This is a reply to a recent point of view by Jennifer Vogt-Erickson titled “Walz is best to represent Southern Minnesotans.”

That article should be retitled to “Walz is best to represent southern Minnesotans only if you agree with him.”

Rep. Tim Walz thinks he should make decisions for you, without your opinion. Take for example the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare.

My experience with Obamacare so far has been very contrary to the 1 or 2 percent increases Ms. Erickson speaks of.

My family’s health insurance cost has risen 230 PERCENT in less than two years.

Where is that 1 to 2 percent?

I have written to Rep. Walz and Sen. Al Franken about Obamacare. In fact, I have written to both of these men a number of times over the last three years.

Guess what? Neither Mr. Walz nor Mr. Franken have ever replied.

So, Walz and Franken have had numerous opportunities to reply over a three-year span of my trying to get some answers.

Last night, I watched a Tim Walz television ad, and he said “I don’t forget about the people I represent.”

What? Wait a minute, then why didn’t he reply to my inquiries?

I also wrote to Rep. Shannon Savick about these problems with Obamacare. Her response was: “That is a federal issue. I can’t do anything about it.” I know Rep. Savick voted in favor of Obamacare at the Minnesota level (MNsure).

Savick, Walz and Franken don’t seem like the best to represent southern Minnesota to me.

There is one well-liked local dentist closing his door this year because of new government regulation and requirements. Another benefit of Obamacare.

Ask any local business person if recent governmental regulation has caused them a headache and additional dollars. If the person you ask has employees and provides health insurance for them, ask the business person about Obamacare.

We have many good local businesses in Freeborn County that are being strangled by new taxes, fees and regulations. These local businesses provide our jobs and way of life. They are not the enemy as some believe.

John Berglund

Albert Lea