Eric Langness’ bid for election to the Washington County Board in District One has received a boost from the Republican Party. Langness, who lives in Forest Lake and serves on the ISD 831 Board of Education, won a first-ballot endorsement contest with incumbent Dennis Hegberg Monday night in Hugo.

In a statement, Langness said: “Dennis Hegberg has served the Washington County area for 18 years and recently has lost touch with the citizens. The two major areas are transportation and funding. Mr. Hegberg supported the heavily unpopular  tax increase to Washington County residents for a metropolitan counties transportation improvement board. This plan will increase .25 percent sales tax and increase fees on sales of automobiles in Washington County. The revenue generated by this tax will  not be dedicated to fund projects within our county and will support light rail transportation and bus services that are not projected to impact our county. This was the primary area where the majority of delegates and I disagree with Dennis Hegberg. This was the motivating factor for seeking the commissioner district endorsement from the Republicans. I’ve proven to be a fiscal conservative both during a campaign and more importantly when I vote on issues.”

The position is non-partisan in terms of ballot designation. The sales tax supported by Hegberg amounts to 25 cents on each $100 purchase. 

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