The West Central Tribune editorial staff in their column of Oct. 27 recommended voting "no" to the upcoming transportation amendment. In doing so the editors note three reasons for voting against this truly worthy goal that was worded in poor policy.
The first has to do with our present legislators not doing their jobs and appropriating adequate funding for transportation. I fully agree. To our rural concern this means highways and bridges. The editors admit a true failure of our present representatives.
The second has to do with poor language which lumps transit and highways together in a way that could result in a lack of rural funding. The editors again admit a failure of our present legislators who voted for such a poorly worded amendment.
The third has to do with a potential hole in the general fund created by this designation of monies. Well, boys, the hole would not be there if appropriate transportation funding or designation had not been neglected over the past 10 to 20 years that we are behind in road building.
I agree that the amendment is not perfect for us and it is poorly worded but it, or the equivalent of it, is necessary to become pro-active to the transportation needs of this state. It is because of the failure of our representatives that we need to vote "yes."
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Finally, it is odd that the Tribune endorses Dean Johnson and Al Juhnke despite a repeated admission by the editors that they have done a poor job. Think about it.
Bonnie Wilhelm
Candidate, District 13B
Willmar
