My Point of View, By Robin Brown

I realize I tend to use my columns to promote a “get involved” philosophy when it comes to politics, and I do so unapologetically. Albert Lea is fortunate to have so many dedicated people involved in causes they believe in. The fight to keep a full-service hospital in Albert Lea has been a great example of community members working together toward a common goal. Whether we are Democrats, Republicans, independents or another affiliation, we want and need health care close to home. My hope is for a positive resolution for all those involved.

The Freeborn County DFL is offering another opportunity to get involved politically — close to home. On Sept. 21, the DFL is sponsoring the annual DFL Crockpot Cookoff. What a great opportunity to visit with old friends, make new friends, meet candidates, talk politics and get a bite to eat as well. This event has proved to be a fun and informative evening — an opportunity to get involved politically.

The DFL Crockpot Cookoff will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Edgewater Bay Pavilion. You are welcome to bring something to share — or not. Your freewill donation will give you the opportunity to taste all the fabulous crockpot dishes. You may enter the big crockpot competition by simply bringing your favorite crockpot dish, as well as the recipe.

Confirmed speakers for the evening include Rep. Jeanne Poppe, our neighbor from District 27B, and Ken Martin, our state DFL chair. I expect candidates for state and federal offices to be in attendance as they are able, so this would be a great time to meet them, shake hands and visit with them about the issues on your mind. Candidate schedules are fluid from day to day, which means we may not know who will be in attendance until the day of the event. Historically, the Freeborn County DFL picnics and the Crockpot Cookoff have had strong candidate participation.

In between the food and the speakers, you may also bid for items in a silent auction, which has included arts and crafts, rare political memorabilia, books and baskets of tasty treats. There’s always a treasure to be found and fun to be had in the bidding wars.

The members of the Freeborn County DFL look forward to seeing you at this fun, family event. Come for the food. Stay for the politics. It will be a great evening to get involved.    

As I write this column, I am watching the news and am strongly aware that while we plan fun events and go about our daily routine, the good people of southern Texas and southwest Louisiana are beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives, homes, neighborhoods, schools and businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I know each of us is sending positive thoughts, prayers, financial resources and physical assistance as we find appropriate and as we are able.

As I write this, the existence of a second hurricane, Irma, currently in the Caribbean Sea and tracking toward south Florida with landfall expected this weekend, has residents anticipating life and death decisions that will have long term consequences for families, friends and the future of their communities.

It would be easy to take this moment to discuss the effect climate change has on the increase in 100-year storms, and even though I believe this should be addressed, I will leave that educational conversation to others. For now, my hope is that our elected officials put politics aside and do what is best for the good people of storm-ravaged areas. That means getting appropriate funding to those in need as soon as possible and creating policy that will protect people in the event of future storms. 

Former District 27A Rep. Robin Brown is a member of the Freeborn County DFL Party.