Now that the State legislative session is over, I took the opportunity and contacted my district Senator and Representative. One is a Republican and one is a Democrat. The goal, now that the session is over, to find out if my legislators supported or opposed the issues that matter to me. In giving each of them a grade, it goes without saying, that an A+ probably wasn't in the equation. I also didn’t expect an F grade either.
Here is where the test ended. There were 4 particular bills I felt strongly about. In asking for a response, the only thing I wanted, now that the session is over, is either a support or oppose answer. The district Senator was prompt with the responses. We agree on one issue, strongly disagree on two issues, and were neutral on the last issue. The grade given was a C-. The reason for a C- grade is that one of the issues we disagree on was, it seems, based on a potential threat without any statistics to back up that opinion. Without valid statistics how can one make a reliable judgment.
Now, to the district Representative. Here comes the F grade. There was absolutely no response at all after two requests. The requests were polite, courteous and asked with respect. The questions, again, were just a support or oppose answer to the proposed legislative items on my list. This Representative will not get my vote Failure to communicate, whether we agree or not, is important if you want my support. Perhaps - just perhaps, we agreed on all points. How would I know that unless you communicate. It was very disappointing.
When it gets closer to the next election, the same questions will be asked of the new candidates. Do they oppose or support 1, 2, 3, and 4. A candidate knows what they think and how they would vote. Just tell me. Perhaps I’ll vote for you. Granted, the issues will be different. However, it’s hard for me to support a candidate solely on pre-election “say whatever you need to say to get elected” comments, statements, and speeches.
It would be interesting to know who replied and who did not reply.
My Senator is Mike Parry a Republican from Waseca and the Representative is Patti Fritz a Democrat from Faribault. I didn't include their names on purpose. We may not all have the same Senator and Representative. It depends on Districts. It's important for everyone to find out who represents them and then ask how they voted. The time was past to hear "I just want to see the final bill before I make a decision." That sentence doesn't fly anymore. I also didn't list the issues that are most important to me. Here again, it's important for each voter to decide what's important. Some of the issues have been addressed in my blog during session. In case you want to know - my major issues were 1. The wolf hunting and trapping bill - I oppose that 2. The Viking Stadium bill - I oppose that 3. The Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage - I oppose that 4. The Constitutional Amendment to show ID to vote - I oppose that A final note - having stated I didn't hear a word from my Representative, on Saturday I received a letter from her. As it turns out, we agree on three out of my four important issues. Guess better late than never. In fairness, I just wanted to share that also. I appreciate your comment Nancy. Shirley