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It is becoming sad to watch how political agendas/interests have supplanted any hope of attaining good policy in the upcoming legislative session.
I remember listening to a good friend that works at the legislature recount how Rep. Rukavina was chiding Republican's in the hallway on how their "special interest" allies had abandoned them on an important vote a few years ago. He went on to mention that their "special interest" allies would never pull such a stunt. Rep. Rukavina, sadly, is right!
Had cities and counties been smart they would have, in fact, joined with Governor Pawlenty in supporting his right to unallot us out of the latest budget crisis. They did not need to agree, but rather realize and support the fact we had closure. The remedies and injustices could be worked on with the next legislative session a few short weeks from now. Instead they chose to let DFLers stir a pot that leaves cities and counties in a position we do not benefit from.
It makes you wonder what "special interest" groups Rep. Rukavina was referring to when he made that statement. I had a representative of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, and another person from the League of Minnesota Cities tell me how their groups are "non-partisan" and how they work both sides of the isle to bring about reform and solutions.
I asked them to tally up a public report listing the times they criticized the Governor and Republican leaders. Then count up the times they have criticized DFL leaders. (Rhino's do not count as Republicans!!)
I am still waiting for this report. However, Rep. Rukavina knows the answer, and so do a lot of legislators, mayors, and hopefully now a few more citizens reading America's Small City Mayor.
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