by Bridget Cusick

A couple weeks ago, Matt Entenza put out the call for input on his lieutenant governor pick. We got some incredible feedback! One person even suggested himself for the job (and why not?!).

Here are some of the other things we heard:

• "Someone with a small business background (would complement your strengths in education and other areas)."
  
• "Someone who can speak to health and human services issues at a ‘human life' level."
• "I want a gubernatorial candidate who runs as a Democrat, isn't ashamed to say he's a Democrat, and believes Democrats can win... We need the governor's mansion back before Minnesota turns into a state of those of us who [used to] rejoice in all the ‘top 5' and ‘top 3' and ‘top 10' lists (schools, GPAs, college attendance, health care) ... everything that has badly eroded in the past 8 years."
• "I would urge you to consider someone from a rural, agricultural background... [M]any think that the Metro has forgotten us on numerous issues, big and small... We have to win this one, or turn into a frozen Mississippi."
  
• "A lot depends on what you are going to give them as job duties."
  
• "Someone with good ethics, integrity, and common sense."
• "Someone with less self interest and more other interest... Someone actually had real experience running a business large or small. Someone actually worked in corporate environment before running their own business. Someone who can't be bribed or corrupted. Someone who's willing to stand up for the good of all, not the good of one. Someone who is willing to rock the boat but gently enough not to capsize it."
• "I believe the Lt Governor should have the same qualities as governor - leadership with a record of accomplishment."

Finally, here's a note from someone who really knows what's hanging in the balance in this election:

"I have spent 30 years owning and running a small business in a small town in Southern Minnesota. I am a CPA by license and ran a successful CPA firm for 25 years which I sold 5 years ago. My business now is focused on early stage renewable energy consulting. I also have a national certification in Economic Development...

"[P]rior to this Governor it was much easier to attract business and investment to Minnesota because we had strong schools so a well educated and motivated work force. We had great infrastructure so goods and services could be easily moved are accessed. We have gone from a surplus to a deficit. Our schools are so beat up and teaching to test results and not educating the students to move on to further education. The infrastructure is a disaster has not been kept in good repair and expanded. It has now become very difficult to attract businesses to the state. I know he keeps preaching that lower taxes attract businesses. I think that is one factor but a small factor. Most businesses I talk to want strong educated employees that are motivated and want to work. That is why they are going overseas because other countries are educating their population and motivating them and preparing them to be productive employees."

It's time to face our challenges and create opportunities for every Minnesotan to succeed. It's time to make Minnesota great again!