Commentary; Posted: 6/15/05
Bold steps will boost Pawlentyís stock
By Don Heinzman
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlentyís political career is on the line. While thereís talk about Pawlenty as a national candidate, even for the presidency of the United States, he first must demonstrate he can effectively govern the state of Minnesota.
Right now, his job as a governor is in the spotlight, because his brazen initiatives have forced the DFL to dig in on issues that are causing a log jam and could lead to a shutdown of part of Minnesota government. Such a shutdown plus a floundering special session would focus the publicís attention on Governor Pawlenty.
Minnesota voters have demonstrated they are tiring of the political wars, particularly when it affects actions they feel legislators and a governor should take in a regular legislative session.
The surprising election of Independence Party Jesse Ventura as governor several years ago and the defeat of 13 Republican House members in the last election should be evidence enough that voters are fed up with the stalling tactics for political gain.
Unless leaders of this legislative session and Governor Pawlenty compromise to take care of the publicís business, look for the public to cast a plague on both of their houses and the governorís mansion.
The breakthrough must come on increasing some revenues, fees, taxes or whatever one wishes to call it. The governor took a major step forward when he suggested a state fee on cigarettes for 75 cents a pack. The Senate DFL must offer a plan that matches the governor.
Legislators and the governor are not far apart on how much needs to be spent to meet the publicís needs and to run the government. The crisis point is on how to raise the needed revenues.
With more gambling revenues out of the picture and with the obvious need for more dollars for education, transportation, health care and health insurance, where will the dollars come from?
The governor must step up and lead all Minnesotans of both parties and no parties.
The cigarette tax, a slight increase in the income tax at the upper end, an increase in the gasoline tax and perhaps a sales tax increase on clothing should be in the mix.
If the governor can rise above all the issues and find the revenue solution within the next 20 days, his stock will rise as a governor who can lead a state and some day will be entitled to lead a nation.
Meanwhile the public can protest, write letters and urge their legislators to act like statesmen and women and get the publicís business settled.
Let legislators know they are valued for their independent thinking for the good of all the people of the state rather than how any political party gains advantage.
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