn’t be left with an abandoned data center when the technology changes. No NDA’s!”
KEYWORDS: Water, Energy, Zoning
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?
“R&D is a key part of Minnesota’s economy. Continued funding, even in the face of federal cuts, can lead to growth in our state and well-paying jobs. I’ll support continued funding at the state level for the sciences, as well as encourage defense related scientific research facilities in our state (such as the hypersonic testing facility) - it is good for the long term growth of our state.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Develop, Grow
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?
“I support continued public education funding for eliminating drug use and overdose, as well as grants to provide more access to drugs to counteract the effect of drugs on our streets.”
KEYWORDS: Educate, Encourage, Access