We in Southern Minnesota are fortunate to have the editorial staff of the Fillmore County Journal supply us with news about events and profiles of some of the people in our area. I also enjoy reading the pages with opinions and commentary.
On February 17, two commentaries caught and held my attention. One was written by Aaron Bishop and the other by Jane Peck. They described attending a “Town Hall” conducted by Jim Hagedorn. They expected him to open the evening with a monologue updating the audience with what was happening at the Capitol and what he hoped to accomplish in the future. Customarily, after the hosts opening remarks there are questions and an exchange of ideas. In this case they were disappointed as discussion was discouraged and held to a minimum.
They both expressed regret that Dan Feehan is not representing Minnesota’s First Congressional District. One of the challenges facing people running for office is becoming known. I met Dan at an open house. I was impressed by his dignity, intelligence, experience and temperament. I felt he was authentic. Beyond that I was seeing something really unusual. Dan manages to be both confident and humble. The more I learned about his personal history the more I liked and trusted him.
He enlisted in military service, shaken by the attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11. He completed two combat tours in Iraq, where he searched for roadside bombs. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Army medal for valor. Coming to the end of his time in the military, he became a teacher and taught middle school students. Later his desire for public service led him to become an Acting Secretary of Defense.
Both Aaron and Jane are concerned after listening to Jim Hagedorn that hot lunch, the SNAP program, may be discontinued in schools. It appears that Hagedorn is closely aligned with President Trump’s policies including immigration and women’s reproductive health.
Dan Feehan has vowed to pursue affordable and accessible healthcare, childcare and affordable housing. He has promised to stand up for farmers in Southern Minnesota – “they should not be beholden to out of state oil companies or Washington insiders.”
I have felt uneasy for some time, that our Civil Rights are slipping away from us. That “Government of the people, by the people” is being threatened by a minority of individuals who monopolize wealth and power.
I am pleased that Dan Feehan is running in the Primary scheduled for August 11, 2020. We need to get to know those who are pursuing public office and vote for those who truly represent our interests.