The House District 46B race is between Allan Hancock of Brooklyn Center, of the Green Party; Debra Hilstrom of Brooklyn Center, a Democrat; and Tim Olson of Brooklyn Center, a Republican.

The two-year position pays $31,140 per year. District 46B includes all of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.

Allan Hancock

Address: 5520 Fremont Ave. N., Brooklyn Center

Family: husband, Darnell; 2 children

Education: master's degree in education

Occupation: retired

Years in city: more than 15 years

Community involvement: chairman of the Third Congressional District Green Party local, citizen lobbyist for the Green Party at the state capitol, block captain for neighborhood watch group

Information: www.hancock4you.org

Debra Hilstrom

Address: 3509 66th Ave. N. in Brooklyn Center

Family: Husband, Joel; 3 children

Education: graduate of Park Center High School and the University of Minnesota; current William Mitchell College of Law student

Occupation: legislator

Years in city: all her life

Community involvement: state representative, 2001 to present; Brooklyn Center City Council, 1994-2000; Planning Commission, 1992-94

Information: debrahilstrom@aol.com

Tim Olson

Address: 5123 Xerxes Ave. N., Brooklyn Center

Family: Wife, Lynn; 2 children

Education: BSM High School 1976, urban public works administration at North Hennepin, O&M collection systems, Sacramento State, FEMA incident command structures, Ramsey County Hazmat

Occupation: Met Council Environmental Services - formerly MWCC - 26 years interceptor system lead

Years in city: 24

Community involvement: Served as executive vice president for Brooklyn Area Babe Ruth. Coached 23 years, with wife Lynn, for youth baseball and fastpitch softball at St. Bridget's, St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center National Little League, Brooklyn Area Babe Ruth, North Suburban Fastpitch, dome leagues in St. Paul

Information: www.timolson46b.home.comcast.net

What should the state government do to solve our transportation challenges?

Hancock: I think all options should be considered. There needs to be more incentives to move people towards less dependence on single vehicles. Building more highways will not solve our transportation problems. Mass transit needs to be greatly expanded.

Hilstrom: The 2008 transportation package went a long way to deal with Minnesota's transportation crisis. I strongly support a multimodal approach to transportation. We cannot build our way out of congestion. We need to continue to work to ensure the completion of Highway 610 and improvement of Highway 252. As well as mass transportation including a strong bus system and light rail. I am a strong supporter of the North Star rail line.

Olson: Multi-modal transportation options, is code language for a massive build-up in public transportation, which taxpayers subsidize almost 70 percent of operating costs. Area taxpayers are subsidizing the commute from second and third ring suburbs which don't face the school, housing and crime challenges we face.

I think we should determine the percentage of citizens who depend on public transportation for medical and economic reasons and allow them to ride for free and the rest of operating costs be made up at the fair box.

This allows the free market to determine the right sized bus system.

Removing stoplights on Highway 100 and added lanes on Interstate 694 worked wonders in relieving congestion and we should explore the same on Highway 252 and completing Highway 610 is a priority.

I find toll lanes unacceptable, bus rapid transit is worth looking at and light rail is not cost effective.

Would you support the educational reform measures, dubbed the Minnesota Miracle, expected to be proposed by the K-12 Education Finance Division in the House in 2009?

Hancock: Yes, I support the proposed legislation dubbed Minnesota Miracle II. I would amend it to place preschool education ahead of all-day kindergarten.

Hilstrom:I support reforming education funding. This proposal will make funding more stable and equitable while giving local school districts more flexibility. Quality education for all Minnesota students is important for our future.

Olson: The short answer is some. With baby-boomers retiring, there is great opportunity for painless reforms throughout government involving middle bureaucracies that interfere with the delivery of service and cash flow to the classroom and teachers pockets.

Two dynamics that need to be considered are declining enrollment beginning in 2010, and the significance of district boundaries with open enrollment.

Simplifying funding formulas and shifting from state to local funding increases local control.

My priority in revitalizing Brooklyn Center is to focus on District 286 and take advantage of a small school system to build a high performing, attractive, high school and push out boundaries as enrollment declines.

Health care costs continue to rise and more and more people are being squeezed out of the system or finding they cannot afford insurance. How can the state address this growing problem?

Hancock: I do not support a state-run health insurance program. I do support the Minnesota Health Plan supported by Sen. John Marty, which is a single payer health plan funded through premiums and other payments based on a person's ability to pay. The plan "focuses on preventive care and early intervention to improve the health of all Minnesota residents and reduce costs from untreated illnesses and diseases." It allows individuals to select their own doctors for treatment. This plan actually saves money for all Minnesotans, is endorsed by a majority of health care professionals and would save money for companies paying for employee health care.

Hilstrom: I strongly support affordable accessible health insurance. In 2007, the Minnesota Legislature reduced the number of uninsured in Minnesota by one-third. We need to move away from emergency care and more towards prevention.

Olson: I do not support a program like Massachusetts. My priority is the working families without health care.

The development of Minncare and excessive mandates drove many providers out of the state. Allowing more providers and out state insurers (competition) will reduce costs.

I do not support the Department of Health storing and sharing medical records and the state targeting obesity and smokers. They are messing with God's beautiful creations.

Protection of the environment sounds good on the election platform, but tell the voters what you would specifically propose for your district and the state to accomplish this.

Hancock: My priorities for protecting the environment are:

- Continue and increase state grants to promote the use of a variety of biofuels.

- Incorporate California clean car standards.

- Reverse "North of Highway 2" amendment from 2005 to limit the usage of recreational vehicles in northern Minnesota on unplanned trails.

- Regulate metallic sulfide mining (copper, nickel, and platinum).

- Protect Lake Superior by requiring ballast water treatment to minimize the introduction of invasive species.

- Change waste management policies to emphasize a composting program to reduce garbage disposal in landfills.

- Regulate and publicize the use of pesticides anywhere in the state.

Hilstrom: I will introduce a bill to get money for our area to help clean up polluted land in our area and for the state. I have been a strong supporter of clean water in 2007 and 2008 I received an award for 100 percent from Conservation Minnesota for supporting enhancing parks, trails, habitat and clean water.

Olson: I believe I can end the global warming debate in America. God is in charge of the weather. Seventy-eight percent of Americans say they believe in God, I say trust him. We are good stewards of the earth, but two areas of improvement are the handling of fluorescent bulbs and spent lead-acid (household) batteries. New efforts need to keep these out of our landfills.

I do not support the upcoming constitutional amendment.

Should state government play a role in encouraging investment in alternative-energy businesses that would bring so-called "green collar" jobs to Minnesota? Should the state government offer more financial incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-conserving/storing technology?

Hancock: A strong commitment needs to be made for investing in alternative-energy businesses by promoting biofuels, encouraging growth of wind farms, providing tax breaks to homeowners for energy efficient appliances, solar panel installation and encouraging compliance of energy audit recommendations.

Hilstrom: I supported a new law seeking to help Minnesota capitalize on the dramatic potential for renewable energy, energy conservation efforts and greenhouse gas reductions to enhance job development and economic growth.

The Green Jobs Task Force will create a statewide action plan to optimize the growth of the green economy by promoting renewables, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions.

Projects that promote theses goals will be eligible for certain grants administered through DEED.

All agencies will review their grant programs to determine the extent to which they promote a green economy.

Olson: Government has a tax incentive role in allowing the free market to explore alternative fuel sources. The exploration of biodiesel and ethanol were a step in the right direction, but mandates and public subsidies worldwide are proving to be a failure.

The same free market holds true for homeowners. If there are energy cost savings to be had, homeowners will invest without government help.

In what ways, if any, should the Legislature/state assist in jump-starting the state's economy?

Hancock: The Legislature/state can help jump-start the state's economy by implementing the environmental and alternative energy businesses as noted in points four and five and by investing in dedicated transit ways (light rail, commuter rail, and rapid transit) as well as expanding mass transit in greater Minnesota.

Hilstrom: Good paying jobs is at the center of a strong Minnesota economy and a strong middle class. In the last two years, the Minnesota Legislature created approximately 40,000 good paying jobs over the next few years by passing the transportation, bonding and tax bills.

Olson: If we lose the Delta/Northwest headquarters, it's because Atlanta's corporate tax rate is around 6 percent and ours around 9 percent.

South Dakota has lured businesses from Minnesota with their tax rates.

We do not have a business friendly environment and the key will be cutting taxes.

Family: Husband, Joel; 3 children

Education: graduate of Park Center High School and the University of Minnesota; current William Mitchell College of Law student

Occupation: legislator

Years in city: all her life

Community involvement: state representative, 2001 to present; Brooklyn Center City Council, 1994-2000; Planning Commission, 1992-94

Information: debrahilstrom@aol.com

Tim Olson

Address: 5123 Xerxes Ave. N., Brooklyn Center

Family: Wife, Lynn; 2 children

Education: BSM High School 1976, urban public works administration at North Hennepin, O&M collection systems, Sacramento State, FEMA incident command structures, Ramsey County Hazmat

Occupation: Met Council Environmental Services - formerly MWCC - 26 years interceptor system lead

Years in city: 24

Community involvement: Served as executive vice president for Brooklyn Area Babe Ruth. Coached 23 years, with wife Lynn, for youth baseball and fastpitch softball at St. Bridget's, St. Alphonsus, Brooklyn Center National Little League, Brooklyn Area Babe Ruth, North Suburban Fastpitch, dome leagues in St. Paul

Information: www.timolson46b.home.comcast.net

What should the state government do to solve our transportation challenges?

Hancock: I think all options should be considered. There needs to be more incentives to move people towards less dependence on single vehicles. Building more highways will not solve our transportation problems. Mass transit needs to be greatly expanded.

Hilstrom: The 2008 transportation package went a long way to deal with Minnesota's transportation crisis. I strongly support a multimodal approach to transportation. We cannot build our way out of congestion. We need to continue to work to ensure the completion of Highway 610 and improvement of Highway 252. As well as mass transportation including a strong bus system and light rail. I am a strong supporter of the North Star rail line.

Olson: Multi-modal transportation options, is code language for a massive build-up in public transportation, which taxpayers subsidize almost 70 percent of operating costs. Area taxpayers are subsidizing the commute from second and third ring suburbs which don't face the school, housing and crime challenges we face.

I think we should determine the percentage of citizens who depend on public transportation for medical and economic reasons and allow them to ride for free and the rest of operating costs be made up at the fair box.

This allows the free market to determine the right sized bus system.

Removing stoplights on Highway 100 and added lanes on Interstate 694 worked wonders in relieving congestion and we should explore the same on Highway 252 and completing Highway 610 is a priority.

I find toll lanes unacceptable, bus rapid transit is worth looking at and light rail is not cost effective.

Would you support the educational reform measures, dubbed the Minnesota Miracle, expected to be proposed by the K-12 Education Finance Division in the House in 2009?

Hancock: Yes, I support the proposed legislation dubbed Minnesota Miracle II. I would amend it to place preschool education ahead of all-day kindergarten.

Hilstrom:I support reforming education funding. This proposal will make funding more stable and equitable while giving local school districts more flexibility. Quality education for all Minnesota students is important for our future.

Olson: The short answer is some. With baby-boomers retiring, there is great opportunity for painless reforms throughout government involving middle bureaucracies that interfere with the delivery of service and cash flow to the classroom and teachers pockets.

Two dynamics that need to be considered are declining enrollment beginning in 2010, and the significance of district boundaries with open enrollment.

Simplifying funding formulas and shifting from state to local funding increases local control.

My priority in revitalizing Brooklyn Center is to focus on District 286 and take advantage of a small school system to build a high performing, attractive, high school and push out boundaries as enrollment declines.

Health care costs continue to rise and more and more people are being squeezed out of the system or finding they cannot afford insurance. How can the state address this growing problem?

Hancock: I do not support a state-run health insurance program. I do support the Minnesota Health Plan supported by Sen. John Marty, which is a single payer health plan funded through premiums and other payments based on a person's ability to pay. The plan "focuses on preventive care and early intervention to improve the health of all Minnesota residents and reduce costs from untreated illnesses and diseases." It allows individuals to select their own doctors for treatment. This plan actually saves money for all Minnesotans, is endorsed by a majority of health care professionals and would save money for companies paying for employee health care.

Hilstrom: I strongly support affordable accessible health insurance. In 2007, the Minnesota Legislature reduced the number of uninsured in Minnesota by one-third. We need to move away from emergency care and more towards prevention.

Olson: I do not support a program like Massachusetts. My priority is the working families without health care.

The development of Minncare and excessive mandates drove many providers out of the state. Allowing more providers and out state insurers (competition) will reduce costs.

I do not support the Department of Health storing and sharing medical records and the state targeting obesity and smokers. They are messing with God's beautiful creations.

Protection of the environment sounds good on the election platform, but tell the voters what you would specifically propose for your district and the state to accomplish this.

Hancock: My priorities for protecting the environment are:

- Continue and increase state grants to promote the use of a variety of biofuels.

- Incorporate California clean car standards.

- Reverse "North of Highway 2" amendment from 2005 to limit the usage of recreational vehicles in northern Minnesota on unplanned trails.

- Regulate metallic sulfide mining (copper, nickel, and platinum).

- Protect Lake Superior by requiring ballast water treatment to minimize the introduction of invasive species.

- Change waste management policies to emphasize a composting program to reduce garbage disposal in landfills.

- Regulate and publicize the use of pesticides anywhere in the state.

Hilstrom: I will introduce a bill to get money for our area to help clean up polluted land in our area and for the state. I have been a strong supporter of clean water in 2007 and 2008 I received an award for 100 percent from Conservation Minnesota for supporting enhancing parks, trails, habitat and clean water.

Olson: I believe I can end the global warming debate in America. God is in charge of the weather. Seventy-eight percent of Americans say they believe in God, I say trust him. We are good stewards of the earth, but two areas of improvement are the handling of fluorescent bulbs and spent lead-acid (household) batteries. New efforts need to keep these out of our landfills.

I do not support the upcoming constitutional amendment.

Should state government play a role in encouraging investment in alternative-energy businesses that would bring so-called "green collar" jobs to Minnesota? Should the state government offer more financial incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-conserving/storing technology?

Hancock: A strong commitment needs to be made for investing in alternative-energy businesses by promoting biofuels, encouraging growth of wind farms, providing tax breaks to homeowners for energy efficient appliances, solar panel installation and encouraging compliance of energy audit recommendations.

Hilstrom: I supported a new law seeking to help Minnesota capitalize on the dramatic potential for renewable energy, energy conservation efforts and greenhouse gas reductions to enhance job development and economic growth.

The Green Jobs Task Force will create a statewide action plan to optimize the growth of the green economy by promoting renewables, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions.

Projects that promote theses goals will be eligible for certain grants administered through DEED.

All agencies will review their grant programs to determine the extent to which they promote a green economy.

Olson: Government has a tax incentive role in allowing the free market to explore alternative fuel sources. The exploration of biodiesel and ethanol were a step in the right direction, but mandates and public subsidies worldwide are proving to be a failure.

The same free market holds true for homeowners. If there are energy cost savings to be had, homeowners will invest without government help.

In what ways, if any, should the Legislature/state assist in jump-starting the state's economy?

Hancock: The Legislature/state can help jump-start the state's economy by implementing the environmental and alternative energy businesses as noted in points four and five and by investing in dedicated transit ways (light rail, commuter rail, and rapid transit) as well as expanding mass transit in greater Minnesota.

Hilstrom: Good paying jobs is at the center of a strong Minnesota economy and a strong middle class. In the last two years, the Minnesota Legislature created approximately 40,000 good paying jobs over the next few years by passing the transportation, bonding and tax bills.

Olson: If we lose the Delta/Northwest headquarters, it's because Atlanta's corporate tax rate is around 6 percent and ours around 9 percent.

South Dakota has lured businesses from Minnesota with their tax rates.

We do not have a business friendly environment and the key will be cutting taxes.