myVote: Candidate profile

Joe Hoppe

Published Monday, October 27 04:02:13 PM

Office:

Minnesota District 34B State representative

Other candidates in this race:

Evan Rapp

Party:

Republican

Incumbent:

Yes

City of residence:

Chaska

Age:

Background:

1987 graduate of St. John's University; member of: Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, St. Hubert's Catholic Church. Married 14 years to Deanne, a teacher in the Minnetonka school district; children Elizabeth, 11 and Michael, 9.

Endorsements:

Republican Party of Minnesota.

Most important issue:

It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Chanhassen and Chaska for the last six years. If reelected, I will continue to work to protect our environment and to promote the things that make Minnesota the best state in the union. We need to be forward-thinking, investing wisely in things that will benefit Minnesotans, now and generations from now. We will likely have a budget shortfall this coming January. We need to make sure we are using the public's money wisely. I remain fiscally conservative and committed to bringing common sense to the Legislature.

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.	Somewhat disagree
The state should put a cap on tuition increases at state colleges and universities and pressure the University of Minnesota to do the same.	Somewhat disagree
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