Nobody is irreplaceable

Meeker Co Board 2010. Back: Jim Swenson, Wally Strand, Dave Gabrielson. Front: Ron Kutzke, Amy Wilde

Gotta admit that I'm pleased with most of the results of the 2012 elections.

Mitt Romney was not really on the Republicans' "A-team" (neither were the other major contenders--I mean, really--Michelle Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum and Donald Trump?) Romney's recent comments to his moneyed supporters clearly demonstrate that this candidate had little understanding or empathy for the way ordinary people live from day to day. His simplistic assumption that the Red States are the "makers" and the Blue States are the "takers" is a deluded fantasy not in touch with data on which states actually absorb more federal largess. He also attributes only to poor people the less-than-stellar motivation that supporting a particular political party will be better for your financial health. Another head-banger was Romney's suggestion that unemployed youth simply borrow money from their parents and start a business if they cannot find a job. (I and many other parents have no resources to "stake" our children! Fortunately, all four of mine found jobs.)

Candidate Nancy Larson in the Dassel parade.

In Minnesota, a 2010 rout of lawmakers perceived to be either liberal or too moderate (I was one of many defeated that year) was reversed, for the most part, in the Minnesota legislature. Seven of the ousted DFLers, plus some new recruits, are now among the renewed Dem majority in both houses. Yes, I supported an energetic 70-year-old in her failed pursuit of a House seat, but neither of us were surprised (or even disappointed) that our moderate Republican legislator will return to the state legislature in this conservative region. (He mainly needed a little pressure from the center instead of the far right this time around, we thought.)

Losing state candidates Schiroo, Campa and Larson with winning U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar at campaign stop in Stewart.

Congress? Well, more of the same ahead except that this time around, perhaps the President won't be so focused on his own re-election that he cannot reject the failed "trickle-down economics" schemes of his predecessor. At least we have one less war (and hopefully soon two less) to finance. Among Minnesota's delegation, Sen. Amy Klobuchar clobbered her far-right opponent, Kurt Bills, and I am fine with all but one of our state's congressional outcomes.

On the Dassel City Council, two micro-managers and a councilor with spotty attendance were replaced by a pair of smart, sharp female councilors and a seasoned local leader for mayor. All three have long histories of volunteer service to their community which demonstrate that they really care about their home town.

The Meeker County Board, on which I served for 14 years, experienced a complete turnover. Buyer's remorse may have contributed to the defeat (after only two years' service) of the not-too-bright ultra conservative who took me out in 2010. But the real culprit was redistricting: for the most part, the challengers were better located within their respective new districts than the incumbents. Three of the incumbents were also considerably older than the challengers and thus perceived as "good ol' boys" by constituents (many of whom were new to the incumbents due to redistricting) desiring a change. And, quite frankly, a couple of the incumbents had made strategic mistakes or failed to get to know their new constituents.

In the fifth district, a long-time incumbent who was in poor health chose not to run again. He was replaced by a sharp and popular retired community banker.

Minnesota Library Trustees & Advocates officers, 2012:
 Judy Schotzko, Amy Wilde, Lenore Johnson

In looking back at the county board race, I was surprised by only one outcome. The others had been anticipated. Why? Because, like it or not, none of us is irreplaceable. In nature, eventually the young bucks defeat the old bucks. Yet life goes on--indeed, replacing old blood with new is part of the process.

Sure, it felt good when one of the reporters who covered our meetings told me that I "was the best commissioner ever" in his many years of covering the county board. It was flattering to read, in the many cards and emails I received two years ago, that I would be greatly missed. I also have not minded the many, many telephone calls and emails I continue to receive seeking advice or informing me of some new happening on my old board. Two weeks ago I received yet another request to serve on an advisory committee--and I did not turn this one down--although I have cut back on participation in a few other groups. It is a privilege to still be of service to my community. This fall I was even reinstated as vice chair of the Minnesota Library Trustees & Advocates group, even as I am wrapping up my final year as chair of our regional library system.  This old gray mare may not be what she used to be, but she's not done yet.

A few weeks ago, a couple of my old opponents rudely messaged that they want me to "just go away." (When one has been in public service,  expect a few people to be downright cruel.) They apparently don't like the fact that I'm still active in community affairs and blogging. But I don't regard my lifetime 80% win-loss ratio as a failure. I refuse to regard myself as a loser. Doing the "necessary thing" is not always popular. Indeed, I have found a unique "fellowship of suffering" with my best friend in enduring unwarranted persecution. (My friend knows that--unlike Him--I've been justifiably punished in the past for NOT doing the right thing.) Someday those cruel detractors will stand before a greater power than any of us and either have repented and been forgiven, as I have, or suffer real defeat.

I look at other public servants who have retired--either voluntarily or involuntarily--and see that many have gone on to pursue other interests, other challenges--and a few of them, even other offices. A few become discouraged, but most continue to be involved.

A Bible reading this week brought me to Ezekiel 37--the Valley of the Dry Bones. (I remember my silver-haired daddy singing in his imperfect bass voice: "The head bone's connected to the neck bone, the neck bone's connected to the shoulder bone, the shoulder bone's connected to the arm bone…now hear the word of the Lord!") Is it possible, when others consider you dead and useless and that your life is over, that God has something more for you? Of course it is!

Although I rejoice with my colleagues who won their elections last week, and I pray for the future well-being of our state, county and nation, I also stand with those colleagues who suffered defeat. I feel their discouragement and disappointment. Especially to an incumbent, losing an election is akin to experiencing a death in the family. But I am not ashamed of their humiliation--because I know God has something more for them in the future, as He has for me. They just can't see it yet. Those dry bones will rise again. Have faith.