To the Citizens of Senate District 45:

Our Minnesota State Senate District is in the heart of the Robbinsdale School District, ISD 281. The upcoming referendum which increases funding for the school district by increasing taxes is a complex issue and has passionate folks on both sides of the issue. I appreciate the passion and I think that a civil debate on the issue is good for our community in so many ways. And, our Republican group and its members are examining the issues in many public and private forums.

We want to be informed, and we want information to be available to those who consider themselves Republicans (and anyone else who seeks it). We are for an informed electorate and we are for open, civil debate. We are in favor of working through the American system that we all call democracy. We are for private citizens of all political persuasions working to advance their convictions in the public arena in a decent and lawful manner. The referendum issue allows many venues of expression and this is a good thing. Public involvement and debate is a good thing for our community when done with character and civility.

If you see a mean and vicious dog, this does not mean that all dogs are mean and vicious. It is the same way for individuals on both sides of the political aisle. Not all Republicans believe and act the same way, and it is similar for Democrats. Most Republicans stand together in opposition to higher taxes and we are for higher efficiency in government. However, on this complex and multifaceted referendum issue, things are not necessarily clearcut to many. On our local Senate District 45 Executive Committee for instance, we have some that are clearly against the referendum, some that are for it, and we have a number that are yet undecided as to how they will vote in November on the referendum.

As I have said, Republicans in general are for lower taxes and more efficient public endeavors. However, I think most Republicans would also say that we have to support and maintain our public infrastructures. The public school system is a vital part of that infrastructure. So, while no one on either side of this issue is against children or against education, we do disagree on how much funding for the school district is enough or too much. We do disagree on whether the school district has been a good steward of public resources. This is often sincere, honest, and heartfelt disagreement from both sides. However, because of the complex nature of the issue, it would be unreasonable to take one's vote on this issue as a defining vote, or litmus test for Republicanism. It is not.

So, this is the official stance of area Republicans: We have taken no stance on the referendum. Not because we lack the courage or integrity to do so, but because this is not an issue that we can say is clearly Republican. While there may be loud barkings on both sides of the issue (and some of that barking may come from those calling themselves Republicans), I can assure you that they do not speak for the Senate District 45 Republican organization. They absolutely speak for and represent themselves on the referendum issue.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy the debate on this topic. And, be sure to exercise your voting privileges in November on this important community issue.

Ray Narveson, Chair
Senate District 45 Republicans
Serving you in Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale,
and parts of Golden Valley and Plymouth