In response to Mary Nemitz's letter in the Tribune on Tuesday, I agree there is much to do. Take into consideration the fact that Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts to local government aid, which I strongly opposed, have led to statewide property tax increases of over $2 billion; his "no new tax" pledge increased fees by almost $750 million; add to this the governor's cuts to education and health care, which I voted against, and his lack of transportation funding, and it's easy to see where Mary Nemitz is coming from. There is much to do.
I am committed to bringing our state together around the issues that face all Minnesotans: education, health care, transportation, tax fairness, clean air and water, job creation and renewable energy. I encourage everyone eligible to get out and vote this Tuesday, and if I am re-elected, I welcome the opportunity to work with all of District 13 on the issues that matter most to you.
Sen. Dean E. Johnson
District 13
Willmar
