Bryce Haugen
brycevincenthaugen@gmail.com
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz chatted with Moorhead residents and leaders Monday night at Junkyard Brewing Company as he and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan brought their inaugural celebration to the Red River Valley.
The “One Minnesota, 2019 Inaugural Celebration” drew hundreds to the north Moorhead hangout. It was the final stop of the weeklong festivities, during which Walz and Flanagan also stopped in the Greater Minnesota cities of Mankato and Duluth.
“Elections are simply a means to an end and the end is a better state with more opportunity for everyone,” Walz said during the two-and-a-half hour event. “… Governing is not a football game, it’s not a poker game, it’s about getting the best ideas and putting it all together to improve people’s lives.”
He emphasized that he is not just going to be governor for those who voted for him, but for all the citizens of the state, regardless of party affiliation.
“All of you will be heard,” he said to cheers. “… Our job is to leave the state better than we found it.”
With the DFL in control of the State House and governor’s office and the Republicans in charge of the State Senate, Walz said, Minnesota can be example for the nation of how the two parties can work together for positive change.
“This isn’t going to be easy,” he said. “We’re going to work as hard as possible.”
Before Walz spoke, Flanagan told The Extra that “One Minnesota” is not just a slogan, but rather will be a governing style.
“This inaugural celebration is a way for us to say ‘thank you’ and strengthen relationships with folks across Minnesota,” she said.
Moorhead’s new mayor Johnathan Judd said it’s an honor and a privilege to have Walz and Flanagan visit town.
“It’s speaks a lot about their belief that Greater Minnesota is a very viable place,” Judd said. “It means a lot for the residents to have them here. I look forward to working with them. They bring a lot of good ideas that are going to benefit all of Minnesota.”
It’s pretty cool to have this kind of event at a Moorhead business, said Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mongeau.
“It’s really exciting that (Walz) has made such a commitment to reach out to outstate Minnesota,” she said.
Moorhead High School senior Courtney Rix, 17, decided to come to the event with her mother even though she wasn’t old enough to cast a vote for governor.
“Even though I can’t vote yet, I think it’s important to at least know what’s going on,” Rix said.
(Photo/Bryce Haugen)