Which political environment produces results? Some people argue that divided government – one party controlling the executive branch and the opposition controlling the legislative – works because the opposing parties serve as a check on the extreme stands of the other and the result is a middle-ground compromise. The alternative viewpoint – one party controls both the executive and legislative
Are today’s graduates ready to lead?
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” High school students graduating this month may have read Charles Dickens’ words from “A Tale of Two Cities” in a literature class. Now the words may have more meaning. Graduation marks the transition to adulthood. Recent graduates will attend college, enter the workplace or join the military –
Election filings kick off official campaign season
Now it gets real. Although many candidates running for election this fall have been campaigning for months, Tuesday, May 22, marks the official beginning of the election season. On that day, candidates can begin filing with the secretary of state or local officials for positions up for election this fall. The early filing period, which ends June 5, is for
Last chance to speak as legislators race to session deadline
Now it’s time to get serious. The Legislature has been in session since Feb. 20. But there are only 10 days left before the session deadline and the Legislature must act on two huge measures affecting every Minnesotan. Now is the last chance for Minnesotans to speak up as the legislators race to the deadline. The state needs to align
Time to get serious about Northstar commuter rail
Ever since the first Northstar commuter rail train rolled out of downtown Minneapolis in 2009, central Minnesota mass transit advocates have argued the route should extend to St. Cloud instead of stopping at Big Lake. Proponents counter the costs and ridership estimates don’t justify extending the service. Commuters between St. Cloud and Minneapolis still contend with the increasing traffic on
Journalism ethics are more important than ever
Journalists don’t like to be part of the story. We prefer observing, researching the facts and conducting interviews to report the news. But sometimes we have to step forward and talk about the work we do and how we do it. This week is Ethics Week, a yearly project sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists. Most years, Ethics Week
Pawlenty’s poor support for higher education disqualifies him
After eight years as a lobbyist for the financial industry, Tim Pawlenty wants to return to Minnesota’s governor’s office. The Democrats competing for their party’s nomination quickly responded when Pawlenty made his long-predicted announcement. After his announcement, Democrats attacked what they consider the failings of his administration. The critics citied inadequate funding for health care, infrastructure and public education. Republican
Rep. Emmer, we’d like to see you
Has anyone seen Rep. Tom Emmer? Our Sixth District representative is running for re-election and like all members of Congress, he just completed a two-week break over Easter. March for Our Lives organizers urged members of Congress to conduct town halls during their recess to discuss gun-safety legislation. Emmer didn’t take up the challenge, but his Democratic opponent, Ian Todd