I had to smile in reading "A study in contrast in 13B race" in the Public Forum on Oct. 27. Our incumbent representative was lauded for the airport, wastewater management, and transportation improvements. Unless I am mistaken, all of the above were poorly planned and replete with cost overruns. All his experience and seasoning as a legislator have not proven him to be an effective representative.
A representative by definition must be a listener. How else would landmark legislation, such as pickles and hotdishes, have been passed without listening to the concerns? To think that one can represent without listening is truly not possible and still provide us with representation.
To attack Bonnie Wilhelm's ethical character is irrational and uncalled for. She has never said anything about voting as the governor would decide, but two years ago she did say that the governor would unlikely agree to new or increased taxes. In the past issues were attacked and stated correctly, not personal attacks.
John Chapin
Willmar
