I wanted to take a moment to respond to a recent letter criticizing Rep. Shannon Savick for fighting for our local projects in this year’s bonding bill. I don’t usually like to call out others who are offering their opinion, but this one was particularly silly.

No matter which party you support, criticizing Rep. Savick for fighting for our local projects is just plain ridiculous. The bonding bill is used to fund local infrastructure projects by borrowing money at low-interest rates over time. It’s the same practice that local businesses use to make long term investments in their operations. It’s the same way you or I would purchase a home or make significant improvements to our home.

Rep. Savick fought for this bill not only because it made smart financial sense, but also because the community was asking for her to step up to the plate and get the job done. In only her first term, she delivered. This year’s bonding bill included support for the Fountain Lake cleanup, as well as improvements to the Blazing Star Trail and Riverland Community College.

After the bill passed, Brett Behnke, administrator for the Shell Rock River Watershed District, told the Albert Lea Tribune, “Rep. Savick was tenacious in securing the commitment of House leadership to this project.” A Tribune editorial also lauded Shannon’s work on the bill, adding, “We especially want to note how unflagging and dogged the work by Savick was on Albert Lea’s behalf. She doesn’t care about party lines like many legislators do.”

Our community came to Rep. Savick asking for her help. They spent years working on these projects and needed someone to come in and provide that crucial last push at the Legislature. Rep. Savick fought hard and secured the state support needed for these community projects.

I guess I’m happy that such a silly letter was written about these projects. Because it gives us another chance to remember the hard work that Rep. Shannon Savick put in for our community.

 

Tucker Mithven

Austin