Skylar Fynboh
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I think it’s important to speak with experts on all aspects of policy. Generally policy isn’t limited to one discipline so I would need to speak to experts on economics, community health, as well as any number of other disciplines. I would need to pull the data and analyze it while getting context and recommendations from those who have dedicated themselves to understanding a subject.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence based consensus
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?
“Like with every policy I try to view it through an ecological economic lens. I need to know the true costs of any policy before my affirmation or dissent. In regards to this specific issue, the mining that some are seeking to do will result in ecological damage costing billions over the next 500 years as I understand it. The boundary waters are a gift that we should steward for the next generations. The economic benefits of mining in the Boundary waters aren’t anywhere near outweighing the costs so I can’t support mining there. Mining experts have came out against it, hydrologists have come out against it, and the data just doesn’t support it being beneficial to the state or local communities.”
KEYWORDS: Data says no.
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?
“PFAS aren’t something I’m an expert on so I would consult with experts on where the root problems are and how we can address them. I would support policy that is supported by evidence driven research on how to address the problem.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence based consensus
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?
“They need full environmental evaluations before construction, tax breaks need to be evaluated and rescinded when the costs outweigh the benefits, and from where I’m sitting as someone who works with AI and LLMs on a daily basis its hard to justify how we’re implementing hyperscale data centers. There are positives, but there are also major negatives when done without regulation. We need to account for power and water usage, environmental pollution, but also the economic benefit. If any of these are a net negative on our communities we need to find a way to address it if we’re going to implement hyperscale datacenters. Policy exists to protect the public so we shouldn’t pass legislation to benefit share holder value over our communities.”
KEYWORDS: Regulate for sustainability
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?
“We need scientific research. Our economy is reliant on innovation and IP which requires research. The cuts to research coming from the federal government has implications here at home. A facility in Morris was recently completed and now it doesn’t have funds to operate as I understand it. That hurts us economically, and it hurts our ability to compete. I support funding research that benefits the people of Minnesota, and that means finding room in the budget to ensure that the investments we’ve made with the federal government aren’t wasted. Without funding research we risk falling losing the investments in our communities that are brought in by those seeking to do research. Education institutions bring in investment from a variety of sources, and has downstream economic benefits. Fund it, but ensure the investment is sound.”
KEYWORDS: Science invests in the future
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?
“We need to ensure that addiction resources are following best practices. Reducing overdoses requires an availability of things like Narcan, availability of patient centered treatment, and funding the social work that helps address root causes for addiction. In my experience as an EMT, addiction and overdoses are linked with poverty or a need that isn’t met like lacking healthcare. We need to ensure we are able to provide good paying jobs and healthcare that allows our community members to build a life without the crutch of addiction.”
KEYWORDS: Public Health is Community Health