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On the Issues
Minnesota is a great state with a healthy
list of strong attributes. Frankly, I can’t think of a place I
would rather live or raise my children. Still, there are issues
that must be addressed. We are not immune from the challenges
facing our entire nation, but we are in a unique position of
solving them if we plan wisely and act immediately. We can no
longer assess our progress against the Upper Midwest region or
even the United States. We must
build world class institutions and systems. We already have a
host of examples in excellence built by the previous
generations. Just a few of the examples of Minnesota excellence
would include the Mayo Clinic, 3M, Cargill and Best Buy, the
University of Minnesota, Guthrie Theatre and Walker
Art
Center, along with our tradition of progressive political
leaders. We should be very proud of what has been built by past
generations. Now it is our turn to develop the next generation
of excellence. Creating these systems will require fresh
perspectives, innovative ideas, long range planning and
commitment. It will take courage to let go of old ways and step
into new models of doing our business, running our government,
educating our citizenry and powering our lives. It will require
us to look beyond the next quarterly profit statement as we
shape the policies that will address these challenges and we
must begin today.
Economy -
Getting
people back to work is a top priority.
Education
- A world class education
system requires a 21st Century design.
Energy
- A
revolution is underway to create a clean energy economy.
Minnesota
is well positioned to be leader in the industry.
Health
Care - Healthcare
should be comprehensive, portable, universal and affordable. Our health
is not a commodity.
Public
Safety - There are many
faces to this core function of government.
Transportation
- Safety,
mobility, innovation and fiscal responsibility… Our economic health
and competiveness depends on a multi modal system that meets the needs
of business and citizens equally.
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