Cooperation

is key in future

On Saturday, April 19, I hosted a local government forum for officials and community members from throughout the 2nd Congressional District. It was a productive discussion, and I wish to thank all those who participated and shared their experiences — including special guest, Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis, who added insights from our metro area's largest city.

During our gathering, which included representatives of eight communities, we discussed meeting 21st century transportation needs, water challenges, and the impacts of immigration as well as how to better engage members of our communities, state agencies and state and federal officials in the work we do. We will convene another gathering in June to follow up on these topics and more.

One member of the group expressed that the public would be surprised to know that full cooperation among jurisdictions and various levels of government is not routine. While there are some strong examples of cooperation, our elected and appointed officials all must commit themselves to crossing boundaries and helping build coalitions to get things done for our communities.

It is only through this kind of work that we will successfully move our communities — and indeed our state and nation — forward.— Steve Sarvi, Watertown, former Watertown mayor and DFL candidate for Congress in Minnesota's 2nd District. 

Likes Sarvi’s

health plan

I am old, I am sick, and I am financially stressed because of the cost of health care.What makes me sickest is the Republican idea of fiscal responsibility!

I recently had an opportunity to speak to one of Congressman John Kline’s staffers about the problems of health-care costs and of affordable health-care insurance. I was told that Congressman Kline favors marketplace pressure to regulate health care, drug and health insurance economics.

In other words: John Kline sees my suffering and that of the rest of the citizens of the United States as an “economic opportunity.”Congressman Kline and his supporters seem to be blind to the suffering caused by the failures of the marketplace to maintain affordable health care for an ever-increasing number of our citizens.

This attitude made me mad so I took the time to access the Web site of his Democratic opponent, Steve Sarvi, to find out what his stand is on health care. I was delighted to see the candidate Sarvi cares about people and their health problems.

I suggest that your readers go to Steve’s Web site (www.stevesarvi.org/) to find out for themselves about this issue and where Steve stands on all the important issues of our nation.I have become a supporter of Steve Sarvi in his bid to unseat Congressman John Kline in the 2nd Congressional District.— Neil W. Gillis, Shakopee. 

Support was

loud and clear

On Thursday, April 24, a “Day of Silence” was held at Shakopee High School in an effort to raise awareness about the unjust harassment and crimes committed against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of society. While some people may have doubted or disapproved of the practice of such a protest, the turnout of students and faculty, either honoring or participating in the event, was still awe-inspiring.

Throughout the hallways of Shakopee High School, it was a common sight to see passersby donning rainbow-colored ribbons and buttons in support of the “Day of Silence.” A few people mocked those who remained silent, trying to provoke them into speaking or uttering a sound, but many participants retained a steely resilience against any inane pestering, staying true to their cause. Success could not be trumped by jesters or non-believers.

So much discrimination and intolerance abounds in modern society, extending to parts of this very community. By holding the “Day of Silence” at school, perhaps some of those cruelties and injustices have diminished, giving way to fairness and equality. Slowly but surely, homosexuality and other sexual orientations are becoming less taboo, hush-hush subjects and more openly recognized and accepted ways of living.

Undoubtedly, it was honorable of those supporters and participants to aid in this important cause and to propel society toward fairness and equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders. Their stand for change is brave, admirable, and hopefully, effective.

— Korri Schneider, Shakopee, senior at Shakopee High School.