Almanac: At the Capitol

Yes, that's Rep. Tom Rukavina jumping on the lap of DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. They were on Almanac: At the Capitol this week to debate a new state park on Lake Vermilion. And debate they did--finally! Frankly those of us who host, book, produce and watch local TV shows about politics have been a bit frustrated that politicians have decided to act too nice. They fight on the floor. They squabble in committee. They toss barbs in press conferences. Then when we put them on live television they decide to behave. Now there's nothing wrong with politicians behaving, but when they lack emotion and fail to engage each other in debate, they can fail to engage the voter.

Holsten and Rukavina gave us the best debate of the year on our show. It was clear from Holsten's comments that Vermilion is important to the governor, very important. It will no doubt be a bargaining chip in end-of-session negotiations. Perhaps swap Central Corridor for Vermilion? Rukavina has always been one of the best debaters in the legislature. His give and take with former Representative Pawlenty was legendary. Holsten being a former House member himself added to the fun and playfulness that made the show a blast.

Also, it was a treat to have former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger unveil his lifetime achievement award from the Parks and Trails Council. I always say there's nothing more endearing and honest than a former politician and Durenberger is truly a statesman. He gave a terrific interview, commenting that the annual or perennial sessions are a set back from the old days when he thought lawmakers accomplished as much meeting only every other year.

Most realistically perhaps, I believe the Hippocratic Oath applies to the upcoming session: First — do no harm.

• No shutdowns.
• Not more than 50% of session time should be spent on issues that less than 5% of Minnesotans think is their top priority.
• Don't bankrupt our kids with policy "solutions" in health care and education.

Optimistically, I think we're in a great position. The 2020 Conference's recent proposal on long-term care is a good start for better politics and better policy. I think politicians know that the public expects real progress on issues they care about.

What I'd like to see accomplished this year also relates to the Hippocratic Oath. If we do ONE thing, let's make headway on health care: Address access, long-term costs, and quality — and move towards a system that is based more on prevention and the role that all citizens have in "producing" their own health and wellness. (Everyone should read Dave Durenberger's blogs and updates from his role at the National Institute of Health Policy.) Access that doesn't address long-term costs will bankrupt us. Access without improving quality will bankrupt AND kill us.