Minnesota Session Priorities event 2025

This week I had the opportunity to attend the Minnesota Session Priorities event.

The day began with an hour and a half drive. Prior to my drive I was trying to track down a ‘car coat’ or rather some sort of jacket to wear over my suit coat. My mother, who was helping me, and I, were unsuccessful. In the days since, however, Deb Bently has come to the rescue and secured me a very nice jacket to wear on formal occasions. Thank you, Deb, kindly.

I will be needing the jacket again next Thursday as we attend the Minnesota Newspaper Association awards banquet. Our staff and its writers are receiving 14 awards this year. I will write all about it following the event.

After arriving at the River Centre in St. Paul, I located our entourage. There was some lively conversation as we made our way to one of the conference rooms where we listened/watched a live taping of Minnesota Public Radio.

More good conversation followed the broadcast.

Dinner was very good: a salad, steak and chicken, and a fancy cheesy potato combo, broccoli and a dessert of chocolate cake in a martini glass.

Prior to the dinner Governor Tim Walz spoke for about 10 minutes. Once folks were done eating, a political correspondent from KSTP interrogated the leaders of the DFL and Republican parties live on stage. In actuality he simply asked both sides questions. It was entertaining and informative. I quite enjoyed listening to the different people speak.

Of those on stage during the evening, I have met and spoken with Governor Walz on three different occasions as well as senator Erin Murphy, who is the current leader of the Senate DFL. When it comes to local representation, I have met our local state senators and representatives, all of whom represent the Republican party. I can tell you my interactions with them have all been positive.

I generally don’t pick any sides when it comes to politics. There is right and wrong, morally speaking. People are not ‘left or right’ and so I generally avoid those types of conversations. There are simply different issues/problems/responsibilities and the way to handle those situations will continue to be questioned.

My main takeaway from this event was that the ‘Waseca County Legislative Committee’ really got to spend time with each other for the first time. I enjoyed many good conversations and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know more about some of my colleagues.

I look forward to continued community involvement.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

-Margeret Mead