TO THE EDITOR:

In the August 1st issue of the Patriot, Mary Kiffmeyer, Andrew Mathews and Shane Mekeland all published letters attacking the Governor’s mask mandate.  They suggested that decisions like this require legislation, the Governor’s mandate is unconstitutional, and the mandate is arbitrary.

First, serious public threats, like pandemics, are best managed by the executive for good reason. Legislative bodies are not always in session, they are fractious, and they are poorly equipped to make critical decisions in the face of immediate danger. Threats like this require action, not prolonged partisan debate.  

Second, executive leadership throughout a crisis is constitutionally mandated and this pandemic remains a crisis. Ask the Court to address this if you must, but most of us know that this is the norm in a Democracy, not the exception.

Third, Walz is not going it alone.  He has a highly qualified team to work with. He is making sound decisions based on science, not politics.  There was a complete absence of positive suggestions or praise from these legislators. In contrast most Minnesotans support the Governor on this. There are times when we must rise above politics. This is one of them.     

Jim Huhtala

Clear Lake, MN