Mary Nesgoda
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Absolutley”
KEYWORDS: knowledge, evidence, truth
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 strongly support protecting the BWCA watershed. Mining companies need to provide fact-based evidence that they will not damage the ecosystem and they cannot provide that.”
KEYWORDS: Protect Nature Now
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?
“Fully fund and avoid weakening or delaying Minnesota Statutes §116.943. Make violators pay for cleanup testing, proper disposal and fund routine testing of public systems and private wells, treatment systems, and replacement water for affected households.”
KEYWORDS: Accountability, protection, prevention
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?
“Investors and tech executives are cashing in on data centers. They need to provide for the proper research and development to create data centers that will not negatively impact the land or the residents. They must provide verifiable environmental assessments, keep local residents notified and be responsible for any errors.”
KEYWORDS: Responsibility, sustainability, safety
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?
“Creation of a long-term Minnesota health research act with reoccurring appropriations rather than a one time grant, expand on the University of Minnesota research funding and working with the Minnesota Department of Health to develop grants for universities, hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit research institutions, etc.”
KEYWORDS: Investment, research, innovation
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 would support legislation that naloxone is required for free in schools, libraries, shelters, treatment centers, correctional facilities, and other public locations. Additionally, I would support legislation that addresses barriers to recovery including unstable housing, limited transportation, stigma, and lack of culturally responsive mental-health care.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, treatment, recovery