Don't let them get away with this

           If you're like me, you are extremely upset that the Minnesota legislature and their lame duck governor continue to poo-poo the idea of a new Viking's stadium at every chance they get. They treat the Viking's not as the priceless commodity that they are but rather as nothing more than a mere convenience that'd apparently we'd be better off without. Well, I for one have had it with their shenanigans and you're damn right I'm going to take action to defend what I hold dear.

           Don't underestimate the power of the people. These so-called leaders were elected by us to be the guardians of our fine state. It is their job to protect that which we hold dear. It is not their job to get re-elected, which often seems to be the only reason for their actions. I sometimes fear that they think they can go about their neglect for the state of Minnesota behind closed doors, without it ever effecting their next election. This time I'm not going to let that happen. I wrote a letter to my representative asking for the names of those who voted for and against this latest stadium bill. Going forward, I wanted to know who has my support and who does not. She willingly offered up this list. 

          If you feel as strongly about this topic as I do, scan through this list and remember the names of those who value what you value. When the next round of elections come, remember who it was that allowed our Vikings to leave. It wasn't you or I. It was them. And if I can help it, this time they won't get away with it. Justice will be served through our power to vote.

        In the House, the Vikings stadium bill went to two committees. The first committee that heard the bill was the House Local Government Committee chaired by Representative Mike Nelson (D - Brooklyn Park).  In that committee, the following members voted for the bill:   Members Voting Yes  (the good guys) Morrie Lanning Mike Beard Mike Nelson Phil Sterner Bill Hilty Jeremy Kalin   Members Voting No   (the bad guys) Mark Buesgens Bev Scalze Ryan Winkler Frank Hornstein   The bill then traveled to House Government Operations chaired by Representative Gene Pelowski (D - Winona).  The vote in that committee was as follows:   Members Voting Yes    (the good guys) Morrie Lanning Paul Anderson Steve Gottwalt Mike Nelson Jeremy Kalin Bill Hilty Paul Marquart Phil Sterner Terry Morrow   Members Voting No       (the bad guys) Chair Gene Pelowski Mark Buesgens Tom Emmer Tim Sanders Mary Kiffmeyer Jeanne Poppe Steve Simon Phyllis Kahn Frank Hornstein Ryan Winkler