Letter: Entenza makes solid choice for running mate

I was pleased to read in your newspaper that Matt Entenza has chosen Robyne Robinson as his running mate. Before going further, it might be helpful to note that the position of Lieutenant Governor is mentioned only once in our state constitution and very little is said about the position’s duties. Generally, the lieutenant governor assists the governor in carrying out the functions of the executive branch, as assigned by the governor. Matt Entenza has said that in his administration Robinson will focus on issues of education, teen pregnancy and arts and culture; all issues that would benefit from a statewide spokesperson.

Robinson will be an effective spokesperson for the people of Minnesota. She has a wide range of professional and person experience that will help her reach out to citizens of all backgrounds, abilities and disabilities, on a wide range of topics. As a social worker serving persons with intellectual disabilities I will gladly cast a vote for a gubernatorial ticket that includes Robyne Robinson, the woman who helped found the Outsider Art Center, a Minnesota non-profit organization for disabled artists.

The people of Worthington who knew Matt as a young man know he will make a great governor because of his integrity, moral courage, knowledge and sharp, inquisitive mind. Robyne Robinson shares these attributes. News reports focused on Robyne’s work television news and in doing so missed the point of her candidacy. Robyne is an intelligent woman who is a board member of A Better Chance Foundation, a national nonprofit group that works with inner-city teens from around the country, and the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota. (Robinson was diagnosed with lupus more than 20 years ago.) She was a 1994-1995 Hubert H. Humphrey Public Policy Fellow at the University of Minnesota and worked on the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Violence. She was a one-time board member of the Walker Art Center and remains active in the arts community. Robyne is also a successful businesswoman.

Like Matt Entenza, Robyne Robinson succeeded through hard work and determination.  As the child of two educators, Robyne shares Matt’s humble beginnings. Matt Entenza and Robyne Robinson understand the concerns and needs of working families. Matt Entenza and Robyne Robinson are the leaders we need to get Minnesota back on the right track.

Tags: robyne robinson, opinion, letters, minnesota, entenza, political