Letter: Walz's record misrepresented in letter

I am responding to Leroy Vetsch’s recent letter filled with misleading statements. I would like to correct Mr. Vetsch on Tim’s record.

First, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act prevented mass layoffs of our teachers and created private sector jobs. In October 2008, there was mass hysteria that a Great Depression was upon us. Do you really think doing nothing was the answer?

Second, the Hate Crimes Bill thwarts discrimination and cuts wasteful government spending. It’s good legislation unless you have hate in your heart for those different from you or you support wasteful government spending.

Third, Tim voted against the Wall Street and auto bailouts because he knew they were a bad deal for taxpayers. Let me make this clear: he voted with Main Street and against Wall Street.

Fourth, the health care bill cuts $500 billion dollars of fraud, waste, and abuse from the Medicare system. Tim worked tirelessly with the Mayo Clinic to move the system toward a value-based approach and away from the pay-for-tests status quo. Mayo Clinic, a world-renowned medical facility, called it a good first step.

Finally, Tim voted to prevent shadowy outside groups from dumping money into elections. Right now, because Senate Republicans torpedoed the bill, these groups can spend unlimited money to influence our elections. This money comes from Wall Street banks hoping to eliminate new rules and foreign corporations set on undermining the citizen’s vote in favor of their own greedy agendas. It is about as un-American as it gets, and it’s something Randy Demmer is benefiting from.

You are entitled to your own opinion, Mr. Vetsch, but not your own facts. Tim is an honest, hard-working man. He’s not a career politician: he’s a teacher, a coach and a soldier. The middle class can count on Tim Walz because he’s one of us.

Vote for Tim Walz on Nov. 2.

Tags: opinion, letters, minnesota, politics, walz