Q&A: Rep. Kelby Woodard Sits Down with Patch

Editor's note: With the 2012 Minnesota legislative session set to convene Monday, Rep. Kelby Woodard (R-District 25B) of Belle Plaine sat down with Northfield Patch to reflect on his first year as a legislator, talk about some of the "off-season" political news and share some insights for 2012. Check back Thursday to see our conversation with Sen. Al DeKruif (R-District 25).

Northfield Patch: Let’s get it out of the way. The Vikings. I read that you’re in support of the proposed Shakopee location. What should be done and where should the stadium go?

Rep. Kelby Woodard: I do support the Shakopee location and for a couple of reasons. It meets the criteria of no general tax dollars being used … it makes sense to put it in the same community that’s funding it it. Look at Minneapolis and St. Paul—I don’t see a lot of legislators jumping up and down saying they want it in their city. I’ve been a little bit of a skeptic on Vikings stadium period (because) I certainly don’t want to see any general dollars going to it. Racino would help pay for it and provide funding to pay back the the school shift as well. It’s a win-win-win situation and ”

Patch: I know you’re a hockey fan. With the recent injuries to Jack Jablonski and Jenna Privette, do you think the Legislature should step in like they did with concussion-related stuff, or do you feel the responsibility should remain with the high school league, coaches, parents, players, etc.?

Woodard: It’s an area we’re going to have to look at and see what we can do to help out. We’ve had two very tragic events. … It’s worth exploring.

Patch: Seemingly a surprise to everyone, the state now has a reported $876 million surplus. How does that affect the budget focus in 2012?

Woodard: What it does is take it off the table as far as an argument with the governor and really allows us to approach some of the reforms we tried to pass last session that didn’t get through. I think it changes a little bit of the dialogue with the governor and that’s a good sign and it holds the line on taxes.

Patch: Looking back on your first year in office, what surprised you the most?

Woodard: We didn’t anticipate in January a government shutdown. That was certainly … not necessary. That was the biggest surprise of the whole year. Other than that, I think it was a fairly typical year when it comes to the state Legislature.

Patch: The Republican Party in Minnesota has taken a few hits here in the last few months with regards to and former party chair, Tony Sutton. How do you feel about the party as the legislative session approaches?

Woodard: The party obviously has to clean up its house. There are lots of good people in place to make sure that happens. I’m confident in our new leadership. At the end of the day, when people go to the ballot box in November, they’re going to be able to meet those candidates. That’s the key. It’s less about the party and more about the individuals that are running. And that’s what people will think about.

Patch: A hot topic from last year that obviously isn’t going away is the marriage amendment proposal. It goes to the voters in November. Where do you stand on this issue?

Woodard: I voted for the marriage amendment. From my point of view, it’s time for Minnesotans to decide. It’s not up to the Legislature or courts. It’s up to the voters to decide. I’m not taking a stance either way.

Patch: What is something you feel you’ve learned since becoming a legislator?

Woodard: Some ideas that make a lot of sense, like Racino—it seems to make sense, I support it—but it’s still difficult to move it ahead. People have many ideas that don’t move ahead. 

Patch: Are there any bills you authored in 2011 that are carrying over or new bills you plan to push in 2012 that you want your constituents to be aware of?

Woodard: There are a couple real priorities. One, get that Racino legislation passed. Two, continuing to look at education reform and mandate relief for local government. Three, statewide property tax release. There’s a lot of conversation about the reforms they put on property … small businesses who are operating in our communities are really struggling.

Patch:  indicate you wouldn’t represent Northfield in 2013 (Woodard lives in Belle Plaine) if you run again because of . That aside, will we see a Woodard 2012 campaign?

Woodard: I haven’t made the final decision. I’ve got to talk to the family, but right now, my initial thought is yes, I will run in 2012. Right now, maps don’t show Northfield, but a lot can happen in the next six weeks.”