Candidate review Feb 7

Nate George spoke to the group about his candidacy for MN State Auditor seeking the Republican endorsement. George is the Mayor of Braham and told us about his local govt experience managing City financial challenges which includes a 48% property tax increase. Using his auditing and compliance skills, they are closely examining all City expenses. George explained that, by statute, the MN State Auditor’s office cannot audit State Government, but oversees local government entities: City, County and School Boards. George is developing a tool to rate the fraud risk of these organizations to make it easier for taxpayers to evaluate low, moderate or high risk. Because of his work as an independent Compliance officer for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe casinos, he plans to use this experience and his skills if elected MN State Auditor.

Candidate Anders Folk reviewed an extensive resume that qualifies him to be the Hennepin County Attorney. That role is the chief prosecutor for the County, provides legal counsel to Hennepin County Commissioners and government components, and sets the agenda for public safety. The office employs 500 and has a budget of $90M. Folk has a law degree from the U of MN and served in the Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate. With his experience as an Assistant US Attorney, he prosecuted cases in the Counter Terrorism unit. His plan for the office, if elected, is: 1) Strategic enforcement to take the most dangerous criminals off the streets 2) Prevention and Intervention – finding those most at risk of committing crimes and offering help with school, jobs, etc. and 3) Collaborative leadership in law enforcement and public safety. He answered many questions covering the severe staff shortage in the US Attorney’s Office that is hampering investigations; the police shortage in Minneapolis with only 600 officers that could not provide enough support for 3,000 Federal ICE agents; and the value of getting gangs and organized crime out of neighborhoods. He will be seeking DFL endorsement.

Nate George, candidate for MN State Auditor

Anders Folk, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney