Letter: Kline meets tirelessly with people

To the Editor:

For six years, Congressman John Kline has made it a priority to meet with constituents and discuss issues important to them. Readers should be wary of commentary that attacks Kline on one hand and promotes a candidate’s fundraising Web site on the other (R-E, June 4).

When Congress is not in session, Kline tours the 2nd District.

In less than 48 hours, Kline spoke at a pair of Memorial Day services where he mingled among 1,000 residents of Prior Lake and Lakeville. A day later, he spoke to 350 students at Montgomery-Lonsdale High School, met with 25 people in Le Sueur, visited with a dozen constituents in Le Center, had lunch with Le Sueur County Sheriff Dave Gliszinski, met with 35 students and parents at the Apple Valley High School, met with 55 people at the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, then concluded by speaking at a dinner meeting. The next morning, he spoke to 60 Rotary Club members in Waconia.

Of more significance to your readers, Kline toured Goodhue County April 21 when he discussed the federal government with a hundred Pine Island students, visited with Tom Hughes on KCUE/KWNG to discuss rising gas prices and energy solutions Congress should consider, then had lunch with the Republican-Eagle Readers’ Board where he answered questions, including questions from David Harris, who dropped by. Before leaving, Kline has coffee at Bev’s Cafe with Sheriff Dean Albers and Chief Deputy Scott McNurlin, who shared insight on law enforcement issues.

I mention these examples not to seek kudos for our representative, but rather to clarify that Kline consistently meets with hundreds of constituents each month. Attacking an incumbent by claiming he or she will not meet with constituents has become a worn-out cliche. Readers deserve to know the truth: Kline insists upon meeting with constituents often and his schedule reflects this commitment.

Kline also has embraced the technology of tele-town hall meetings. This allows him to dialogue with thousands of constituents. As the Star Tribune recently reported, callers are not screened and Kline answers questions from all sides on all issues.

There are other ways constituents can share their views: Mail or call offices in Burnsville and in Washington, D.C. Share views 24 hours a day via Kline’s online office at http://kline.house.gov.

Michael Osskopp

Lakeville, Minn.

Michael Osskopp previously represented Goodhue County in the Minnesota House and is U.S. Rep. John Kline’s district director.

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