Letter to the Editor - June 26, 2011

The Norman County Fair wound down on Saturday, Jun 25, and at 5:00 pm I drew the names of those who won the quilts given away at the Norman County Republicans’ booth. A total of 85 people (59 from Norman County and 26 from outside Norman County) completed the entry forms and were eligible for the drawings. Rather than drawing the names myself, I asked people walking by or at other booths to draw the names for me.

The winners are: Beverly Walsberg from Borup for the red, white and blue quilt; Ben Fall from Twin Valley for the green and pink quilt; and Kristi Strom from Fargo for the child’s quilt.

The completed drawing entry forms included four questions, and I have compiled the results of that opinion poll. Please note that not all people answered all questions, so the percentages will not total 100-percent.

Question 1. Which do you believe is the best approach to create jobs and grow our economy? 12-percent said “Government subsidy”; 52-percent said “Lower taxes on businesses”; 9-percent said “Government stimulus”; 18-percent said “De-regulation.”

Question 2. What should government’s (Federal or State) response be towards solving budget shortfalls? 1-percent said “Government should borrow”; 6-percent said “Raise taxes of any kind or on any income level”; 91-percent said “Reduce spending.”

Question 3. Would you be in favor of or against legislation that would require voters to show their State or Federal ID to vote in elections? 80-percent said they would be in favor of showing ID and 14-percent said they would be against showing ID.

Question 4. To which Party do you generally think of yourself as being closer? 20-percent said “Democrat”; 39-percent said “Republican”; 21-percent said they “Vote based on the person”; 12-percent said they were “Independents”; and 8-percent said “Other”.

The thing that was most interesting to me was that both Democrats and Republicans seemed to agree on two issues: 91-percent said that government needs to reduce spending and 80-percent said that voters should be required to show a State or Federal ID when voting.

Thanks to everyone who stopped to register for the drawing. See you at the fair next year!

2011 Norman County Republican Convention

The Norman County Basic Political Organization Unit (BPOU) of the Minnesota Republican Party held their 2011 Convention in Ada, MN on February 26, 2011. The convention was held in the meeting room of the Law Endorcement Center annex to the Norman County courthouse at 1:30 pm.

Chairman Arlen Sillerud opened the meeting with brief remarks and the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Dave Ingraham gave the invocation.

The featured speaker was Juanita Rasmussen, Norman County Crime Victim Advocate, who presented "The Future of Our Children in Norman County." Rasmussen told the delegates and alternate delegates present about bullying in our schools and programs that make everyone of aware of what bullying is and how to combat it. The other topic of discussion was prescription drug abuse, which is now the number one "drug of choice." Rasmussen urged everyone to talk to their lawmakers about support of drug center programs, mental health options for youth and the need to keep school counselors. When making cuts, the legislators should keep the "bigger picture" in mind.

Craig Bishop, Chairman of MN Congressional District 7 of the Republican Party, addressed the group and offered any help he could provide the our BPOU. He also asked for everyone's vote during upcoming elections on March 19

The convention voted to dispense with the reading of the convention call, as well as the 2010 convention minutes.

Marijo Vik, delegate from Hegne township, was elected as temporary chair. The current secretary, Myron Moteberg, was elected as temporary secretary. The chair appointed Arlen Sillerud as Parliamentarian, as well as Duane Hoven and Nathan Redland as Tellers.

For the Credential Report, Sillerud declared that a quorum was present.

Treasurer Hoven reported on the BPOU finances, with a current balance in checking of $537.18.

Election of Officers followed with Marijo Vik selected as Chair, Nathan Redland as Vice-Chair and Duane Hoven as Treasurer. No Secretary was selected but the Executive Board was given the task of appointing a Secretary.

Marijo Vik was elected as State Central Delegate with Richard Hamre chosen as Alternate Delegate.

Upcoming conventions include the 7th Distriction Convention schedule for March 18 and 19, 2011 in Redwood Falls, MN and the State Central Convention scheduled for April 19, 2011 (site to be announced.)

The BPOU wishes to thank Arlen Sillerud and Myron Moteberg for their years of service, hard work and support of the MN Republicans and wish them well.

Thanks also to the new officers, delegates and alternates for your continued support.