James McCaskel (Legal Marijuana Now Party): 2022 Election Guide
Welcome to WCCO.com's 2022 Election Guide!
We reached out to all Minnesota candidates running for U.S Congress this fall, as well as all statewide contests. Candidates were asked to provide a two-minute video discussing their platform as well as answer a set of political questions.
Below are the answers Minnesota Governor candidate James McCaskel submitted, and he did not provide a video.
This is not a paid advertisement nor does WCCO endorse any candidate.
What are three pieces of your agenda you'd like to accomplish first if elected?
During my first term as governor, I intend to address three major problems that affect Minnesotans daily. Include a financial benefit for high school graduates in Minnesota's high school curriculum. Reduce homelessness by 50% in Minnesota by housing and educating those who are homeless. Most importantly, build a new relationship between police agencies and the community.
Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade? What is the future of abortion rights in Minnesota? Should the MN legislature restrict abortion access for women who live outside the state?
Despite the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, I disagree with the decision. Women should have the choice to choose abortion or contraception, and it is our duty to protect them as state officials. Women who live in the United States should feel safe coming here and getting the necessary health care.
Recent studies show Minnesota students' test scores in math and reading in a decline. What are your commitments when it comes to education in Minnesota?
Like many Minnesotans without privilege or wealth, my life could've turned in many directions, but education led me in the right direction. Despite dropping out of high school, I didn't let a system define my intelligence. As a result, I taught myself and took the state GED test. However, I didn't stop there. While I attended Minneapolis community technical college, and now I'm running for governor, I believe my path could have been easier if I had graduated from high school with an apprenticeship certificate. For a 9 to 5 job, I didn't need calculus, so I dropped out of school. Students might be more motivated to grow in an educational environment if they realize that graduating comes with a certificate that could earn them $30,000 a year.
In the wake of alleged fraud related to COVID relief funds, what needs to be done to continue investigating fraud of this kind and magnitude, and uncover just how much of it occurred?
My opinion is that the government is responsible for the alleged fraud related to the COVID relief funds. The pandemic was a time when Americans needed help the most, but scammers got small business loans while real businesses couldn't. To protect small businesses and banks, the COVID relief fund should have been given out responsibly.
Is less than $500 in "hero pay" an appropriate compensation for frontline workers?
If we believe that frontline workers are heroes, then we should pay them accordingly. Considering the pandemic lasted over a year, frontline workers should be compensated for every hour they spent on the job.
Do you believe Joe Biden is the legitimately elected President of the United States?
My belief in our electoral system is strong, and our current president is Joe Biden.
What do you think is responsible for rising violent crime? What do you think should be done to combat violent crime?
When you are broke, violence is an easy choice. It is my belief that youth would not waste time figuring out whether crimes pay if we provided more opportunities for them to accumulate wealth. Last but not least, we need to build a relationship based on trust and accountability with police and the community.
What is your position on ecological sustainability when it comes to energy, industry and agriculture?
Make today the day you start building a better tomorrow. By switching to 100% clean energy, we will be creating jobs, cleaning the environment, and possibly saving money. This must be a well-planned operation that does not affect families irresponsibly. Keeping small farms protected and avoiding over taxation is essential for Minnesota's agriculture to grow.
What is the government's responsibility when it comes to climate change?
Clean air and water are essential to the health of our citizens, and that is something we should strive for as elected officials .
In the wake of COVID-19, what would you have the state do to prepare for potential future pandemics?
It is essential that the government hires an adequate number of skilled pharmacists who can help to repair the damage caused by another global pandemic.
Do you support the full legalization of marijuana? What are your thoughts on decriminalizing drug use?
According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, black Minnesotans are nearly five times more likely to be arrested on marijuana charges even though the same exact data showed blacks and whites use marijuana at similar rates. Over 6000 Minnesotans were arrested for marijuana offenses last year, with over 90% of those charges being simple possession, not sale or distribution. The punishment for those who are caught with more than 42 grams could spend up to 5 years in prison and face 10,000 dollars in fines. In 2021, over 40 million dollars were generated from medical marijuana sales in Minnesota alone. If recreational marijuana was legalized safely and responsibly, racial disparities could be slashed by expunging simple marijuana charges for housing and employment. Prison time is not a treatment for substance abuse. It probably makes the addiction worse. Substance abuse should be considered a mental health issue.
What should be done with the state's $9.2 billion surplus?
Since Minnesota's homeless problem is growing at a faster rate than ever, I believe the surplus should be used to build more shelters and programs to educate and prevent homelessness
Minnesota is one of 13 states that taxes retirees' Social Security income. Should that tax policy continue?
As with the rest of the country, this policy should be halted, and we should not tax the very retired citizens we provide with social security income.
