The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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April 13, 2007

Chrysler, DM&E loans are not the same

A recent opinion piece titled “Walz to DM&E;: Drop Dead” is full of incorrect information regarding my favorite new congressman, Tim Walz. This is my response from the perspective of a southern Minnesota gal who grew up in Mankato.

While campaigning, Walz learned how to listen to voters. In doing so, it became clear that the people of the 1st Congressional District (not just Rochester) were appalled about approving a $2.3 billion loan to a railroad with the worst safety record in its class. Walz took a thoughtful approach to this issue; not coming out against DM&E; right away, but after serious consideration came to the conclusion that this “midnight deal” was not in the best interest of the residents of southern Minnesota.

The differences between the Chrysler loan and the secretive DM&E; loan are twofold: The Chrysler loan was debated on the floor of the U.S. Senate and was paid back; and DM&E; did not prove financially that it could pay the loan back in full to the taxpayers.

Not only did the Mayo Clinic oppose this project because of the legitimate risk to patient safety, the United Transportation Union (DM&E;’s own union) opposed this project because of their inability to run a safe and fiscally sound railroad. In addition, many citizens took action on this issue by holding “Backyard BBQ’s” to educate their neighbors about the dangers of this deal.

As Minnesotans, we ought to join people like Walz, Minnesota Taxpayer League President David Strom and former Vice President Walter Mondale by fighting to not allow outside greedy interests to divide us and our most precious assets.

Liz McLoone

St. Paul

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