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
This is an important year for elections with all 4 Constitutional offices on the ballot in a Statewide race. The Hennepin County Attorney race is every 4 years, and as we all know what is happening in Minneapolis and Hennepin County is impacting the whole State. Who gets on the November ballot will be determined at the primary Tuesday August 11.
Register here:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/212516939541156
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****Tues Feb 3, Caucus – this is where to start for being involved in the political process. (see our caucus page for details).
We heard from Tad Jude today, candidate for Secretary of State (SOS), running for Republican endorsement. The SOS is a powerful position that impacts, not just voting, but business regulations and provides input to the Governor. Simon helped give us the new State flag design and a petition was passed around to request a vote on the flag. The SOS office impacts the wording of ballot questions which are often misleading and hard to understand. Among goals Jude has, if elected, would be to secure the vote thus increasing trust in elections through a Photo ID requirement and other improvements.
We also heard from Brian Marum, Accountant, about the good things in the Working Family Tax Cut Act (aka One Big Beautiful Bill). The main thing is that it extended and made permanent the 2017 tax cuts which would have expired Dec 31, 21025. It introduced many new features for individuals and business taxpayers. These included: an increase in the child tax credit, an adoption credit, increased the State and Local Tax deduction to $40,000. Also, for tax years 2025-28: 1) a deduction for interest paid on loans for American-made vehicles and 2) Those aged 65 and older eligible for a personal exemption of $6,000 (AGI under $75K). In addition, individuals may deduct up to $1,000 in cash charitable contributions without itemizing. Trump Accounts (for under 18, capped at $5,000/year – not deductible. Corporate tax rate maintained at 21%. The main negative for Minnesota is that the current Administration and Legislature are unlikely to conform MN taxes to the Federal, which means that people could expect a higher tax payment owed on their state taxes. People are urged to contact their legislators to ask that conformity be approved by the Legislature.
