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Bennett




Dear Friends,

 

I am sure by now you are all aware of the tragic attacks upon targeted state lawmakers last weekend. What happened was horrendous. I am grateful that the suspect was captured. However, that will never bring back the lives lost, nor the trauma that has resulted for family, friends, fellow legislators, and the people of Minnesota. 

 

Political violence is never acceptable and I call it out for what it is: abhorrent. It is not only an attack upon fellow human beings, but on the very system of government that we all value and uphold. Our political differences should be expressed and solved through robust debate and thoughtful discourse. Never through violence.

 

*REMEMBERING A RESPECTED COLLEAGUE*

I worked with Rep. Melissa Hortman for 11 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. During that time she served as a leader in her caucus, Speaker of the House, and now Speaker Emerita. I am absolutely heartbroken at her loss through this tragic and heinous attack, along with her husband Mark. Melissa Hortman was a strong woman with a sharp intellect and witty sense of humor. Although I often disagreed with her on policy, I respected her greatly as a fair, principled, and honorable legislator. She stuck to her word. These honorable qualities she exhibited are an example for all leaders in our state and something I seek to emulate in my own life. I will miss her presence greatly at the Capitol.

 

My prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Hortman family and all those impacted. I do not personally know Senator Hoffman, but it is my understanding that he is a solid legislator and respectable person. I continue to uphold the senator and his wife Yvette in prayer as they recover from their serious injuries.

 

*A SINCERE THANK YOU TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS*

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Minnesota (and federal) law enforcement personnel at all levels for their professional, expert, and swift job in tracking down and capturing the suspect in the horrendous shootings of Minnesota law makers that took place just a few days ago. I know there were many different agencies and departments involved, and their hard work and sacrifice are well noted. I would like to say a special thank you to the Albert Lea Police Department and share with you how touched and impressed I was with their dedication and competence.

 

Saturday night I went to bed close to midnight. About five minutes later, my big Shiloh Shepherd gave an alert bark and went out into my living room. With my lights off, I went to look out my front window and saw a vehicle parked directly across the street from my house. It was running and I could see that someone was inside, but I could not immediately identify any details of the vehicle because it was such a dark and rainy night. 

 

Of course, I wondered who it was and stayed to watch. After several minutes I could finally faintly make out the lettering on the side of the vehicle: POLICE. The ALPD was making sure I was safe. The next morning when I awoke and opened my bedroom blinds, the first thing I saw was an ALPD vehicle parked on the side street right by my home. I know they ran extra patrols by my house over the weekend as well. What a comfort it was to know that these competent men and women have my back!

 

I am also grateful to the many people from our community who reached out to me after that tragic event in the cities and ask me if I was okay and safe. I did not have fear in this situation, and I will never allow fear dictate my life. However, knowing that my community and our local law-enforcement are looking out for me and have my best interest in mind was such a blessing and touched me deeply. I will never forget that. Thank you to Albert Lea Public Safety Director JD Carlson, all of the ALPD officers, and to my community for your care and support!

 

Peggy






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