WCR held its November meeting this past Saturday. We were privileged to have the chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, Keith Downey, join us. Mr. Downey spoke on the state of the party and the changes that have occurred since he took charge. The state of the party’s finances was a considerable part of the discussion. Mr. Downey assured the group that the debt has been dramatically reduced and controls and systems are being implemented to ensure financial stability in the future.
Another important aspect of the discussion was the recognition of the many factions within the party. The important thing Mr. Downey wanted us to take away was that we should take our energy and direct it toward winning elections and defeating Democrats, not engage in internal squabbles. He also talked about the importance of activism at the local level through BPOUs and organizations like WCR.
Also in attendance was Deputy Chair Kelly Fenton. She spoke briefly on what the party is doing about voter identification and particularly on how it is being improved.
Representative Kathy Lohmer also joined us. She spoke of the up-coming legislative session. She highlighted some of the bills that may be pushed forth by the Democrat-controlled legislature. The list includes raising the minimum wage & an anti-bullying bill. The anti-bullying bill is of particular concern since it will be a usurpation of local control (most schools already had anti-bullying policies) to the state.
The next meeting for WCR will be January 11, 2014. Guest speaker will be Katherine Kersten from the Center of the American Experiment as well as a writer for the Star Tribune. Her topic will be on the Met Council. WCR is very excited to have Ms. Kersten join us and discuss such an important topic. Please consider joining us for this important discussion.
Please note WCR does not meet during the month of December. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to the new year!
Brian Marum
WCR President
The WCR meeting for October featured 2 CD 6 candidates. As you will recall, this seat is now open due to Michele Bauchmann declining to run again in 2014. The two candidates that spoke at WCR were Phil Krinkie and Rhonda Sivarahja.
Ms.Sivarahja, who is an Anoka County Commissioner, focused on her experience and success as a county commissioner. She has an excellent track record of accomplishment at Anoka County and believes she can bring her common sense approach to Washington and be effective. Mr. Krinkie stressed his business experience and his 16 years as a state House legislator to make his case as the better candidate in the race. Both conveyed a concern for the future regarding the debt and dysfunction in Washington, thus being the motivating force to run for this seat.
Some local issues were also discussed. Transportation is a key issue affecting the area. The group was informed of a forum scheduled for October 29th at the Woodbury Library (6pm to 830pm) to discuss the Gateway Corridor (east metro transit plan). Also, there was a discussion on the school board election and the importance of getting out to vote.
Finally, a brief discussion took place on the Destination Medical Cener. This is a newly formed corporation (public/private partnership) that is to provide infrastructure to the Mayo Clinic and Rochester. This became law during the 2013 legislative session. Funding for this organization will consist of money coming from Rochester and Olmstead County, who will now be given the power to impose special taxes on its citizens, along with private money provided by the clinic itself. The taxes would not be imposed by vote from the citizenry, but rather by ordinance or resolution. The legislation for this development put the total cost at $400 million. What is most alarming about this new organization is how little media attention it received. But it illustrates the cozy relationship of Minnesota’s private institutions and state government.
Next month’s meeting will be held 11/9/13. The featured speaker will be Keith Downey (MN GOP Chair).
Brian Marum
WCR
President
This past Saturday (9/14/13) was the first meeting with the new leadership team. We are very excited to continue the fine work of the previous leadership of bringing excellent speakers, education, and legislative up-dates to our members.
This meeting was no exception. Our guest was Bill Glahn, former Deputy Commerce Commissioner during the Pawlenty Administration. Mr. Glahn, who had run for a House seat in 49A (Edina) in 2012, has done fine work in exposing the money trail of the left. The amount of money that has been flowing to influence Minnesota politics from outside the state is staggering. Democrats and their affiliates have used 501(c)3s, 4s, & PACs to fund various causes and yet conceal where the money has come from. Outside money was instrumental to help fund groups such as Alliance for a Better Minnesota, WIN Minnesota, and Take Action. This lead to the defeat of the ballot initiatives of the 2012 election: Marriage Amendment & Voter ID. It also had an mpact on some of the local legislative races.
One has to wonder why people outside of Minnesota would feel the need to influence Minnesota’s local elections. And thanks to the work of Bill Glahn, we are starting see just how extensive it is.
Please visit Mr. Glahn’s website for further informaion: www.billglahn.blogspot.com
Brian Marum
WCR President