Letter: Hamilton responds to opponent's letter

• Rep. Rod Hamilton

Rep. Rod Hamilton R-Mountain Lake

Talk about it

My opponent tries to blame me for her difficulty connecting with the voters (Letter to the Editor, Oct. 9 Daily Globe).

Her accusation reminds me of a story my cousin Bob told me. Cousin Bob is a professional horse trainer. A man walked into Bob’s stables and said he is looking for a new horse trainer. He explained to Bob that Bob would be the man’s third trainer this year. Bob politely inquired why the first two trainers didn’t work out. According to the man, the first two trainers could not deliver the desired results, and after all the attention the horse still continued to act up. The man requested that my cousin either train the horse to cooperate or help him sell it because of the horse’s inability to connect with its owner. My cousin looked at the man and simply said, “Maybe it’s not the horse.”

Friends, my opponent and I will be participating in five public forums. We had the ability to attend a number of parades, four county fairs, knock on thousands of doors, visit schools, visit nursing homes, visit businesses, visit with local elected officials and talk to constituents one on one. I respect, support and agree that I am to provide the people I serve a response to direct questions as it pertains to my duties at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

My opponent and some of her supporters have tried to chastise me via letters to the editor, as to why I have not committed to the Pioneer Public Television debate. The answer - I have been trying to change an appointment I have on that same day that pertains to my multiple sclerosis, which if I cancel, may take months to reschedule.

It warmed my heart when I heard my opponent missed a campaign event because she chose to attend an event for her granddaughter. It stings a little when she criticizes me for missing an event because I am prioritizing my health – a simple phone call versus letters to the editor would have cleared that up.

No matter how hard a candidate tries, it is difficult to make all scheduled events. If I am blessed to have your support in November, I will continue to work honorably, respectfully and diligently on your behalf.

Tags: avenel-navara, opinion, letters, minnesota, politics, legislaure, hamilton