What do Gov Dayton, Sen Bakk and Paris Hilton have in common?

Ain’t that a good question? Short answer; You have to be their BFF to see them, for them to address your concerns or have fair and objective policies.

Why such harsh comparison. Well, let’s explain.

Gov Dayton who won less than several thousand votes in Minnesota in 2010 preached so many sugar coded words that almost gave you a cavity. He said he will reach-out to communities of color, to the under-served constituents, pass fair and equal policies – the list is long, but you get the hint.

Take a read what he said to each minority community when he was a candidate at Project Vote Smart: Below were Candidate Dayton’s empty promises.

Mark’s Pledge to the Somali Community:

Mark will work with Minnesota’s Congressional delegation to speed up the family reunion process, helping families splintered by war and the refugee crisis to reunite.

Mark will work with the Congressional delegation to ensure that Green Card and Citizenship applications are processed quickly and fairly.

Mark knows that Somali Minnesotans are struggling to find good-paying jobs in this tough economy. He will stand up for economic justice and work to ensure that Somalis have access to state job-training initiatives.

Mark is alarmed by the Minnesota Department of Health’s findings that autism is seven times more prevalent in the Somali community than in other communities. As Governor, he will charge the Department to work with the Somali community, public health experts, and researchers to find the reasons for that disparity and how to overcome it.

In fact, Gov Dayton’s administration has refused to continue the work started by Gov Pawlenty’s health department, they have refused to do anything with significant research for autism in our community. Their reason – they are not qualified or they don’t like us. I kid you not. They are the health dept for the whole state in charge of everyone’s health, especially children. They are qualified, they just don’t want to because we are not their BFF. That is their reason and we need to vote smarter, if we want our concerns to be addressed by our state government. 

I know many promises and so little deliveries. Why – you ask. 

Let’s explain. 

First, hiring a heartless hammer for a gate keeper – Smith probably damped equality and reasonable. 

2nd, only talking and addressing his BFF or friends concerns took away credibility for a governor who should govern everyone in the state irrespective of their political belief, color, personality, location. And, I added location because North Mpls was hit by a tornado years ago has not fully been helped. I have no doubt if those residents were not minorities or low income, the result would have been different. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.

3rd, having one African American in his two dozen cabinets seals the deal of I will be your governor that uplifts your concerns. Remember when Gov Dayton visited North Mpls and everyone partied like it was 1999 to only be dropped so fast because he never came back nor were any of those residents issues really addressed. See that here: It turns out statistics for North Mpls is the same or worse under Gov Dayton’s leadership who got 90% of their vote. 

Then there is Sen Bakk, – the hometown – low key and down to earth senator during campaigns then after election grew some heart cutting teeth. Remember when Sen Bakk said if I get 10 constituents complain about a specific issue, that is a red flag. Well – need I say more, clearly there are more than 10 Somali autism parents and their issues dropped faster NY minute. Even the Vikings deal which was sold as a job creator for minority contractors – not going so hot anymore. 

In Sum, unless you are their BFF – you can forget their government representing you. It’s often said elections have consequences and voting for Gov Dayton and Sen Bakk again by the minority communities they have neglected while they were in power is stupid and our fault if we do it again. 

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me every election cycle, shame on us. Vote Wisely!

Thanks!

Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate