FORWARD Worthington hosts forum for local, state-level candidates

A candidates' forum hosted Thursday night by FORWARD Worthington offered the opportunity for people to learn more about those running for city and state office.

Minnesota House District 21A candidates Rusty Nelson of the DFL and Republican Christ Wollum, District 21B candidates Jon Wilson of the DFL and incumbent Republican Marj Fogelman, and District 21 Senate candidates Chris Knoll of the Republican party and Caitlyn Sanow-Minnett of the Democrats. Each was asked about their thoughts about multiple issues, including immigration.

"The leaders in the governor's mansion and Minneapolis and St. Paul stoked fear and chaos this winter," Knoll said. "The laws in this country must be followed. I've spoken to many immigrants that did it the legal way and now they feel slighted with the past administration's open border policy.

"I believe in legal immigration; I support legal immigration," he continued. "Unfortunately, our society has fallen into ... self-accountability does not exist. There are paths to citizenship. Why do some have to follow it and others do not? I don't think that's fair, and I think the majority of the District 21 feels the same way.

"If you do not break the law, you have nothing to worry about. You need to follow our laws if you come here, and you have to use the path of legal citizenship."

Replied Sanow-Minnett: "One thing I notice working at a university, we have a lot of ... international students. And some with their visas, you primarily think of those as federal (issues), but there are systems within our state that need to be looked at. We had one person who was hired to work as a full-time employee, and they worked a week, and then they were told that they were not eligible because the state of Minnesota did not use a specific program to verify their visa.

"So, (we need to be) making sure that our immigrants, when they come here, that they have the opportunity to work and be participating within our communities," she added. "And, also making sure that they feel safe when they are here providing for us."

Hear thoughts on this issue from the other area state-level candidates at myradioworks.net. Click on features, then podcasts and No. 638. We'll offer a report on the city candidates on Monday.