On Saturday, we were to have the honor of Walter “Fritz” Mondale’s presence at a rally in support of Rep. Tim Walz. Mr. Mondale was unable to attend due to the death of a friend. Maybe my memory is shot, but I was unable to remember any significant scandals, bonehead statements or outrageous behavior attributed to Mr. Mondale during his many years of public service to our state and country. I am pleased to see that he approves of Rep. Walz, who seems to me to be performing very well in his new role as our congressman.

Maybe we all need to celebrate those among us who are willing to put themselves and their ideas out there as candidates or elected public servants. We have a right to demand honest service. I believe in open government and applaud efforts to make meetings more accessible. I hope that we can have reasonable discussion about government actions without rancor. I see much-needed improvements to our highways (westbound Interstate 90 between Stewartville and Dexter) where someone else cries about tax-and-spend Democrats raising our gas tax a few cents per gallon. Sorry, I prefer a little extra tax to having my car and bones knocked about on the highway. In many ways, it seems as though we have either tax and spend or we have tax and borrow. It is our kids’ futures that are affected.

I think we should quit calling or hinting that all of our elected officials are just stooges. We will have different ideas, but our society should be able to handle the differences. Legislative action is somewhat chaotic and messy. The people we elect generally are in one of two parties. Our representatives have to cooperate with others to achieve what they feel is best for their constituents. Sometimes, that means they will support something that they otherwise would reject. Big deal. We can’t all be kings or dictators.

Let us take a moment to celebrate the good and decent people who do or aspire to serve the public. Thank you for your service and efforts.

David Woodruff

Albert Lea