Over the next several weeks leading up to Election Day on November 6, 2018, the Fillmore County Journal will provide candidates in contested races in our coverage area an opportunity to answer questions that we hope will be of value to voters. On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates battling for State Representative of District 28B. Both Greg Davids and Thomas Trehus were presented with the same questions with a 100 word count limit per answer. Readers can also look for these Q & A write-ups on www.fillmorecountyjournal.com, where the conversation will continue.
– Jason Sethre, Publisher of Fillmore County Journal
Greg Davids
First, tell us a little about yourself.
First, tell us a little about yourself.I have lived in Fillmore County nearly my entire life, have been married to Bonnie for 39 years, have three adult daughters, and three grandsons. In addition to serving as your state representative, my wife and I own the family farm. I have been a financial planner since 1982, and am a former teacher and mayor of Preston.
Why are you running for the position of State Representative for District 28B?
To continue helping and serving the good people of Fillmore and Houston counties and bringing their needs to the State Capitol. The last two-year cycle may have been our most successful in recent memory. Not only did we lower health care premiums for those buying insurance on the individual market, but we also passed historic tax relief and increased statewide road and bridge funding without raising taxes or fees. I’m ready to help continue these success stories.
What experience do you bring to this position?
Being a senior member in the majority caucus, as well as serving as the chairman of the House Taxes committee means the needs of Fillmore and Houston counties are always prioritized. I have been honored to carry countless laws that benefit our area, including our new Fillmore County Veterans Home and Veterans Cemetery, my “Good Neighbor” policy that allows local communities to benefit from Rochester’s sales tax, income tax reciprocity with Wisconsin, Lanesboro Dam funding and many more. I know how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to move good policies forward, and hope to continue this progress.
What do you feel are the most important issues facing the residents of Fillmore and Houston counties?
Affordable health care continues to come up as I meet with residents across our district. We made great progress in this area last session, passing new laws that lower premium rates for those purchasing health insurance on the individual market and finally ended the double-digit increases they had experienced every year since the implementation of Obamacare. We also provided more choices by bringing more competition into the market and provided better access to care. We’re off to a great start, but there’s still more work to be done. Improving our rural schools and roads is also critical.
How will you help the residents of Fillmore and Houston counties?
My approach has always been very simple: listen to the concerns of area residents carefully and respectfully, and fight for their needs at the Capitol vigorously. Having grown up here, raised a family here, and operated a business here, I understand the challenges being faced by our neighbors every day. The job of a state representative is to find ways to combat these challenges, and whether it has been health care, tax relief, school safety or road improvements, I have always based my vote on whether or not it is in the best interests of Fillmore and Houston counties.
What else do you feel voters should know about you?
In this new era where partisan politics has become toxic at times, residents should know my goal has always been to find bipartisan solutions wherever possible. My job isn’t to represent my political party, it is to represent everyone in our district regardless of their political affiliation. Moving forward, I will continue seeking ways allowing you to keep more of what you earn while increasing funding to our schools, improving our roads and bridges, and strengthening our rural economy. I humbly ask for your vote on November 6.
Thomas Trehus
First, tell us a little about yourself.
I live on my 100+ year old family farm outside of Spring Grove. My father and I farm corn and beans. I graduated from Spring Grove High School in 2009 and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2012, with a B.A. in Political Science. I currently serve on the Spring Grove School Board and teach part-time while I campaign for State House. I serve as vice president of my local Sons of Norway, coach high school speech, and I am a certified firearm safety instructor. Previously I worked in the U.S. Senate as a staff member.
Why are you running for the position of State Representative for District 28B?
I grew up volunteering and serving my community, I want to continue down that path. I respect Rep. Davids’ 13 terms, but it’s time for a change. We need to crack down on health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies who are bankrupting our neighbors and our government. We must provide another health care option for our small business people, farmers, and those working several part-time jobs. In 2017, Rep. Davids gave insurance companies well over $400 million in taxpayer dollars with no strings attached. I’m running to fully fund and support our public schools, while helping reduce the burden of unfunded mandates.
What experience do you bring to this position?
As a school board member, I know how critical it is for our state and local government to communicate effectively and work together for Fillmore and Houston Counties. I also have the unique experience of working in K-12 classrooms in both counties, so I understand the successes and challenges within education. Agricultural experience is a must. I have spent most of my life living and working on a farm. And having worked in the U.S. Senate, I know how agriculture can be helped or hindered through government policies.
What do you feel are the most important issues facing the residents of Fillmore and Houston counties?
The lack of affordable healthcare options. The state not doing its job in keeping up with LGA, CPA, and Township Aid. The state is not keeping up with general road and bridge maintenance. A workforce shortage, especially in senior care and services for those with disabilities. The lack of childcare. A system that is rigged against small businesses and small-medium sized farms. Low commodity prices and increasing input costs for farmers. Our school districts struggling with enrollment and increasing costs of doing business.
How will you help the residents of Fillmore and Houston counties?
I will fight to provide a public option for those struggling to find or pay for health insurance. I will stand up to insurance companies and big Pharma. I will fight to ensure that our schools are properly funded, so that every child can get the education they deserve. I will stand up for our towns and townships by fighting for adequate LGA, Township Aid, and road and bridge maintenance. I will fight to keep seniors safe and increase in-home care for seniors. I will make sure our nursing homes have the support needed to allow our seniors to live with respect and dignity.
What else do you feel voters should know about you?
I have spoken personally to thousands of voters and will continue to listen to Fillmore and Houston County residents. I will not be a legislator just focused on re-election, I will be a legislator focused on representing YOU. I won’t make you come to St. Paul to talk to me, I will be in your town and township throughout my service. Please email me or call me if you have any questions. My email is trehusforhouse@gmail.com and my cell is (507) 251-3584.
I would appreciate your vote on November 6.
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