To the editor:

The recent choice of Tim Walz as a VP candidate has certainly spawned some interesting opinions about Walz and the DFL in general. It’s amazing how much people’s special interests can play a part in their perception of reality.

Walz’s handling of the pandemic in the face of little or no action from the federal government was no different from that of many other states. For people to judge him because a lack of leadership in Washington seems quite simply the “easy target” in a complex and little understood phenomenon. He has governed in a manner which is in keeping with the majority of voters’ wishes, and has maintained his principals with regard to a long list of issues. His reelection is a testament to this, and in a democracy, that’s the way things work.

Of primary importance is an issue that many people quickly forget which is policies for public employees, teachers, and others whose livelihood depends on working for the public. Minnesota has long been on the forefront with regard to public employees by passing and maintaining legislation which guarantees employees the right to collectively bargain, something that sets them apart from many neighboring states. As a result, compensation for public employees including teachers exceeds that of many neighboring states because they have never adopted such legislation or have modified it to maintain a lower level of employee activism when it comes to workplace conditions and compensation. This extends to retirement benefits, as well. For many of those who oppose Walz because of his views on Right to Life, Free lunches for kids, or any other issue, it is incongruous that they don’t seem to understand where their bread is being buttered.

Have I agreed wholeheartedly with every decision he’s made, of course not; but that doesn’t mean that I would throw the baby out with the bathwater. I will not misconstrue compassion and empathy for weakness. This man has epitomized the good things about being a true “public servant” while attempting to walk the “middle of the road” so to speak. We can ask nothing more of our elected officials. I for one will be proud that a “down to earth” Minnesotan will be the next Vice President.

Dennis Phelps

Westbrook