Dear Neighbor,
Congratulations to the 10,000 or so people who made the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake a huge success Saturday.
It was a chilly day, but local charities will benefit greatly from the proceeds and we even appeared on the NBC Nightly News this Monday. You knew it was going to be a fun segment to watch when the reporter hit the air by saying, “When it comes to winter, Minnesotans pretty much think the rest of us are wimps.” Here is a link to the Beer, Brats and Fishing for the Biggest Catch feature that put a national spotlight on our area.
Things are picking up in St. Paul since we are now less than one month away from the start of the 2014 legislative session. I have been at the Capitol for committee meetings this week in preparation and look forward to starting in earnest on Feb. 25.
In the meantime, I highly encourage local citizens - regardless of party affiliation - to attend their local precinct caucus meetings 7 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 4). This is where you can have your voice heard and play a role in making decisions at the grass-roots level. Caucus attendees will elect precinct officers, discuss issues and ideas for the party to support, conduct a straw poll for governor, elect delegates for the political conventions and vote on other party business.
Caucus regulars are invited to bring friends and family ... the more the merrier. Also, this is a good way to introduce young people to the process as observers.
If you are not sure where your precinct caucus will take place, Minnesota Secretary of State’s office provides specific locations at this link.
Sincerely,
Mark