Minnesota State Senator Tom Neuville

This weekend, Marilynn and I drove to Milwaukee, via Madison, to visit our daughters. Our youngest (Meg) begins her senior year tomorrow at the U of Wisconsin. Our oldest daughter (Anne), just married this summer (to Blake), moved to Milwaukee for work and grad school.

On the way, we wanted to stop in Rushford to view the flood damage first hand and offer some financial help to the local church where volunteers were being fed. The town of Rushford is between Rush Creek and the Root river. There is no place for the water to go, if the dike along Rush Creek is breached.

I’ve attached a few photos of the downtown to this entry. The pictures reflect a town that is on the rebound. There was hope in the air in Rushford, you could see in on the streets and hear it in people’s voices when you spoke with them. There was also evidence of a lot of volunteering.

Last year, I experienced natural disaster in my own Senate district when a tornado damaged Cleveland and the surrounding area in LeSueur County. I saw the same sense of hope and concern for neighbors. In the midst of tragedy, there is comfort in knowing that our neighbors and others who don’t even know the victims, will stop and help.

We stopped at a gas station and had a chance meeting with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. She was also visiting Rushford to see the effects of the flooding first hand.

The town was pretty cleaned up on Saturday, Sept 1st. There are piles of debris on the boulevards, the local grocery store had all of its freezers in the parking lot, and the water is not yet suitable for drinking or bathing.

Many businesses and homes did not have flood insurance. I heard that many might be unable to rebuild. While homes look pretty good from the street, water filled up basements and damaged the first floor of many buildings. There will be mold problems in many buildings. Generally, FEMA and the State can give zero or low interest loans to repair or rebuild damaged properties. I’m sure that the state will do its part to provide matching funds for Federal FEMA financial aid.

School is going to be open on Tuesday, and the football team played its game last Friday night.

I visited with the newly retired School Superintendent ( who works for the Catholic Church across the street now). He was worried about the number of school kids who might transfer to other school districts because of the flooding. Each child who leaves the Rushford schools cost the local district about $7000 in lost student aid per year. I suggested that the legislature could consider adjustments to the school aid formula this year to Rushford-Peterson Schools to give them time to recover.

The Governor is the face of State Government, and people want him to call a special session for some help in Southeastern Minnesota. I know that he will, once the agenda is negotiated with DFL leaders in the legislature. It’s important to the people in Rushford that we agree on that agenda quickly.

Last August, I wrote about the death of my Brother-in-law, Dan Bissen, from Austin, Mn.

Dan died of brain cancer, at age 51, after two years of experimental treatment. The care and concern from the Austin community for his family was remarkable.

Today, was the first “Dan Bissen Memorial Bash”, a concert of family, friends and community members. The Bissen family was very musical, and involved in the Austin arts community. There were many moving songs, but the one that touched me most was when Dan’s son, Tony, sang “Oh Danny Boy”. Everyone cried.

There were many times to laugh as well. Nothing heals the pain more than a smile.
We all live such busy lives. We worry about too many things which aren’t important in the eternal scheme. It’s our faith, family and friends that are most important. (and maybe a little fishing).
Hundreds of people took time to remember and celebrate Dan Bissen’s life today, and came away refreshed. Thanks Dan, for helping us remember what life is all about !

Governor Tim Pawlenty certainly emphasized education reform in his State of the State speech last week. The Governor observed that Minnesota students, when compared to other students around the globe, are on top academically in 4th grade; about average by 8th grade; and, near the bottom after high school graduation.

In Minneapolis, for example, nearly half of all students don’t even graduate from High School. There are many reasons for this, including broken homes, poverty, immigration and language issues, single parent families, drug use, etc.

But, how much does the structure of public school itself contribute to such results?

Craig Westover, an opinion writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, wrote a thought-provoking article this week discussing Education “Reform”.

Westover asks,

“If we don’t someday tackle the ‘why’ question, we’re doomed to that never-ending cycle of Fad-to-Fancy education policy. Education ‘reform’ … is less about what we do and more about how we decide to do what we do. Real reform is about doing things differently - not simply doing different things.”

Another way of phrasing the issue is, ” will spending more money on the same system, yield different results? ”

Governor Pawlenty said that our existing high schools are “obsolete”. Bill Gates (of Microsoft) agrees. Well, if they are, then how did they get that way and what can we do differently.

The Governor wants to create financial incentives for high schools to offer more rigorous courses. He wants students to be able to complete at least one year of college while still in high school. For many students this is possible. For about half of all students, it’s not! (See this interesting Article by Charles Murray on ability to succeed in college).

Whenever the State, or especially the Federal Government, start setting standards, local districts lose the ability to be flexible and offer what students need and want. The goals of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) may be well intentioned, but really won’t accomplish greater learning if the existing public school system implements it.

When I was in high school in the 1960’s, we didn’t have mandated state standards like today. Schools did a pretty good job of educating back then. What was different?

Well, for one thing, parents were more involved in their child’s education, and most families were intact. Teachers had time to teach and students came to school more prepared to learn. Today, Teachers are asked to do so much more than just teach. It’s a demanding job when you also have to be a disciplinarian, social worker, and surrogate parent for many students. The culture of our schools, and society itself, is different.

There was also more school choice. Back then, about 19% of all students went to private, mostly parochial, schools. This was possible because Churches subsidized their schools. Today, only about 9% of students attend private schools. Many families simply cannot afford private school tuition.

Many of our top students, the gifted and talented, are losing out. We spend so much on special education, and standardized coursework, that our brightest students are bored and underachieving. (See another interesting Article by Charles Murray). We spend about 0.01% of our educational dollars on the brightest students. In a few more years, we may not produce enough engineers, scientists, and doctors to compete with the rest of the world.

Perhaps we need to redefine what a “public” education is. Isn’t it in the public interest to “provide challenging, diverse, and innovative education opportunities to all students. Shouldn’t all students and families have a choice to pick the school that is best for them? Wouldn’t school choice bring about the creation of such schools?”

As Craig Westover states,

“You want accountability? Encourage parental school choice so the impact of failing to educate kids is felt immediately at the local level.”

I encourage your comments.

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee ( which I have been a member of for 15 years) visited the Ramsay County Drug court in St. Paul.

I’ve heard a lot about drug courts over the years, but have never seen one in action. In theory, the court works by imposing intensive supervision, and creating high expectations for the offenders and a positive court environment. The offenders come to court every week. The Judge gets to know each offender very well, including their family members, work and treatment history. There are regular drug tests and swift consequences for a missed deadline or failed urinalysis.

Today, one of the offenders “graduated” from the program and was released from probation about 18 months early. Another woman was caught using drugs again and was sent to State prison. All of the drug court participants were in court to observe the benefits of success and the consequence of failure.

The atmosphere was a little too cozy (we had cake for the graduate, and applause for most of the offenders), but I could see in the faces of the offenders that they were pleased to be free from their drug addiction while in the program. All of the offenders received a handshake from the judge and a hug from the probation agent as they left the courtroom. Quite different from the normal courtroom environment that I’m used to here in Rice County.

It takes more money to deal with drug offenders this way. But, in the end, about 85% of the offenders finish the program. They get back to work faster, and we all save money in jail and prison space. Families stay together, communities heal faster and recidivism is less. I like the concept - but without the cake.

Yesterday was not a good day for Republicans in Minnesota. My Republican Senate caucus lost a net of 6 seats, including two senior Senators who everyone thought would be easily re-elected.

Governor Pawlenty’s win was a stroke of luck, probably due to  miscues by AG Hatch in the last week of the campaign. And so, we will have divided government again, much like my first 4 years in the Senate, when Arne Carlson was Governor.

Some recall that Governor Carlson holds the record for number of vetoes in Minnesota. Given the huge majorities for Democrats in both the House and Senate, the veto threat will likely come into play much more during the next two years. Governor Pawlenty will have to change his leadership style significantly. Compromise will be expected on most issues.

I am grateful for my own victory ( 52% to 48%) over Jessica Peterson. I have the rural, western part of my district to thank for their support. Northfield produced a huge wave of voters for the Democrats this year. I have never lost Northfield by more than 1000. But, this year, Jessica Peterson won Northfield by about 2400. Republicans just couldn’t get their base out, and the DFL was highly motivated to cast an anti-George Bush vote. There is no doubt that national issues affected state legislative races this year. Sometimes there is nothing a candidate can do, once he puts on a partisan label.

Thanks to all of the voters who supported me, especially those in Scott, Sibley and LeSueur counties. I will keep my promise to work hard, serve honestly and respectfully, and remain accessible.

Congratulations to David Bly for his victory. We will likely differ on many issues. But, I will extend a hand to work with David, especially on local issues.

A special tribute to Rep. Ray Cox, who lost by only 57 votes, pending a re-count. It has been my honor and privilege to work with Ray for 4 years. He has worked so hard for the people in District 25B. Much of his hard work is never known or appreciated by the average citizen. His wife Ellen and family are kind and gracious people, who have sacrificed much for Ray’s public service. Thank you Ray and Ellen. Don’t stay on the sideline very long.

Finally, I want to thank Jessica Peterson for running a campaign which was largely free of unfair negative or personal attack ads. One only appreciates how hard and time-consuming a campaign can be, when you become a candidate. Jessica and I also disagree on many  issues, but we kept our disagreements civil. I think voters found that refreshing. Congratulations Jessica for running a very good campaign.  

Last Night, Marilynn and I spent time at another one of our small town fundraisers. The City of Arlington, in eastern Sibley County, is one of the most beautiful small towns that I represent. I’ve been there for many events, parades, church and community dinners and fundraisers throughout the summer and fall.

There’s something different about people who live in small towns like Arlington. They have a special sense of community and loyalty toward each other. The people tend to be a little more self reliant. They are people who love their country and city. They take care of each other and aren’t afraid of showing their patriotism publicly. They are friendly to outsiders and love to visit for a long time in the coffee shop or community center. Their pleasures are simple and when they put on a dinner, I usually walk away stuffed.

Arlington is a city of about 2800 people. But, it is also the home of Sibley East High School which serves all of eastern Sibley county, the Sibley county Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Nursing Home(and soon to have an Assisted Living Center). They have a busy downtown area , lots of Churches and the Sibley County fairgrounds (which is famous for its all- you- can- eat corn feed in August). The big employer is Seneca Foods (Green Giant).

Earlier this year, Marilynn and I attended the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Park. It was a wonderful and patriotic event, which we found very touching. Here are some pictures of the event. I was especially moved by the words on the Memorial Stones and by the discipline and love of country shown by the Sibley county Army Reserve Unit, which had just returned from Iraq

Arlington also celebrated is 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) as a city this year. The Parade (held in August) was the first that the town has had since I’ve been their Senator. It was a fun event which ended, of course, in the City Park with a corn eating contest. I love this town !! Here are more pictures of the Parade.

Last night was the annual fund raising event for the Arlington Ambulance Service. More than 600 people attended the hog roast, even though Sibley East high school was playing a football game at the same time. While we ate and visited with citizens, a polka band played. Across the hall, in the City Council Chambers, local nurses were taking blood tests for diabetes screening. (While we waited for our test results, Marilynn sat in Mayor Dave Czech’s chair, and proclaimed, ” I think I’d like to be Mayor!” (She always brings smiles and friendship to people when we are out campaigning and visiting with citizens) The Band ended the evening by playing “God Bless America” with everyone standing and singing along with hands over hearts. I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat. This is Minnesota and America, and I’m so proud to represent them. I even had the honor of having a picture with Miss Arlington and her princesses (See below along with other pictures of the event)

This past weekend, Marilynn and I had our fill of Czech food and Church festivals. The last parade of the year was held in New Prague. It was the City’s Czech Harvest festival, called Dozinky Days. There were lots of tractors, trucks, hay wagons, and of course, Polish sausage, Bratwurst, Pork sandwiches and Sauerkraut and Concertina music.

I walked in the Parade with State Representative Ray Cox, Congressman John Kline, and State Representative Laura Brod, who was in her home town.

From New Prague, Marilynn and I traveled to the City of Le Sueur, for the Annual Applefest at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. We attended mass there, bought an apple pie, and enjoyed another pork sandwich with sauerkraut.

Le Sueur is also famous for being the Valley of the Jolly Green Giant. The town lost Green Giant (Seneca Foods) some years ago, but the reputation still exists.

Finally, on Sunday, we attended yet another Church dinner in Kilkenny. St. Canice Parish was always a favorite of our kids. Today, I love to buy a plate of fudge and bring home cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and honey. No wonder it’s hard to lose weight during a campaign year !!

Thursday, Aug.24th, was a tough day for some of the communities in District 25. In the morning, baseball sized hail hit Northfield (including my home and cars), causing significant damage. Much of the damage occurred at Dokmo Ford, Furlong Motors, and at the colleges.

But, I suspect that most people in town experienced some damage. There will be a lot of roof damage too. I found about 6-7 holes in my roof caused by the hail. I found that old, plastic political yard signs were great for patching the holes until the insurance adjusters come to inspect.

Then, later that night storm warnings of high winds, rain, and tornado threats had all of us watching the radar on T.V. Some of the worst damage occurred in the Western part of my district, in Kasota, and south of Cleveland.
On Friday, Governor Pawlenty toured the area with Representative Laura Brod, me and LeSueur County law enforcement and emergency officials. We first met with citizens at the high school gym in Cleveland. Then, we toured some of the damaged areas.

It is hard to describe seeing damage caused by tornadoes first hand. Corn is flat, blown to the east in one field, and to the south in another field across the road. Farm silos are sheared in half, or tipped over onto the barn, while the house 200 feet away is standing, with just window damage. Cattle are dead and lying next to the road, or laying in the corn field with broken legs.

Near Lake Emily, in Kasota, several houses were blown away, while the golf course on the other side of the road, was undamaged. One elderly man died. He was evacuated by boat , since the tornado blew trees across his driveway and prevented rescue squad vehicles from getting to his home.

I am sad for those who suffered injuries or damage to their homes or farms. But, I was heartened by the positive attitude of those who lost the most. They were thankful to be alive and to have so many friends to came out to help. Another group that helped so much were the local Volunteer Firemen. Many were out helping their neighbors at 3-4 am. The Sheriff’s Posse was also out in force to find straying cattle.

There will be a great need for volunteers next week. Mostly for debris cleanup from farm fields. If you are willing to help, contact my office in St. Paul, or Le Sueur county Emergency officials. Below are just a few of the pictures of the damage that I witnessed last Friday after the storm.

As we were leaving, we passed a farm site where the entire house and outbuildings were destroyed. 40-50 volunteers were there helping. I noticed that someone had put up a small American Flag in the rubble. Even in adversity, people hold their head high, and look forward.

I am proud to represent people who gladly help their neighbors. I saw a lot helping on Friday.

On Thursday, August 3rd, I participated in the Annual Golf Tournament for the Three Links Care Center of Northfield. The Tournament is now dedicated in the name of John Falck, who organized this tournament for many years. I played with Dick Daymont (above), his wife Chris, and Stan Hup all of Northfield. We shared dinner with Representative Ray Cox and his wife Ellen.

We are very fortunate to have three skilled nursing homes in Northfield.( The others are the Northfield Retirement Center, and the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center.) All provide wonderful care for our senior citizens.

Funding our nursing homes in Minnesota is a challenge. As the “Baby Boom” generation approaches age 70 we will probably see a significant transformation in the way we care for people who need skilled nursing care. Every year, I visit with the nursing home administrators in my Senate District. It has been a struggle financially for many of them. It will be important for the legislature to provide more flexibility to this care industry. If we are to continue with a system of unitary billing, which allows nursing homes to charge private patients only at the same rate as those on public assistance, then we must provide enough public funding to allow our homes to retain their staff and provide quality care.

Other nursing homes in District 25 include: Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague, the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Central Health Care Center in Le Center, Minnesota Valley Health Care Center in Le Sueur, Good Samaritan in Waterville and Good Samaritan in Arlington (Sibley County).

This week I was endorsed by Care Providers PAC. This organization is one of the two major organizations representing nursing homes in Minnesota. They have a major lobbying presence in St. Paul. I have worked with them most recently in trying to lower the cost of liability insurance for our nursing homes. Many homes have seen their insurance premiums increase by 100-200% over the past several years, even if they have not had major claims. Insurance premium increases shift funds from other direct care needs, and limit the quality of care that many homes can provide. I’m very please to be given this endorsement. It reflects my commitment to helping our State’s nursing homes thru the transition which will occur during the next 10 years.

Not only was the Temperature close to 100 degrees this weekend, but there were also many events all around District 25 which kept me busy and hot.

The big event of the weekend was the annual Kolacky Days Festival in Montgomery. Fewer people attended events this year because of the heat. But, Kolacky Days has become a huge event and draws people from far and wide. Of course, I love eating kolacky, and there is ample supply to buy during the weekend.

On Sunday is the Grand Parade. I walked with State Representative Laura Brod in the parade. Many people are dressed up in traditional Czech clothing and there is always lots of great polka music, dancing and concertina playing. The Grand Parade even drew several Statewide Political candidates. Minnesota Secretery of State, Mary Kiffmeyer was present, and let me buy her some apple kolacky. (I prefer prune and appricot). State Auditor Patty Anderson, Republican Attorney General Candidate Jeff Johnson and Congressman John Kline also attended.

It’s always nice to meet the Queen and attendants for the events and their parents. Here is just one of the photos of my visit with last years Kolacky Royalty. They told me that they attended over 40 events around Minnesota to publicize Montgomery’s Kolacky Days event. I also met last years Queen for the Webster Harvest Days festival, which is coming up again this year in August.

On Saturday, I attended the Dedication of the Trailhead facility for the Mill Towns Trail in Faribault. It’s a beautiful facility and provides a concrete accomplishment on our way to completing the rest of the Mill Towns Trail from Northfield, thru Dundas, to Faribault. Next, the City of Dundas will be awarding bids soon to build a trail head facility in the center of downtown Dundas. I’d like to see the trail location finalized, and some land right of way acquired, before we go to the Legislature’s Bonding committee again. This year, the Mill Towns Joint Trail Board was awarded $1 million of State Bond Funds to continue development of the trail. It’s important to show tangible movement and progress with the money we’ve been given by the State. The two trail head facilities in Faribault and Dundas are great starts.

Competing with Kolacky Days this weekend was the Vintage Band festival held in Northfield. What a wonderful event, which was organized in large part by Paul Niemisto, one of the great musicians at St. Olaf College. Marilynn and I attended several of the concerts over the weekend. The Vintage Bands came from all over the U.S. and even from Europe. I hope that this event can become an annual affair in Northfield. We truly have wonderful Arts opportunities in Northfield.

And lastly, I ended the weekend with a piece of super pie (peach) at the Old Trondhjem Lutheran church Ice Cream festival in Lonsdale. In years past, it’s been pretty hot in the Church. But, they’ve done a great job of restoring the old church and adding air conditioning. Blue-Grass style music was playing in the church, while people visited and ate pie in the social hall. I’ll be back again next year. This is another event which makes dieting at this time of year a real challenge for me. But, it sure is enjoyable !