Archive for September, 2009

Values take center stage at reNEW Minnesota event

Monday, September 28th, 2009

By Nancy Larson

Nancy-LarsonYesterday afternoon, over 750 people turned out for a different kind of political event – one that focused on values and a state-wide vision of governance rather than individual candidates or party politics-as-usual business meetings.

All the DFL candidates for governor attended the meeting organized by TakeAction Minnesota and the reNEW Minnesota Campaign. instead of pitching their cases to those gathered, they spent most of their time listening to stories told from the stage and by the people seated alongside them at tables in Saint Paul’s Arlington Senior High School meeting hall.

(more…)

Dick Bernard: A political afternoon

Monday, September 28th, 2009

By Dick Bernard

This past summer I met a young organizer who made a presentation on health care policy.  She did an impressive job, I felt, and we shared e-mail addresses.

Time passed by, and a few weeks ago she sent a note about a kickoff program on “A Vision for a reNEWed Minnesota.”  This Saturday afternoon, September 26, would have discussion, and all of the potential candidates for the 2010 Governors race had been invited.  I had a mild amount of interest, and after a reminder or two, I decided to attend.

(more…)

Sandy Tracy Post

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

I have an interesting story to share.  I recently attended a CD7 DFL fundraiser in Meeker County.  Many of the governor candidates were there and gave their stump speeches.  Paul Wright, chair of CD7, acknowledged my work with the Take Action Governor’s endorsement project to the entire group.  I also made available printed materials about the project for people to pick up.  After the dinner and the speeches, 2 of the candidates individually made their way to me to get some feedback about their speeches.  One was Steve Kelley and the other was Paul Thissen.  I told Steve that I liked his comment about his involvement with the Humphrey Institute and the fact that we need to find other uses for corn besides ethanol.  I told Paul that I liked his comments about healthcare and mental health issues and his overall demeanor.

I had served as a delegate to the state convention last year and had several contacts with both senatorial candidates prior to the endorsement.  That has been my only experience with candidates seeking me out.  My reaction was that I felt great that I was involved with the Take Action project.  It is so fun to think about actually making a difference in the way we elect candidates and holding elected officials accountable.

Sandy Tracy
Meeker County