Editorial: Vickerman will be missed in St. Paul

Rod Hamilton may be a Republican and Jim Vickerman a Democrat, but Hamilton has always been open about his admiration for the longtime Tracy legislator who recently completed his final legislative session.

Hamilton, the District 22B representative from Mountain Lake who is seeking a fourth term in Minnesota’s House, was speaking Tuesday during a lunchtime meeting of a Worthington service organization. He told a brief story about how Vickerman approached him shortly before a Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast several weeks ago. Hamilton explained that Vickerman said fellow DFLers had asked him to blame Hamilton and District 22A Rep. Doug Magnus (also a Republican) for the failure to pass a certain bill. Vickerman told his DFL colleagues he wouldn’t do that, Hamilton added.

“Jim Vickerman is a class act,” Hamilton told the lunch gathering. “Jim Vickerman is my friend.”

There’s little doubt Vickerman made many friends, indeed, during his 24 years of service as District 22’s senator. Among other things, he was known as a tireless advocate for Minnesota’s veterans and current military members, as well as their families. One of his other pet causes was advocating four-lane expansion for Minnesota 60, which at long last appears to become a reality after a long period of neglect.

Vickerman was a familiar presence at many events throughout his district, with wife Wava often by his side. It is no coincidence that he was the recent recipient of the Walter and Joan Mondale Award for Outstanding Public Service from friends and colleagues at the Legislature, as they no doubt recognized his love for his district — and his state — that has been exhibited over so many years.

We hope that next District 22 senator, regardless of political affiliation, has the same type of passion and dedication.

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