Raising taxes is never popular, but neither are the dangerous curves and blind spots on Minnesota Highway 12 and other rural roads or the congestion you have to deal with once you reach the metropolitan area.  

It was in recognition of these deficiencies that the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and numerous other groups around the state, including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, urged legislators to override the governor’s veto of the transportation bill. This was a tough vote, especially for Republicans, and only a select few had the courage to look to the future of Minnesota’s infrastructure instead of taking an easy out by following the dictates of their caucus leaders.  

Sen. Steve Dille of Dassel was one of the Republicans who took the tough vote, and the 87 members of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, including Litchfield, Hutchinson and Cokato, and I commend him for his foresight and his courage.  

Nancy Larson, Dassel
Nancy Larson is senior legislative associate for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities