Tim Walz, a longtime teacher, Army veteran and former congressman, took the oath of office this week to lead the state through its next four years.

 

His mantra is “One Minnesota.”

 

We have seen in Walz the ability to stretch the arm across the aisle to reach consensus on political issues in his past service.

 

He aims to do the same while serving as Governor.

 

We trust there is a willingness to work with his competition, as we would expect from the Republicans.

 

Walz wants to build Minnesota education. That means more money.

 

But to me, that doesn’t mean more money, period.

 

It means he will have to negotiate down the appropriations to other departments to create the money for education.

 

The Minnesota Legislature has funded schools to a rate of an extra two percent per year over the past several years.

 

Educators feel it should be three percent.

 

But what happens if the appropriation stays at two percent?

 

Big Lakers in time should be prepared to vote on another tax hike - an increased excess levy referendum. It will be out there.

 

Take care of the veterans, Tim, and build highways and bridges, as you have proposed through this political process.

 

That’s what I would expect.

 

And don’t give much support to this “Sanctuary City” or “Sanctuary State” status.

 

All you’re doing is protecting the criminals who slip in. And that’s un-American.

 

 

Becker Schools has had in its short history of doing robotics a pretty established record of excellence, of “figuring things out.”

 

The school has had students go on to college careers and return to Becker to assist with additional learning.

 

It is a perform form of education, creating projects which bear on the real life outside and finding solutions to problems to make the machinery work.

 

And think of all those “solutions” awaiting these young people as they get outside the school doors and embark on careers utilitizing this skills?

 

We’re particularly proud of Robotics Director Alex Jurek, his school staff and community support staff for making this program work.

 

Equally amazing - the number of students who are buying into robotics.

 

As I think about my high school education in the 1960’s and going forward to the advent of robotics, we need to wonder, where were all these students who didn’t have those opportunities.

 

Keep things going, people. You are indeed doing things right. I see no high school activity which is having a more direct link to learning and success on the outside.

 

 

Retired County Commissioner Ewald Petersen isn’t going anywhere.

 

But as his  recognition party occurs this weekend, I want to pass along a heartfelt thanks for his wonderful 30 years of public service.

 

Not in the 46 years of coverage of local government have I met a person who took his work as seriously, did more research and came to the table for public discussion as prepared as he was.

 

You served society well, Ewald. You served society well.