Your legislative “leaders?” Specifically, Republican Representative Al Carlson, who may be a very “big wheel” in his small world inside a small state with less population than the city of Minneapolis/St.Paul, but in the eyes and minds of the NCAA Regents, does anyone think they are overly concerned about what Al Carlson of Fargo, North Dakota wants regarding the nickname change for the University of North Dakota? I have serious doubts about that. And apparently, so does UND President Robert Kelley.
President Kelley is calling for a repeal of the mandate the North Dakota Legislature approved to fight the NCAA on the Sioux nickname. President Kelley’s main concern is for and to the students attending UND now and in the future. Which should also be the main concern of Al Carlson and those who voted in support of fighting the NCAA. Unfortunately, it obviously is not.
So what is their main concern? Not bowing to the NCAA? Really? It certainly seems as though that’s the big issue; that no one, not even the organization heading the leagues and conferences for college athletics, is “big enough” to tell Al Carlson and his “we’ll show them” gang who seemingly will follow their leader and drink whatever kool aid he’s been sipping on, what they can name or nickname their players on all their sports teams. No sir! Just who does the NCAA think they can push around?
So, next year, when UND has not one decent or competitive sports team to play against— I hope everyone remembers why. And when the next election rolls around in North Dakota for new legislative leaders, I sure hope all of the voters remember what Al Carlson and his gang of show-offs did to the student athletic department and to UND as an institution of higher learning— all because when the time came to change, they couldn’t bring themselves to do just that—change. But then, maybe that’s the lesson to be learned here. History is valuable but the future is what counts the most. Do you want to live in a state that hangs on to its history at any cost or in a state that is willing to step into the future, by adjusting to the inevitable changes that do occur?
MINNESOTANS’ BIG DAY IS THURSDAY
Yep, Thursday is “D-day” for Minnesota’s Legislature to find out what the courts are going to allow to remain open and functioning should the stubborn heads of this state decide just how much they want to hurt the people or help the people they claim to represent “in their best interest.”
Man! What is it about people in leadership roles today? It’s almost as if they missed out on playing “chicken” as teenagers, driving just as close to the edge of a collision as they can possibly get, or re-enacting some “Dirty Harry” role trying to prove who has the bigger gun. What happened to SERVE THE PEOPLE FIRST, then follow your respective party line in government second?
I emailed Representatives Paul Marquart and Morrie Lanning asking their opinions on where things stand today (this is Tues., 6/21/11) and if the state government shuts down, how will the many parents who need help paying their daycare bill pay their child care providers? What about the seniors I’ve heard from who need money for transportation to doctors and the grocery store, and those who live in nursing homes or have help coming in? Representative Marquart answered my email saying this: “I am still hopeful that we can avoid a government shutdown. We will know more on Thursday when a Ramsey County Court will hear what the Governor wants to keep functioning. The Governor wants to keep areas open vital to protecting the public and protecting the state’s economy. The real specifics are not yet known.”
Representative Lanning never answered my email, but I chanced a call to his house and he picked up (bet he wishes he had caller I.D. now!). I asked him the same questions I asked of Rep. Marquart.
His answers were brief, but essentially what he said to me is that “it’s hard to determine. The reality is the funding for the universities and colleges should continue and the funding for public schools is a legislative statue, so until the legislature changes that, public school funding will be the same. A report came out today saying food stamps and child care funding will be decided by the courts.”
I asked both Marquart and Lanning if there is a shutdown will they continue to take their salary paychecks as legislative leaders? Representative Marquart said he has not decided. “I expect to continue to represent my constituents and continue with answering and dealing with constituents’ questions and requests during a shut down. So even though government might shut down, my constituent work will not. Also I have never taken a per diem during special sessions.”
Representative Lanning answered the question regarding his continued salary and paycheck for legislating by saying this: “It’s premature to answer that question. I’m hoping for a resolution, but until then, it’s premature to say.”
Stay tuned, folks. Minnesota has been facing a lot of difficulties in the last years during the Republican Pawlenty administration (Considering how he managed just one state, imagine the damage he could do during four years as President of all fifty states!! Now that’s an UGLY thought.), but if this shutdown actually becomes a reality, things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better.
UPDATES
ONCE AGAIN I PROOVE TO BE FALLIBLE!
Rats! I did it again. After my first million mistakes, I sorta lost track, but this definitely isn’t one million and one, either. Anyway, in my column for The Extra during the week of June 16 -22, I listed some up-coming events for family and kids the Moorhead Parks Department was sponsoring and I mistakenly listed the Watermelon Festival on June 21 when it should have read July 21. That’s the bad news. The good news is—hey! If you thought you missed it, you can still make it after all!! So, go on JULY 21 and eat your little watermelon-self silly until you feel like popping! Just don’t swallow any seeds!!
June 23rd a community meeting with the GO2030 Campaign will be held at Centennial Hall (fka the CIVIC CENTER) for everyone who is interested in learning about and contributing to the discussion and planning of Fargo’s future. If you don’t know or haven’t been aware, Fargo has a comprehensive plan for the future growth of Fargo incorporating city government, the private sector and the public. The comprehensive plan involves infrastructure systems, flood mitigation, energy, transportation, natural resources, land use and quality of life. Anyone wanting to be a part of planning or at least being aware of what is in store for Fargo, this is your chance. For more information check out the GO2030 website at: Go2030.net.
MOORHEAD citizens next week, Monday, June 27, the Moorhead City Council will hear a proposal and could be deciding whether a new grill/tavern locating on East Hwy 10, in the old Pizza Hut should be granted a five year tax exemption. As citizens of Moorhead who pay taxes, what do you think about allowing a tax exemption to a new business in town that will be competing with like businesses already established in Moorhead who never received any tax exemptions when they opened up? If you have an opinion about this, call your local Moorhead City Council representative and tell them what you think and how you want them to vote. It can make a difference how to vote when they hear from their constituents on issues. Voice an opinion people. It’s your town. Take some ownership!
The FM LEAGUE is having another event on the 27th of June at the Sky Prairie Rooftop of the Donaldson Hotel in downtown Fargo starting at 6 p.m.; if it rains, everything moves inside to the bar.
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