This article reprinted courtesy of inforum.com. By Luther Stueland

A recent letter to The Forum highlighted how successful Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, Minn., is at bonding for all sorts of state projects. For the layman, bonding simply means having the state go into debt to pay for various public projects (think credit card).

This debt of course must be repaid with interest. Bonding may have a quick effect on one particular industry, but its effect lasts for only a year or two. However, the taxpayer must bear the burden of the debt for the next 20 years.

The “Quote of the Day” by Jason Hoppin on Feb. 4 quotes Langseth opening up a hearing of the Capital Investment Committee with “Welcome to the candy store” shows how he views taxpayer money.

We do not need a senator who will try to cure Minnesota’s $6 billion deficit by borrowing more and adding to the deficit. We need a senator who does not look at taxpayers’ money as a “candy store” where goodies are passed out to everyone who has a special interest.

Only a favorable business climate attracts business. As a small-business owner, Jeff Backer knows what has to be done to create a favorable business climate.

Langseth is great at promoting debt, but in 30 years of his leadership, there is still a glaring business disparity of prosperity along the border cities.

We need a senator who will represent all of District 9 and not just the lucky recipients of goodies. We need a new mindset, and Backer has the ideas and gumption to get it done.

Stueland is a member of the Moorhead City Council.