On Tuesday October 21, 2008, candidates from four legislative districts in and around St. Cloud met for a candidate forum sponsored by the Long-Term Care Imperative.  Representative Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids), Representative Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph), Representative Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud), Representative Larry Haws (DFL-St. Cloud) and candidate Joshua Behling of St. Cloud were in attendance at the event to discuss concerns of older adult service providers in Central Minnesota.  Also in attendance were forty citizens, including long-term care providers, residents at St. Benedict’s and other residents of the area.

The need for bipartisan solutions to these concerns underscored the candidates’ comments on issues ranging from cost of living increases to preparing for the retiring Baby Boom generation and their desire to age in place.  The candidates each answered prepared questions from the Long-Term Care Imperative staff as well as spontaneous questions from members of the audience who attended. (Pictured from left to right in both photos are:  Representative Steve Gottwalt, Representative Dan Severson, Representative Larry Hosch, candidate Joshua Behling and Representative Larry Haws.)

With the 2008 election season coming to a close, it is not too late to start inviting candidates to visit your location after November 4th.  Tours and question and answer events for staff and residents are an excellent opportunity to meet face to face with policy makers and advocate for positive change.  Please contact Care Providers of Minnesota if you are interested in hosting a legislative tour or organizing a meeting with a legislator in your area after the election.

Larry Johnson
952.851.2482
ljohnson@careproviders.org

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