Tara’s Takes
When I became the Minnesota Newspaper As soci a t i on president in January, I knew that I would have additional opportunities to be involved in our industry and help papers across the state. I didn’t know how all of that would play out.
In the last two weeks, I’ve gotten the opportunity to testify on very important legislation for the future of journalism as a whole. While I hold my breath as to what will come out of the Capitol at the end of the session, I was extremely pleased to be able to meet with representatives and share our story.
However, it did come with a little trepidation. Of course, we’ve all seen the news broadcasts of Senate or House hearings where they are interrupting and grilling those in attendance, peppering them with questions. Our bill isn’t that controversial, but I did prepare to answer questions.
In addition, while I know I could never be a politician (just like I could never be a teacher because I don’t have enough patience), I do respect those who take on that role. While there may be some glitz and glamour behind parts of the position, for the most part I think it’s a thankless job. And one that most of the people speaking to you are only doing so because they want something from you.
One of those people was me. I spoke before the Senate Jobs and Education Committee and a week later before the House Workforce Committee. While I was one of many who will appear before committees throughout this legislative session, it is still important to do so.
Those at the Capitol are making decisions statewide. Things that are voted on by elected officials in the Twin Cities area affect us here in southwest Minnesota. There is not one person who can know everything going on everywhere in the state and how different bills can help or hurt our area.
This is why it is important to talk to those elected to serve. Yes, I had a different experience because I was there in person speaking on a specific bill. But locallyelected officials are in the same boat. We will be electing several new people as many legislators from our area and those districts near us are not running for reelection.
It is important that you speak to those running to serve your area and so they know the topics that are important to you and your family and that you know where they stand.
Of course, we know how polarizing politics have gotten lately. These conversations should be held in a respectful manner, but should be held nonetheless.
So as we begin to see more and more political news, signs and such, instead of taking the time to complain, take that time to inform yourself. Have the conversations, learn about the candidates and go into the next election an informed voter. Your future depends on it.
• On a side note, Per and I celebrated seven years of business ownership on Wednesday. Yes, we purchased the Tracy Area Headlight Heralnd on April Fool’s Day, 2019. Per so sweetly celebrated by telling me we had a bat in the back of the office. We did have one about a week ago so it was a plausible event. Instead, he and I — armed with our tennis rackets — carefully made our way between different rows of storage shelving looking for the culprit. The tensions were high. My heart was beating fast. My neck muscles were tense. I was starting to sweat. All until he said, “Oh wait, what day is it?”
I have never wanted to hit someone with a racket so hard in my life! I hate bats, so using them as an April Fool’s prank was not a good choice on his part. If you don’t see his column in next week’s paper, you’ll know why — the bat (or tennis racket) got him.
