Letter: Supports Terri Bonoff for Senate District 44

To the Editor:

This spring I was pleased to learn that I had been redistricted into Terri Bonoff’s Senate District 44. I recently had the opportunity to chat more with her.

I got active in politics in 1968. 1968 was a turbulent year, the assassinations of both Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy battered the nation, the contest between Minnesota’s Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon was, we knew, a turning point for America. Since 1968 many people have become apathetic and alienated and turned away from participating in government. Subsequent events have shaken my political soul, but I still believe in the promise of the constitution - “We the people...” and I know that Terri does too.

Terri is a senator who brings common sense and fiscal responsibility to today’s tough problems of public education and transportation. Western suburbanites have a vital stake in these issues, and have been lucky to have her representing us in St. Paul.

We have had good schools, but Minnesota education has slipped in recent years as funding has not kept pace with inflation, and our local school districts have struggled to attempt to balance their budgets. Terri has worked to improve funding for our schools.

And every western suburbanite despairs at the state of our state highways and the congestion they experience every time they leave home. Terri advocates long term solutions for our transportation problems.

The person who is not interested in politics is like a person who is drowning and isn't interested in water. All of the issues must be solved by politics and we need to vote for good politicians as these issues surround us and affect every aspect of our life. Even if you do not vote, you will still be affected by government decisions and decisions will still be made, without your input.

As Jean Jacques Rousseau said, "As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State 'What does it matter to me?' the State may be given up for lost." And Terri has committed herself to public service, which truly is a commitment to “We the people”. She has worked at making this state a better place. We have the freedom we have today because for over 200 years our democracy has worked. It has worked because citizens gained knowledge, cared, voted, lobbied, discussed politics, and were brave enough to run for office. At our state capitol the words of Daniel Webster are carved on the wall “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”

We need to encourage brave, honest, decent office holders like Terri Bonoff who volunteer to be our public servants. She has been an active, longtime, hardworking member of our community. She makes a fine senator! I know our schools, and transportation system will continue to improve with her input.

Sincerely,

Grace McGarvie

Plymouth