myVote: Candidate profile

Judy Soderstrom

Published Monday, October 27 04:01:28 PM

Office:

Minnesota District 8B State representative

Other candidates in this race:

Tim Faust

Party:

Republican

Incumbent:

City of residence:

Mora

Age:

Background:

Raised in Mora, married 45 years, three grown children, seven grandchildren, 25 years in real estate, owner/broker Soderstrom Realty, active Republican for 25 years, state representative 2003-2007, Grandview Christian Home Board, Minnesota Prison Fellowship Board, Quamba Baptist Church member, pro-life, marriage amendment supporter.

Endorsements:

Republican Party of Minnesota.

Most important issue:

The issue that would be most important to me if elected would be to help reduce government spending by helping government prioritize, learn to live within its means and not raise taxes. The state of Minnesota must re-evaluate spending, require accountability, and review ineffective or duplicate programs, including welfare programs. Our state could then offer tax relief to our struggling families, work toward fair funding for rural schools, help our small businesses, provide more funding for our struggling nursing homes, and find innovative solutions to help chemically dependent people become productive citizens rather than numbers in our prison system.

More information:

Candidate website

Views:

Candidates were asked to respond to statements on five policy issues. They were given seven options: "Strongly agree", "Somewhat agree", "Have mixed feelings", "Somewhat disagree", "Strongly disagree", "Have no opinion" and "Do not wish to respond."

In light of high gasoline prices, the Legislature should repeal the gas tax increases enacted in February.	Strongly agree
The state should require cities to allow law enforcement officers to inquire about people's immigration status during routine police work, such as traffic stops.	Strongly agree
Legislators should rule out tax increases during the next session.	Strongly agree
The state should put a cap on tuition increases at state colleges and universities and pressure the University of Minnesota to do the same.	Strongly agree
The state should provide more funding for K-12 education, even if it means reductions in other areas of the state budget or raising taxes.	Have mixed feelings