Letter: Kelly and Schmit will provide bipartisan leadership

To the Editor:

Our state is in dire straits: We have an over $2 billion budget deficit, tens of thousands of Minnesotans out of work, property taxes going out the roof, cuts to education funding, health care costs spiraling out of control, college costs breaking the bank, the list could go on and on.

Unfortunately, we have a Legislature that would rather have California-style government, a shutdown and one scandal after another rather than roll up their sleeves and get to work. These problems are severe and, in regards to the budget, structural. This structural problem will take a herculean effort to rectify.

I spent 18 years in the Legislature, none with a governor from the same political party. In those days (before the radicalization of the Republican Party) we worked across party lines. Sen. Duane Benson (R) as minority leader worked with Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL) and Gov. Arne Carlson to pass Minnesota Care. I was lucky enough to work with Rep. Virgil Johnson (R) on energy legislation that stands today.

After the I-35W Bridge collapsed, Gov. “Roadblock” Pawlenty vetoed legislation that guaranteed every bridge in our state would be repaired; fortunately eight courageous Republicans overrode his veto. Our state needs leaders like that from both political parties who are not afraid of party discipline.

I endorse Tim Kelly to be re-elected to the House.

Minnesota needs moderate Republicans, like Kelly, who can forge agreements across political and geographical boundaries. Tim has a history of community involvement and is an expert on K-12 school funding. He knows borrowing billions of dollars from our school districts is a recipe for disaster.

Tim’s opponent, John Bacon, is a capable and dedicated individual and will make a fine representative in the future. But, for now, District 21 and our state need a moderating influence.

Senate 21 candidate Matt Schmit should also be elected. Matt, like Kelly, is a lifelong Red Wing resident with strong family roots. Matt knows the legislative process and worked for the former Sen. Marko.

His background as a small business owner affords him the prospective to improve our employment climate. We will have a state senator who is thoughtful, well-researched, willing to work across party lines and a person we can all make our voices heard though.

Steve Murphy

St. Paul

Steve Murphy is a former state senator from Red Wing.

Tags: opinion, letters