“There’s battle lines being drawn. Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.”
What a timeless line from the 1960s classic song by Stephen Stills. Thomas Paine, in 1776, stated, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” The drama and intrigue at the Capitol this session have been unprecedented – truly historic. I have witnessed firsthand that my fellow legislators are exhausted mentally, physically and spiritually. I have seen tempers flaring on both sides of the aisle due to politics in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. At times, I have taken pause, not proud of some of the behavior I have witnessed. Many legislators are worn out and wearied.
But know this: We will continue working tirelessly to do the people’s business and make Minnesota the best state in the nation to live, work, get an education and, of course, play. Please believe me when I say that my two House mates, Rep. (Carlie) Kotyza-Witthuhn and Rep. (Alex) Falconer, are working hard and want to be at the Capitol alongside me to get our policy, budget, and bonding bills ready to send to the governor’s desk.
I would like to remind us all, legislators and constituents: No matter what side of the fence you reside, keep an open mind, listen to the other side, and by all means be civil.
The framers of our republic gave the world something to cherish. It has been a model for the world, based on thousands of years of political philosophy and political practice. Over the last 236 years, that document has been tested repeatedly. The U.S. and our state constitutions have been bruised and battered and beaten – but never broken. Think about our darkest days, the warts in our storied past. We will get through this. “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Our best days, Minnesota, are ahead of us, not behind us.
State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, Eden Prairie
Editor’s note: Steve Cwodzinski is the DFL state senator for Senate District 49, which includes Eden Prairie. Originally elected in 2016, he is serving his third term through January 2027. State Reps. Alex Falconer and Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, both DFLers, represent Districts 49A and 49B, respectively. District 49A includes seven precincts in northern Eden Prairie, while District 49B includes southern Eden Prairie. Both were elected to their current terms in November 2024.
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