Michael Gardner
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Scientists are absolutely vital in gathering information and facts surrounding nearly every issue imaginable. Whether it is environmental, health care, technology, economics, or any field, scientists are the frontline for research, and are our most valuable resource when it comes to accurate information.”
KEYWORDS: Information, Facts, Accuracy
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 think that mining in the BWCA should be strictly forbidden. Nature is so fragile, and our State and National Parks are protected so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and splendor that nature has to offer. I would work to reestablish the protections that were removed, and fight to keep all our parks as undisturbed as possible.”
KEYWORDS: Protection, Nature, Beauty
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 work with scientists to create plans to clean the contaminated water systems, while also developing aggressive and strict laws governing the protection of the population from PFAS and other chemical contaminates. Our water is our most precious and vital resource, and we need to make sure that we are keeping it clean.”
KEYWORDS: Clean-up, Oversight, Safety
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?
“Environment, safety, oversight, THEN profit is my priority list when it comes to data centers. The environmental impact could be severe, and no amount of profit is worth the lives of our citizens, nor potentially irreversible damage to the surrounding area and environment. Constant monitoring, and vigilant oversight is a requirement for all technology centers.”
KEYWORDS: Monitoring, Environment, Oversight
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 think that research is key to progressing mankind forward. Whether it is in medicine, engineering, clean energy, sociology, education, or any field. Supporting and continuing to expand publicly funded scientific research puts the information into the hands of the people, and not in the hands of corporations that want to keep it private for profit. Supporting our universities creates generational wealth in knowledge for everyone to benefit from.”
KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Expansion, Support
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?
“Drug use has direct correlation to poverty and lack of hope for the future. By helping to create more housing, lowering costs, making education available for everyone, and working to eliminate poverty, while creating hope is the most effective way to lower the use of drugs as a whole. At the same time, making sure that health care, physical and mental, is available at all times for all people will greatly reduce the effects that drugs have on individuals. Mental health care and treatment centers are the frontline in the fight to eliminate drug use, and I believe that compassion, empathy, and support are absolutely key.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, Support, Hope