The West Central Tribune's endorsement of spending thousands of our hard-working dollars toward an ineffective lobbyist's salary is absurd! The editorail state, " ... Former Senator Dean Johnson knows the state Senate body and its DFL-majority leadership. So it is a political reality that he would be able to lobby effectively on Willmar and Kandiyohi County's behalf."
As our district's long-term legislator that once held the powerful position of the Senate majority leader and a high-ranking officer of the National Guard, Johnson's influence didn't afford our community the National Guard helicopter base or stop the closing of the Willmar Regional Treatment Center. However, Johnson's self-professed "embellishing" did embarrass this Senate district and cause Minnesotans to forfeit their trust and respect of him.
Besides credibility, two other vital qualities of a persuasive lobbyist are good manners and diplomacy. After the election, Johnson's lashing out at his constituents, ignoring the local media and not even having the courtesy to concede to the victor, Sen. Joe Gimse, illustrates he lacks these attributes.
A lobbyist is to represent us. We, the people, did not re-elect Johnson. The only "political reality" is the West Central Tribune's attempt to keep their DFL poster boys visible and Willmar Mayor Les Heitke's push to meet his partisan agenda.
- Sue Quist, Willmar
