LETTER to the Editor

Unfortunate event is finally over

To the Cottage Grove Journal, For those who have not heard, Keith Franke has decided to run for Washington County Commissioner instead of State Representative. Therefore, my complaints on Republican Gerrymandering have now become mute. But before I leave the subject, the question might have arisen on what evidence was in my testimony that I gave to the Court panel that resulted in this redistricting map.

Essentially, it went after three targets. The first was about former state representative John Kriesel and that he was vulnerable enough to lose re-election. I used examples of gaffs, bills, legislation, and his usage of social media to make that point.

The second was against the Republican House Caucus. The Republican house caucus and Republicans in general spent a good amount of money on Kriesel in his 2010 campaign and was considered too big to fail. Examples here include campaign finance reports, election records, maps, roll calls, votes, and quotes from various legislators.

The final accusation was against Keith Franke as Franke refused to acknowledge what the Republicans were trying to do on the behalf of Kriesel and the negative effect it would have on his community. Examples here showed time and time again when Franke refused to publicly acknowledge the damage of what his fellow Republicans would have done if they succeeded.

As for the county commissioner race, I think Karla Bigham would make a better county commissioner given Franke’s residue.

And with that, I am happy to say that this unfortunate event is finally over. William Cory Labovitch South Saint Paul, Mn