After reading a couple letters from DFL legislators in your paper recently, I felt it was time for a quick fact check to set the record straight. Despite very misleading DFL claims, Greater Minnesota has, and will continue to be forced to pay tens of millions of dollars in permanent light rail operating losses. Yes, that’s right, permanent operating losses. The Legislature NEVER voted this session on any proposal that would have taken Greater Minnesota taxpayers off the hook for light rail operating costs. Lest there be any doubt in anyone’s mind — even if you never ride a light rail train, the hard-earned tax dollars of Albert Lea residents will continue to pay for the permanent operating losses of this transit option.

Rep. Clark Johnson and Sen. Ann Rest would have you believe that the metro alone will pay for all costs associated with another train to nowhere in Minneapolis. That is a complete fabrication. The law dictates the entire state is responsible for half of all ongoing operational losses.

And the fact is, we never voted on a proposal to change that. The assertion the last minute sleight-of-hand amendment offered by Senate Democrats on the last day of session to the bipartisan bonding bill didn’t change that statute either. It’s offensive that these two elected legislators would insult Minnesotans by putting their name to such a fabrication. They know better, and, frankly, they should be embarrassed.

Call this for what it really is, a clear and deliberate attack on your state representative, Peggy Bennett. Her opponents want to smear her record because they prefer a DFL-controlled Legislature so they can raise your taxes, build more expensive trains in the metro and expect the residents of Minnesota to continue to pay the bill. Total and absolute power without regard for the best interests of all Minnesota. Unhindered, unchecked, unaccountable. Put simply: politics (and policy) at its worst.

Having served with Peggy in the last biennium, I have seen first-hand how tirelessly she works to represent her district and their views. Peggy is dedicated to policy over partisanship. Many of you already know that and understand exactly what I mean. As a good steward of your taxpayer dollars, she has continually worked to prioritize our statewide transportation infrastructure, reform the healthcare system and improve our schools through common-sense reforms.

When the next Legislature convenes in January, I know I’d want Peggy at the Capitol to be the voice for my community. Cheap political rhetoric can’t diminish her record of service or her dedication to serve the hardworking folks of southern Minnesota.

Tony Albright

representative

District 55B