Letter: Schmit will put voters first

To the Editor:

I met Matt Schmit 10 years ago following my own election to the Minnesota Senate. As vice chair of the Education Finance Committee, I was an experienced lawmaker looking for help getting through an ominous 2003 session. Matt was an aspiring graduate student looking for some hands-on experience in public policy. We made a great team, and it’s been my pleasure to watch Matt launch his professional career ever since.

During our time together, Matt worked closely with other K-12 finance committee staff, and I was glad he shared my keen interest in addressing Minnesota’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. Matt’s rural roots tempered my suburban perspective, and we were both better for it.

Matt continued his work with transportation policy at the University of Minnesota and as a committee member of the national Transportation Research Board. He’s been doing this stuff for 10 years – and I’m convinced he’d be an informed and effective rural member of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Matt’s consulting work in economic development, broadband deployment, and work force training provides him with a well-rounded policy background – just what a state senator needs to be effective from day one.

Matt understands the importance of constituent service – and of withstanding pressure from party leaders and interest groups. I know he’d always put voters of Southeastern Minnesota first. I enthusiastically support Matt Schmit for state Senate.

Sharon (Marko) Wolcott

Surprise, Ariz.

Sharon Wolcott is mayor of Surprise, Ariz. and formerly served Minnesota Senate District 57.

Tags: opinion, letters