TO THE EDITOR:

The governor recently called a fourth special legislative session of this interim, a state record that I would rather not have seen set. 

The only thing of note that came out of the latest so-called special session was the governor was able to extend his iron fist of emergency powers by another 30 days because House Democrats remain unwilling to restore balance and participate in the decision-making process. This will bring us to seven months of one governor calling the shots. 

It is past time to safely re-open Minnesota, yet the governor’s most recent steps have gone the opposite direction by putting the screws to businesses with stepped-up surveillance. The governor’s administration informed hospitality industry leaders that increased compliance checks in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic could result in fines, forced closure, loss of liquor license, and workplace investigations.  

The governor had stated that enforcement of state mandates and regulations were to be “educational” in nature rather than punitive. Now, we are hearing cases such as a restaurant employee wearing a mask that a government employee deemed non-compliant resulting in a $7,000 fine for the restaurant.

The homicide total in Minneapolis is on track to double last year’s killings, yet the governor seems more concerned about sending undercover agents to whack scofflaw servers. 

The optimist in me says brighter days are ahead for Minnesota. The realist in me says the clouds won’t part until the governor’s power grab is put to rest one way or another.

Sincerely,

Rep. Shane Mekeland