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
September begins the 2013 – 2014 meeting schedule and the new leadership team is excited about our opportunity to present important topics to the group. In the weeks and months ahead, WCR will provide speakers such as:
- Canditates for various offices to speak about their campaigns
- and those with expertise on topics such as transportation, elections, education, and other serious issues of the day
We will also continue to provide legislators with opportunities for legislative up-dates on what is happening at the capitol.
Brian Marum
President