Letter: Minnesota's core priorities

As Speaker of the House, it is my job to travel the state to hear the thoughts and opinions of Minnesotans. I came to Willmar before the legislative session to discuss core priorities of the Minnesota House this session.

A recent editorial in the West Central Tribune referring to single-issue agendas, such as the proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage blatantly ignores the House Republican agenda presented in Willmar.

House Republicans are advocating for property tax relief, a fair and balanced bonding bill, education accountability and health care reform this session. These are our core priorities. These are Minnesota's core priorities. While we will address these core priorities, we cannot ignore the concerns and interests of a majority of Minnesotans.

I was invited to participate in a rally in Willmar on the marriage amendment. Hundreds of people in Willmar and the surrounding communities support the issue. They want to be heard. As Speaker of the House, it is my job to listen and to speak when asked.

The West Central Tribune said the gay marriage issue was a wedge issue designed to get political conservatives to the polls. This is inaccurate and unfair to the thousands of people in this state who strongly believe in the sanctity of marriage and traditional family values. The West Central Tribune should take a closer look at those drawing the most attention to this issue but refusing to address this issue -- Democrats. It could be stated that the DFL does not want people to vote on this family value in order to protect their liberal majority.

Differences do not kill bipartisan efforts. Bipartisan efforts require differences of opinion. Eugene McCarthy said as long as the differences and diversities of mankind exist, democracy must allow for compromise, for accommodation and for the recognition of differences. Criticizing political leaders for coming to town disregards democracy. Certainly an editorial page does not want a one-party, one-opinion town.

Rep. Steve Sviggum, Kenyon

Speaker, Minnesota House of Representatives