Check out the public record

Published 11:01am Friday, June 17, 2011
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Your criticism of Sen. Gretchen Hoffman, and your demands that she act as you wish are just a touch too extreme to escape comment. If you examine the records of the proceedings of the ethics committee which heard the complaint against her, you wonder what was all the fuss?

Gretchen Hoffman, a registered nurse for more than 28 years was appalled at a demeaning and rambling lecture by one of the DFL’s Senators. Hofffman, who had spent years assisting patients in mental health settings felt Goodwin’s remarks labored too long and with too heavy handed a dose of sarcasm when referring to some of Hoffman’s former patients. Hoffman tweeted a message about the content of Senator Goodwin’s speech, and all manner of commotion broke loose.

Hoffman, a freshman senator (as you note) was unaware that in the Senate Book of Rules for Members was an archaic rule which said that if you are a senator in a committee hearing and another senator says something which offends you, you must either object openly, or wait to discusss the matter privately with the other party before you may offer any comments critical of the other.

Now, how many times can we all recall that politicians criticize each other, and are not called to account for it?

Many, no doubt, for that is part of the process, to point out differences between opposing parties. Hoffman made to apologize to Goodwin for criticizing her without informing her beforehand, but the DFL decided to make an issue of the matter, and charges were filed not by Goodwin but by a member of the DFL Senate leadership designated to roil the waters between the parties.

The ethics committee decided not so much on the accuracy of Hoffman’s comments, but on her failure to observe the Book of Rules for the Old Boys Club, and put her in her place as a freshman.

I am personally offended that such petty judgements are made against Hoffman for acting as every elected official does, that is, in defense of her constituency who were the patients whom she served as a nurse.

Now, all that I have written here is information readily accessible by The Daily Journal, but which you chose to ignore, or suppress, in favor of a partisan attack against Hoffman. One wonders why?

Jerome Mullins

Fergus Falls

SummerFest was

a community success

We’d like to take the time to thank the Fergus Falls community for helping make Fergus Falls SummerFest 2011 a success. From food vendors, crafters and merchants, performing artists and non-profit groups, the whole community was involved over the weekend. We’d like to thank the Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and Make Difference groups for volunteering their time. The board needs groups like these to give their time in order for things to run smoothly.

A festival like this cannot happen without support from the entire community. All the funds to run this event come from local businesses willing to sponsor SummerFest. The board is comprised of community members who represent their business. This year’s board was represented by Erik Johnson, Applebee’s; Tim Brinkman, Otter Tail Tel Com; Mike Thorson, Cornerstone Countertops; Leanne Meis, The Flower Mill; Jeff Legge, Otter Tail Power; Steve Gundersen, Thrivant Financial for Lutherans; Allyson Norgren, American Federal Bank; Julie Gray, Midwest Insurance; and Margo Denbrook, Lake Region Healthcare.

It has truly been a pleasure to work with them to organize, recruit and coordinate the events that took place this year. We are encouraged by the new events and growth this year and look forward to what next year will bring.

Finally, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and assistance of the staff at the City of Fergus Falls, the Fergus Falls Police Department and the Park and Recreation departments.

If you have questions or would like to get involved with SummerFest 2012, please contact us at ffsummerfest@yahoo.com. Community business sponsors are listed on our website at www.fergusfallssummerfest.com. Make sure to “Like” us on Facebook for year round updates. Search SummerFest – Fergus Falls. We can’t wait to see you in 2012.

Fergus Falls SummerFest 2011 Co-Chairs,

Chris Fritz, Walgreens

Becky Boy

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