The Freeborn County Republican annual picnic held Aug. 22 in the new pavilion in Edgewater Park had around 100 people in attendance. Annie Schleck welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Monrad Mandsager to open with an invocation. Supper was served by Conger Catering.

Following supper Katie Jacobsen, member of the leadership team and event chairwoman, spoke briefly followed by Marlene Behle who outlined the upcoming events in 2012.

Al Arends, member of the Leadership Team, reviewed the past year and recognized many people who have given much time and effort to elect good candidates attempting to reverse the direction our government is moving by reducing spending and limiting tax increases.

Arends introduced the first speaker of the evening, Sen. Mike Parry from District 26 of Waseca. Parry reviewed the past session stating that although many concessions were made, the Republicans were able to cut spending and were able to hold down tax increases.

Parry serves on State Government Innovation and Veterans (as chairman); Finance; and Transportation Committees.

Rep. Rich Murray, District 27A, spoke next, reinforcing comments by Parry. Both speakers stated, emphatically, that there was no need for a government shutdown and shared frustration with the lack of leadership exhibited by Gov. Mark Dayton and the lack of participation by the Democratic representation. From now until the session starts again in January Murray will be working on reform and government redesign. He requested and welcomes comments from people and will be looking to groups throughout the district to gain insight as to how we can make government more efficient.

Murray serves as vice chairman of Governmental Operations and Elections; and is on the Jobs and Economic Development Finance; State Government Finance; and Transportation Policy and Finance Committees.

When asked during the question and answer time where they stood on the Minnesota Vikings stadium issue, both speakers, although each are strong Vikings fans, felt that the economy being what it is presently, they could not justify putting tax dollars into a stadium. They each felt that the economy will improve and that would be the time to reconsider the stadium issue.

Brenda Ludtke led the group in singing “God Bless America” to close the evening.