Alright, so if you follow Minnesota local politics then you know this by now. Yvonne Prettner Solon announced last week that she will not run with Governor Dayton as he tries to win a second term.
A little background; Mrs Solon is from Duluth and is a clinical psychologist by training. She was a state senator from Duluth and sat on Health and Human Services Conference Committee in 2010 when we first defeated the first bias autism policy with others help, such as Berglin, Lourey, Sheran, etc. (well, you know that story by now).
Anyway, I remember as this was my first time at MN State Capitol – Solon was one of the easiest to connect with. There is one sentence that she said to me as I begged her to vote fairly (I will vote no because there is not a thoughtful process behind this). I think I had one of those Oprah’s – Aha moments. Yes, it was not thoughtful, it was not inclusive and it was unfair and bias because it only wanted to help the haves while it left the have-nots. How cruel.
I was so impressed by then Senator Prettner Solon then when she announced she would join Dayton, I thought to myself – there is another good one now going to be diluted. Personally, I would have wished Prev MN House Speaker Margaret Kelliher (the first house rep to write letters for our cause who was such a sweet and focused person) won instead of Dayton. Needless to say, Gov Dayton won and here we are with no autism research and nothing done for autism in minority communities under his health department.
Now, Prettner Solon said what we were probably all thinking that her and Dayton did not talk or connect much and he did not ask her to leave or stay. How rude Gov Dayton – really? I thought a gentleman always said stay.
I for one am glad Prettner Solon made the decision to leave because I think she is so much better and much more thoughtful than Dayton. What you see is what you get with her. She can analyze an issue and come up with a fair and just answer. It is too bad that Dayton did not see what so many other Minnesotans saw. I wish her well and hope she runs herself for top of the ticket one day soon.
So what happens now, and who will run with Gov Dayton? There are three names that mainstream media likes to inject us with. Tony Sertich – my opinion not good, besides don’t we already have one iron range leader – Bakk. Then there is Sen Katie Sieben – not experienced enough yet. And, Tina Smith – oh god, heartless hammer who will bury all kids with autism alive. If you don’t know Tina Smith, you are lucky. She was the Chief of Staff for Prev Mpls Mayor RT and was called Velvet Hammer in Mpls City Hall. I like to call her heartless hammer at MN State Capitol because she rules that office with an iron fist that make Assad and Putin like toddlers. I kid you not. Smith has created Mpls to be the city with the highest Black unemployment rate, worst achievement gap between Black and White students and if she runs with Gov Dayton things can only get worse in Minn.
Now, here is a thought – why not add the ticket a MINORITY PERSON. If these MN DFLr’s are sooooo progressive, sooooo moving forward, sooooo welcoming and yada yada – then why don’t they ask even Asst Majority Leader Whip Hayden to run as Lt Gov with Dayton? Better yet – how about Commissioner MN Dept of Human Rights Kevin Lindsey. If you met Mr. Lindsey then you know he is well qualified. Mr. Lindsey is reasonable, kind, smart, articulate, experienced, well liked, oh and a minority person. When you meet with Mr. Lindsey, be sure to bring a tape recorder because he will say so many things that you never thought of that are simply genius. Of course, there are plenty of other minority highly qualified Minnesotans. (Korbel, Edward McDonald, Cassellius, Bruggeman, Champion, etc) The goal should be the governors office and leadership to reflect Minnesota faces. It is TIME to be fair, diverse and inclusive at Minnesota Governor’s office with action and not just more words.
Isn’t time for Minority MN Lt Governor Yet? Women had their chances. This is the time and the moment for a Minority person to be on the ticket. I read somewhere it has always been a tradition for a woman to be 2nd on the MN Gov ticket. Well, maybe it is time for a new tradition which is a Minority. If Gov Dayton who went to MLK celebration this year because it is election year and said equality blah blah really meant that then he should walk his talk & ask Lindsey to run with him.
In other words, if minorities are good enough to vote for you Gov Dayton – then they must be good enough to stand by your side as your Lt Governor of Minnesota. You can’t just need their votes, you must also need their talent, advice and leadership. Make a bold and leadership move and pick fairly and make history Gov Dayton – Pick Kevin Lindsey to be your running mate in 2014. If you do, I might like you (ok a little) and might even campaign for you. Well – if you also add autism research to your real agenda not your talking points.
Thanks!
As usual, above words are my opinion and do not reflect any committee or agency.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate