TO THE EDITOR:
Mr Thompson’s skewering of Representative Shane Mekeland does nothing to further Thompson’s anti-republican agenda. I have known Rep. Mekeland as a believer in the rule of law for many years. And certainly not someone who skews legal logic to the whims of popular opinion (in the old days they called it mob rule). Grandstanding legislation does nothing to enhance public safety. In fact, it chips away at our liberties little by little. We should all commit to a better shared experience by helping those who truly need it and holding lawbreakers accountable. And certainly not create more legislation that only feeds the self-centered purpose of political opportunists.
Mack Backlund
Big Lake Township
TO THE EDITOR:
Minnesotans struggle to balance budgets. After determining expected income, citizens predict expenditures. For many that means not spending more than they earn. However, government in St. Paul reverses the order. Politicians draw up a budget while eyeing re-election, promising programs of special interest to their voters. Politicians’ traditional solution is to raise more revenue through more taxes to cover their inflated budgets. Citizens do not automatically expect to increase spending without looking at income. In the next two years, our state government is projected to spend $67.9 billion but to take in only $64.5 in revenue. Whatever happened to the surplus $18 billion of just two years ago? A rainy-day fund? No, the liberal trifecta eagerly spent it all and added another $10 billion in taxes. The current budget will increase government spending by 33% by 2027. Families and businesses do not survive with reckless spending. But politicians...it’s not their money...it’s ours and they control it and us. Paying taxes is not optional; shelter, food, health care, electricity...apparently are not essential...at least not from the vantage point in St. Paul. While Minnesotans count their pennies, our politicians miss their balanced budget by billions.
Dr. Phyllis E. VanBuren
Clearwater, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
As Chair of the Wright County Republicans, I am proud to announce our full and enthusiastic support for our endorsed candidate, Michael Holmstrom Jr., in the upcoming August 26 Republican Primary for Minnesota Senate District 29. This endorsement was not given lightly. Four highly qualified Republican candidates stepped forward to seek the endorsement following the unexpected passing of Senator Bruce Anderson. Each candidate pledged to honor the process and support the endorsed candidate. That commitment to unity and integrity speaks volumes about the character of those who stepped forward to serve. After a robust and respectful convention, our delegates chose Michael Holmstrom Jr. to carry the Republican banner. Michael is a father of five, a small business owner, and a grassroots leader who has campaigned for Republicans in Wright County for more than a decade. Since the endorsement, our party has come together with renewed energy and purpose. We are united behind Michael Holmstrom Jr., and we are confident that he is the right person to win the primary on August 26 and the general election in November. I encourage every Republican voter in Senate District 29 to join us in supporting Michael Holmstrom Jr. With your support, we will send a strong conservative voice to St. Paul—one that reflects the values and priorities of Wright County.
Dan Schonhardt
Chair, Wright County
Republicans
