Norm Coleman came to Moorhead on Sept. 17 for the third time this year to meet and listen to representatives from education, agriculture, business and the city of Moorhead. It is interesting that other politicians who claim to represent all of Minnesota cannot find time to visit Moorhead once in four to six years to listen. Coleman has made the trip not just to Moorhead, but to Duluth and East Grand Forks as well, three times in 2002. What is more impressive is that he sat and listened, while making notes, for nearly an hour.
As mayor of St. Paul, Coleman got things done. He is a staunch environmentalist but found a way to work with business in a compromise. He cleaned up major pollution on the riverfront while working with business to create more jobs in the same area. He believes in the need for welfare, but as a means to achieve individual self-sufficiency, not as an ongoing handout.
He seems to have a real compassion for people, but a strong belief in individual responsibility. He understands the need for businesses to grow and expand, creating new job opportunities, but as a former prosecutor, has no time whatsoever for unethical or dishonest businessmen who taint the reputation of honest and ethical business people.
He is meeting with farmers to learn what is needed to help them succeed in rural Minnesota.
He has a passion for education as the most important element in developing young people with employable skills once their education is finished.
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He understands that politicians have beaten the prescription drug and Medicare drum for 12 years and have done absolutely nothing in Washington. It is time to get something done.
Coleman is middle of the road, common sense, and he has a proven track record of getting things done. Minnesota could use a politician like this for a change. It would be a welcome change of pace. Coleman would represent Minnesota well in the U.S. Senate.
Steve Scheel
Moorhead
