Kim Norton
For Minnesota House
Blog
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Fact Check!
Posted Oct 29 at 9 AM
With less than a week to go before we vote, the misrepresentations and mischaracterizations of my record and/or positions are coming fast and furiously. Here’s the real deal (after all, if it’s my position, shouldn’t I get to say what it is?)
On healthcare: I support universal coverage. I have not been a supporter of single payer or “socialized medicine.” I did sign on to a number of health care bills in order to give them a hearing, just so all the options were on the table and we could make informed decisions. The health care reform bill I supported and we passed – with bipartisan support and the Governor's signature - is a good first step toward resolving this complex issue.
On “pork” (also known as the bonding bill): Legislators vote on the bill, as a whole and it should reflect a balance of projects statewide. (The Duluth Ice Arena, highlighted recently, was a project the Governor expected and supported - he signed the bill with that project intact.) This is the bill that will fund infrastructure improvements at Rochester colleges and other local projects, which will stimulate the southeastern Minnesota economy and bring us jobs.
On taxes: Income, business and sales taxes have not gone up in the two years I have been in the Legislature. I voted for property tax relief for those on fixed income and cutting taxation on military pensions. My record of fiscal responsibility gained the endorsement of both the MN Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council and the NFIB.
On “gotcha” votes: Amendments often are attached at the last minute specifically to provide fodder for opposition literature. These amendments frequently threaten to derail important bills that have bipartisan support and they frequently have nothing to do with the bill’s original intent. They can also throw a balanced budget out of balance or propose spending with no funding source - something I doubt my constituents would want me to approve.
On campaign financing: I do not take PAC money. I am the only candidate in the race who qualified for the public subsidy, showing sufficient contributions from local residents to qualify as a viable candidate. I have not taken out loans to fund my campaign.
On mandates: Minnesota's nation-leading energy standards are targets toward use of more renewable and sustainable energy sources and were enacted with input from the utility companies. Insurance mandates provide Minnesotans better health care coverage than folks in other states. Despite having more insurance requirements, Minnesota's health care costs are not significantly higher and our care is better than the rest of the country. I support reviewing any and all mandates for relevance and need during the legislative process.
On compromise: It’s necessary and beneficial. I’ve demonstrated an ability to work with members of both parties and have voted independent of my caucus numerous times, putting the views of my constituents ahead of the party.If you read or hear something that gives rise to questions, please give me a call or email me to get the facts.
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Where to get information...
Posted Oct 21 at 8 AM
I had a conversation with my dad recently about how awful the negative national political television ads were and he was commenting about the “liberal media” (he’s a republican turned independent) and how he doesn’t believe what he reads in the newspapers either.
That discussion, coupled with some of my experiences at the door and some comments I’ve read on the blogs, have made me think about how folks are to get the information they need about candidate in order to help them vote. It may come as a surprise to some, but not everyone is a partisan that uses party affiliation as the sole determining factor in placing a vote. A significant number of people in Rochester consider themselves independent voters and prefer to look at individual candidates when making a decision – but where does one get that information?
I always have believed that a personal contact is a great way to get a feel for a person’s character, as would a peek at one’s work, education, and volunteer history. It is why I am committed to grassroots outreach through door-knocking, house parties and casual conversations. But, as I’ve mentioned before, there are some who resent having their legislator or a candidate for office come to their door. So where does one go for accurate information?
One man at the door asked me to give a three sentence synopsis of what I had to offer because he believed that a candidate brochure would contain untruths or half truths. While I insisted that every word was true, I had to admit that the content was certainly chosen by my campaign committee in an effort to share the bills, actions and/or traits I was most proud of. We have always chosen to share what I have to offer, as opposed to speaking about any opponent, but that said, the content is chosen.
There are newspaper articles, endorsements and voter guides available and some people do use these. There is a plethora of information available on the internet (campaign websites, votesmart.org.. non-profit ratings, official legislative records, google searches), but many seniors tell me they do not have access or use their computers for this type of research.
So what about the “2008 Voter Guide” distributed generously by the Republican Party? This means of gaining information has been touted heavily of late on the blogs. Well, as far as I can tell, that document contains hand selected (chosen) information meant to influence readers to a biased viewpoint. There also appear to be some balatant attempts to misinform readers by "reinterpreting" legislative intent ("selling babies" - ridiculous and it was a GOP authored adoption bill!) Similar to the “non campaign” expenditure mailing or television ad, they share a selective (negative) portrayal of the actions of a particular candidate or party. A different set of “facts” to share. Are the true? In a sense…let me explain.
One thing you learn quickly at the Capitol is the very active process used to “set up” the next election. Bills heard on the house floor have been through the committee process, but are still amendable on the floor prior to their final vote. At that time almost anything is possible – including unrelated or irrelevant amendments, amendments that might place the state in jeapordy of a lawsuit, amendments that have already been voted down numerous times, amendments that were not even attempted to have been passed in bill form…and on and on.
The partisan “voter guide” portends to share relevant information, but instead portrays votes against irrelevant, inappropriate and/or unrelated amendments as votes FOR something. They sometimes pick a specific amendment to highlight rather than the content of the original bill OR could brush an entire bill as bad based on tiny component of the bill.
A point to remember, one CAN vote against something without it being a vote for something else! One could vote against an amendment to the health care reform bill that might be about abortions, without being FOR abortions. One could simply be against ruining a good bill that has bi-partisan support, or against changing the focus of an important bill, or against the general concept of passing amendments without proper hearing and testimony without voting FOR anything except the original bill on the floor.
So, where do you get the best information? I suggest taking the opportunity to meet the candidates when you have the chance, reading the literature the candidates mail to you, read the newspapers, look for endorsements by organizations you might care about and trust. Someone who has held office will have a public record to review – though most of it is on-line these days. All negative ads or independent expenditures should be taken “with a grain of salt” and verified carefully – call the candidate and ask! -
Beyond Being Spurned
Posted Oct 12 at 12 PM
I guess it’s true that you’re never too old to learn. I know I’ve learned a thing or two in the past couple of weeks. I've always known that being in the public arena you have to have "thick skin"; I know that almost every decision made will make some folks happy and (potentially) as many people unhappy; I've learned that people can be vicious, mean and totally partisan even when you may have supported their views; I know how difficult it is to balance the good of the many with the good of the few; and I know that sometimes a vote for the good of your district/community and it's constituents may conflict with the desires of a statewide organization. I have learned that despite the recommendation of a local teachers union (REA) a state organization can wield punishment, presumably to teach a lesson or send a message, even to a longtime friend and even if it could ultimately hurt them.
Here is my response to Education Minnesota’s decision not to support my re-election bid: 1.) I voted as I told you I would both in 2004 and 2006 should compromise not be attainted and 2.) Campaign dollars will never influence my vote in doing what's right for my district, my community and our kids' education.
Just for the record, Ed MN didn’t support my opponent either – they chose not to endorse in the 29B race at all - throwing aside certain support for public education and leaving the possibility of membership support for a candidate who publicly supports vouchers and privatization, as well as other views on education that are in complete contrast to those of their organization.
In doing so, the teachers union ignored my background, knowledge and years of advocacy for education issues. They ignored my two years of legislative experience, my eight years of school board service and my decades-long association with local, state and national PTA and education-based organizations (including their own.)
They focused, instead, on a couple of votes they didn’t like. In talking to a Post-Bulletin reporter, a spokeswoman cited my vote on the statewide teachers health insurance pool as the deal-breaker. But many of my colleagues voted the same way I did on that issue, and they were endorsed. I think what’s really going on here is that Ed MN spent money (according to campaign finance reports) into my race in 2006, apparently thinking I would toe the line when their issues arose. Their independent expenditures (which I never requested and never knew were coming) did present me accurately as a forward-thinking candidate who was well versed in the field of education. I was happy to have their endorsement and support.
But those dollars bought advertising; they didn’t buy my representation. That belongs to my district - my moderate-to-conservative district - that I was elected to represent.
Let me say this: I think our local teachers are among the finest anywhere and I will do anything I possibly can, any time to support and help any of them. They have been incredibly supportive throughout my career in public office, including this year. If they have issues, my door is open 24/7.
Maybe I was naïve, but I think it’s a sad commentary on our system: That support comes with an assumption of indebtedness.
My support for my community isn't a chip to bargain with, and to that end I ceased to accept PAC funding in this election cycle. I welcome the endorsement from groups who believe I support their values and am honored and pleased to have a long list (see the endorsements tab) to share. I'm just very disappointed that the one that supports education is missing!As mentioned earlier, I've learned a great deal during my years of community service and one other thing I've learned is that when you are slapped in the face, it is often best to turn the other cheek. It is time to move on and deal with the important issues facing our community, our state and our nation.
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At the doors...
Posted Sep 30 at 1 PM
I've just crossed the 12,000th door mark in my almost daily effort to meet my constituents and I am still amazed by the reactions of people. I thought I'd share a little bit of my experience with this "grassroots" approach and the reactions I get.
I ran for office originally because I didn't feel my views were well represented at the capitol and I didn't feel my ideas, thoughts and opinions were welcomed when I tried to share them with my representative. It wasn't about whether he was a nice guy (he was a fine, upstanding citizen,) but I wanted to feel that I had a shot at convincing him to change his views based on input and this wasn't my experience. SO, if you're going to complain, be prepared to do something about it...right?
When I ran for office I committed to being accessible, open and communicative with my constituents. To that end I have a bi-weekly e-newsletter during session (less often in the interim), a monthly "Second Saturday" coffee in Rochester at Dunn Bros., distribute an annual survey and Year End Report, and am open to meeting with constituents both in St. Paul and in Rochester on an "as needed" basis per request. I also continued to door knock in my district with my Year End Reports and, now, as I campaign for re-election.
Of course it stands to reason that most people aren't sitting at home these days waiting for their elected officials to knock and say "hi". Most of us are working, volunteering, or chauffeuring children to one activity or another in the afternoons and evenings. (You may have found my door hanger when you've returned home.) I've certainly found my share of the "working at home" population and of course those fortunate retiree's at last enjoying their yards and time at home. I feel lucky when I find someone home every 3rd or 4th house in the early evening!
Most people are gracious and, whether they support me or not, take the information I offer with a smile. After all, we are "Minnesota Nice!" I am most appreciative of their response and I try not to take too much of anyone’s time - though am more than willing to discuss any issue, should they have one to share. Most people don't want to engage in discussion and I know it is often because I have caught them off guard and unprepared, but I try to leave a phone number or email for them to follow up later if they wish...and some do! Yes, there are people who don't know who or what their Representative is or does - but this gives me an opportunity to let them know and for them to put a face to the name or title. I think this is a good thing.Any candidate can keep you in stitches with entertaining doorknocking stories - people who answer the door in their underwear or a towel, those who yell "come in" only to find it isn't who they thought it was, all the dog, cat or bird "tales", cute kid stories... I actually had a volunteer out with me get bit by two dogs at one door this year (she's fine, thanks!)
What has surprised me the most is the aggressively negative responses I've had at the door. Not the norm, by the way, but when it happens it is a bit of a shock. Almost exclusively senior citizens, I've had the door slammed in my face or gotten yelled at less than a dozen times over the years. Not bad really, given the number of doors I've knocked on! But these ones stick with you. The comments are something like this: "No soliciting!", "I'd never vote for a %&$#* Democrat", "I don't get involved in politics, they're all crooks", “I don't need anyone coming to my door to tell me who to vote for" or simply a slam when they see your face.
I wonder how folks know whom to vote for these days if they don't want to meet their legislator or one of the candidates running for office? There are a number of debates, but attendance is shockingly low. Most candidates have websites, like this one, but I wonder if they aren't most visited by the opposition! For many years there has been no newspaper endorsement for the House races (changing this year!), negative campaign ads have turned people off and no one knows what to believe, campaign literature can come in such waves that one is overwhelmed and it's difficult to know which is put out by the candidate or what is true.
I keep asking myself...Why the rude response? I'm guessing much of the response is partisan in nature. But with party composition and focus changing over the years is it safe to assume that the letter behind the name on the ballot will give you enough information to make an informed choice? Or maybe it's easier to be angry if we don't know our representatives or haven't been given the chance to suggest changes and share our concerns.
I'll keep knocking because I'm committed to a government of the people, by the people and for the people. I may be knocking at your door tomorrow and I'll be genuinely happy to meet you - if you don't want to talk to me, that's just fine, but please don't slam the door in my face - I'm your neighbor!
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Balancing Life
Posted Sep 18 at 10 AM
There are times in our lives when we have to take a moment to put things in perspective, prioritize and refocus. The last couple of weeks have been some of those times for me.
Despite having a daily door knocking schedule, I put things on hold for a quick drive to Nebraska to spend some time with my grandmother during the last days of her very long and happy life. We all have special people in our lives and this remarkable woman (who outlived all of her children in her 103 years) made such an impact on my life, and the lives of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as demonstrated by a full room during those last days. It was a time of sadness and joy, remembrances and reflection.
Since my last blog in late August there has also been a lot of campaign activity. I'll give you a very brief overview of the highlights which include two public forums:
Late August brought the first of the many public and private forums/debates so common during an election cycle. The Minnesota Housing & Homelessness Coalition held a forum that was open to the public and, more recently, a forum hosted by the Transportation Alliance was held. My opponent was not present at these events, so it is difficult to give too much assessment or reflection. Additional forums are planned, with several open to the public or televised for greater outreach.
I attended the Rochester School District's "Back to School" event and it is still exciting to see the enthusiasm our great staff have for the first day of school. While there has been considerable change and some controversy in the past year or so, the excitement about greeting the new crop of students and helping them learn and grow still exists. It was fun to see so many old friends and meet the many new staff, as well.
There were several recent press conferences: One was coordinated by the Children's Defense Fund and Rep. Paul Thissen (Chair, Health Care Policy Committee) encouraging parents to make certain that their children are covered with health insurance and highlighting several options available through the state (private options are also available on the market); the other was concerning the stress that Counties are under to provide incarceration for short term offenders due to an unfunded state mandate as a result of the 2003 state budget cuts. They hope to have their needs met in the coming session.
Sept. 11th, along with being the anniversary of the tragic and life changing 9/11 attack, was a particularly busy day. It began with "Breakfast with the Governor" (sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce). As usual, the Governor spoke eloquently - although I had some particular disagreements with some of his statements about education. A last minute phone call at the end of the breakfast was a request to be a guest on MPR...in 15 minutes! I was able to find a "land line", with the help of the Chamber Director and the Kahler, and spent 30 minutes on the air discussing the recently passed Graduated Drivers License Bill and teen driving issues on MPR's Mid-Morning program! A quick dash across downtown and I was seated at the Post-Bulletin interviewing for possible endorsement. Next was the MN Utility Investors lunch where I had the pleasure of meeting the MN Commissioner of Commerce and heard information about future utility needs and growth (CapX2020.) Several of my constituents were in the room and it is fun to see familiar faces! I dropped in at the Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center to witness a full house at the citizen input and information session - a full report of the local and statewide input will be available soon. After a quick hour or so of door knocking, it was off to City Hall for a Light Rail update - press release and more information are due out on Sept. 24th. The day ended with a pleasant meeting about new work being done in the area of Youth Development through the U of M Extension Program. Thankfully, every day is not quite so busy!
Meetings with constituents and various groups continue throughout the fall, despite (or maybe because of) the election, and discussion about higher ed, business growth & development, health care, K-12 needs are ongoing. There was also a showing this past week of a video about disabilities and alternative licensing options success stories sponsored by Region 10. The work being done seems to be well received by the clients and their families, as well as a cost effective alternative to the "one size fits all" method of providing services. Expansion of the option has been slow, but those involved believe it will continue to grow as they share their successes.
My Second Saturday Coffee at Dunn Bros. was lightly attended this month and I hope that this will pick up now that fall is here...October 11th is the next opportunity!
Until then...or when I knock on your door- KN
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Weekly Wanderings
Posted Aug 25 at 4 PM
Last Monday began with the Klobuchar/Walz Health Care Forum at the University of Minnesota-Rochester. Panelists (which included Mayo's Dr. Cortese, former Sen. Durenberger, and representatives from several advocate groups) followed opening remarks by our members of Congress . Each participant shared their views and perspectives concerning health care reform. It was reassuring to hear that many of the recommendations were right in line with the Health Care Reform bill passed this past session in Minnesota! There is still plenty of work to be done, but we are on the right path and have taken a first big step in this state.
Following a quick lunch with the other area legislators in attendance was a briefing of the Rochester Public Schools 5 year plan and outcomes of the recent test scores by the Supt. of schools and one of his new administrators. Comprehensive information was shared and many questions were asked and answered.
On Tuesday I met with Rep. Kahn and Sen. Sheran to discuss the information we all learned at the recent WIG Higher Education Task Force meeting. With assistance from the Office of Women's Studies, we will be compiling data and other resource information in order to help us begin to draft legislation related to Prior Learning Assessments (PLA'a) for adult learners - college credit could be given to adults who can prove proficiency in areas that they may have worked or volunteered extensively that might align with their curricular needs. Limits and specifics will have to be carefully considered as this legislation is drafted. Additional research is also being done on the possiblity of legislation this session concerning education accounts that businesses might set up and match in an effort to encourage additional education for their workforce. Speaker Kelliher held a hearing last session on this issue and IBM's Valerie Pace shared IBM's experience with this option, as well. There is much work to be done in the area of Higher Education in order to enhance and prepare the workforce for our changing needs.
On Wednesday I attended the Best Value Seminar which was hosted by the Construction Partnership. It was well attended by industry folks including builders, architects and city/county/school district representatives. I found the concepts to be very interesting and will look forward to seeing if this method, used currently by U of M, can be utilized locally.
The Boy's and Girls Club put on a great spread at their 4th Annual Steak & Burger fundraiser luncheon held under a big tent pitched in their parking lot. Great fun was had by all - entertainment was provided by B & G kids, moving speeches and award presentations were also given. The event ended with Judy Weller finishing her 100K run at the finish line at the B & G club gates - a effort she does to raise money for this great community asset.
Thursday was a personal day as we dropped our youngest off to school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln...Go Big Red! We hightailed it back to Minnesota on Friday so that I could continue to knock on doors and speak to constituents. And the weather couldn't have been better for a full weekend of walking. As a matter of fact, I'm needing to meet my next volunteer in just a few minutes so I'll catch you later!
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Sharing More Thoughts
Posted Aug 17 at 10 PM
The week started early with the “Darn Fine Ladies” breakfast Monday morning. The topic was "How to Effectively Advocate for Your Issue at the State Capitol" presented by Stacy Ellefson, Senator Ann Lynch's legislative assistant (LA) in 2007. The attendees asked questions about which method is the best way to reach your legislator and, while the answer varies depending on your individual legislator, it was felt that a brief, original email was probably the most timely and effective method. Brief and concise correspondence is very much appreciated, as the daily volume can be considerable. Providing a current name, address and phone number for follow up is a good idea.
Side Note:
I choose to read my own email daily, although there may be a delay in response depending on the issue and/or time of the year. Some issues require research and outside contacts to be made in order to respond, others can be responded to very quickly. If session is in full swing it may be impossible to respond immediately due to long floor sessions or committee hearings, but know that your email has been read and your opinion considered. Letters or "snail mail" are most often opened by my LA (we get large deliveries twice per day) or an intern and then placed in a file for review when time permits. I find that they tend to be the least timely and effective if immediate action is desired. A legislative assistant generally takes phone calls during session as legislators seldom are sitting around their offices-except late at night. (If we are not in a committee hearing or floor session, we are meeting with constituents, lobbyists or colleagues on potential bills or upcoming legislation. ) While messages are forwarded, they may not get the attention or response that contacts in written format do. Personal visits are great, and very effective - but don't be hurt if your meeting is brief. Sometimes, during session, meetings need to be held in the hallway outside of a committee hearing or on a walk to the capitol prior to session - all are valuable! Visits can also occur right here in Rochester on weekends or during the interim and are welcomed.
This past week there were multiple meetings for possible campaign endorsements. This is one of the stressful and time consuming tasks associated with running for election. There is background research to be done, forms to fill out, and interviews to schedule and complete. I have sought to achieve a broad base of endorsement (no PAC funds) and my moderate voting record and positions, while appreciated by the constituents I talk to, have posed some challenges in this regard. Most organizations would prefer you to substantially agree with their agendas and viewpoints - it remains to be seen whether partial agreement will be enough for endorsement by some of these groups. It is my constituents I seek to represent first and foremost, so I'll just let the chips fall where they may.
Late in the week I drove to St. Paul to catch up on some research, read my mail and sign some letters my LA had been typing for me. I received word that the Radon Bill I authored (2007 Session) is finally ready to be published in the Building Energy Codes. Not to be cynical, but I'll believe it when I see it!
On Friday I attended the ribbon cutting for a new business opening in town - New Horizon's Day Care. The NW center is bright and cheerful and ready for business. My background in Human Development with focus on Early Childhood/Special Education, draws my interest in seeing these quality early childhood centers grow and succeed in providing a safe and loving environment, while also encouraging children to learn the personal and academic skills they need to be ready for Kindergarten. This new center seems poised to deliver on all accounts.
The week winds down with the opportunity to meet constituents where they live and enjoy some fabulous August weather to boot! -
Sharing Some Thoughts
Posted Aug 10 at 10 AM
Every week is busy and it is difficult to decide what might be of interest to someone stumbling upon a blog posting. I'm going to try to post some of the highlights of each prior weeks activities and reflections to give you a flavor of what I'm up to!
I had the absolute pleasure of attending a "Women In Government" (WIG) task force meeting concerning issues surrounding Higher Education last weekend. The two-day discussion centered on the topic of workforce issues and how to address them. While not ratified yet by the WIG board, the task force has recommended increasing focus on adult learners and the potential of employee/employer education accounts. Having served on the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee for the lasts two years, this information and subsequent recommendations will help provide future committee work. A planning meeting of the three MN legislators who attended the event is already scheduled for next week!
On Monday, I attended the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs meeting. The issues impacting all levels of government are raised and discussed at these meetings and I was able to share some of the information I learned at the WIG meeting, which dovetails nicely with the Chamber's Workforce 2020 initiatives. I also shared some of the particulars of Minnesota's Health Care Reform Bill (125 Plans) and their implication for businesses with the group.
On Tuesday, all of your area Legislators met with key Mayo Clinic staff to have a "State of the Clinic" update. It is especially important to learn about the impact of legislation on this very important economic driver in our community and state. Hospitals, in particular, have been negatively impacted over the past decade as state budgets have rolled out. We must be particularly watchful in the coming session in the Health Care Committee(s) of these impacts - a difficult task with the economic realities (another budget deficit) facing our state and country.
I met with a member of the school board to share some of what I am hearing about the schools and school district while out door knocking. The recent NCLB results, while predictable and expected, will likely compound concerns by the general public who are not very familiar with this underfunded federal mandate. I hope by keeping the lines of communication open with the school district, I might be able to support them more effectively at the capitol. I intend to meet with the Superintendent, as well.
A quick meeting with the director of NFIB -National Federation of Independent Businesses brought good news concerning my 2008 voting record. Watch for more news on that front in September!
This was the week for my Second Saturday morning coffee at Dunn Bros. - a monthly meeting with interested constituents - where dental access was the primary topic of conversation. There continues to be considerable concern over recent legislation meant to address access to dental care. Will the creation of a mid-level practitioner really solve the problem created by shockingly low reimbursements for charity and insured care? It was shared that it appears the state task force is more focused on which Higher Education institution will house the program rather than on whether the concept, as currently written, is safe, necessary or really targeted to address access issues.
The week closed out with a visit to the Minnesota State PTA Convention in St. Paul. As a former state president, it was great to see so many parent leaders willing to spend a beautiful weekend in August learning how to be strong, informed leaders for their schools. I also had a chance to visit with Jan Harp Domene, National PTA President, again after having stepped off the National PTA Board of Directors in June after many years of involvement. What a great organization of dedicated parents working tirelessly for kids - if you are not a member why not join?!
I'm still out everyday meeting with constituents - so be ready with questions or thoughts when I visit you!
