My Point of View by Nancy Overgaard

Recently, Peggy Bennett filed to run as the Republican endorsed candidate for Minnesota House District 27A. Why vote for her? What about Bennett would make her a good legislator?

She first got my attention several years ago when I read a review she wrote expressing concern about a popular book that was making its way around reading circles. What impressed me was not only that she dared to take a potentially unpopular stand; she cared enough to take time to read and evaluate the book, and present a cogent set of arguments for why the book was not what readers supposed it to be.

Having stated her concern, she did not impose her view on her readers, she implored them to reevaluate the book and respond accordingly.

When I heard Bennett was considering a run for the Legislature, I thought of that review. What I concluded was that here is a person who would be willing and able to think through politically complex issues, considering the merits and exposing the weaknesses of even the finest sounding arguments, and to present her findings in a clear, logical fashion for colleagues as well as constituents to consider.

Taken together with what I already knew about her unimpeachable character and integrity, I offered to serve on her campaign committee. Working with Bennett on her campaign, I have come to appreciate yet other qualities that suit her well to serve in the Legislature.

For one, she is an incredibly hard worker, with fortitude to persevere on projects, balance many different responsibilities and meet deadlines. She is dependable and can be counted on to do her work with excellence.

Those who know her readily say Bennett is also a person who cares deeply about others. A colleague said of her in a nominating speech, “Peggy would go to the moon and back to teach a child to read; and she will do the same for her constituents.”

The cousin of one of her former students similarly observed, “Miss Bennett would give an arm and a leg for a kid.” That quality won his enthusiastic support for Bennett as a legislative candidate now that he is in his teens.

It is not only her students Bennett cares for. It is their families. It troubles her greatly to see many of them struggling financially. Believing they could thrive if only they were given better educational and job opportunities, she is ready to take her concern to the next level to try to make a difference legislatively.

From what I observe, Bennett not only cares about others, she respects others and values what they have to say. That is evident in the way she listens patiently and thoughtfully as constituents share their concerns, giving generously of her time and attention to find out about what matters to them, and how she can address their concerns as a legislator. To quote Bennett, “People in our area want a representative they can depend on to seek local input and do what is right for this area.”

Bennett also has impressive people and relational skills. I worked with small children for two years and know how demanding it can be. She has done it for 33 years. It also strikes me that in the rough and tumble of student, staff, and parent relations, there would be room for untold ragged relational edges over the years.

Yet, from what I have seen, Bennett seems to have maintained extraordinarily close relations with her former students and their families, as well as colleagues and superiors, a feat that would seem to qualify her for the rough and tumble of political associations.

So, if you are wondering how a person can go from being a first grade teacher to a legislator, just ask her friends and colleagues and they will tell you. Or take time to get to know Bennett, yourself, and reach your own conclusion. She will be out knocking on doors, walking in parades, attending community events, and spending time at the fair, and would love to have a conversation with you.

 

Albert Lea resident Nancy Overgaard is a member of the Freeborn County Republican Party.