Editorial: Vickerman - tough shoes to fill

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In the Nov. 3, 2006, edition of the Daily Globe, an editorial appeared endorsing Jim Vickerman for a seventh term as District 22 State Senator. A look back at that editorial offers a good perspective on why Vickerman’s announced retirement is significant news for southwest Minnesota.

Vickerman has served as chair of numerous committees during his 24-year tenure in the Senate, affording him the opportunity to lead legislative efforts in a variety of areas. Perhaps most notably, he has been a vocal and effective advocate for veterans, and was instrumental in helping the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne get built while also pushing for such things as tax relief and other programs for vets.

Vickerman has long been a supporter of renewable energy, and he rightly noted the progress in that area in his Monday retirement announcement. He recalled creating jobs out of ethanol and wind were “little more than dreams” at the time of his 1986 election — clearly, things are much different today, and we don’t think it’s out of line saying Vickerman deserves at least a small amount of credit.

At a time where bitter partisanship is prevailing in St. Paul — not to mention Washington — Vickerman still has the respect of Republican colleagues, and has a history of working across party lines. Dist. 22B Rep. Rod Hamilton is merely one Republican who has consistently expressed respect and admiration for Vickerman and his service to his constituents.

While we believe it is the right time for Vickerman to step down — he is, after all, 78 — we also know it won’t be easy to replace him.

Tags: jim vickerman, opinion, editorial, minnesota, political, vickerman