[ST. PAUL, MN] – Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement today in response to disparaging comments made about Minnesota workers in a recent New York Times Magazine story on mining:
“My brother, Trevor, is a hardworking carpenter. Every morning before the sun comes up, he wakes up, packs up his tools in his truck, and drives through Minnesota to a job site. He works long hours performing back-breaking work to put bread on his table for his family. When I read the disrespectful remarks made about workers in the New York Times article on mining, I immediately thought of Trevor.”
“These judgmental comments wrongfully disparage thousands of hard-working Minnesotans. There’s no question that the issue of mining in Northern Minnesota is a contentious one. But there’s no room in the debate for sharp-tongued attacks on Minnesotans who work hard every day to provide for their families and support our state’s economy.”
“As the campaign manager for the landmark Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment in 2008, I know firsthand how important it is to protect our natural resources for future generations. I also know that there are few people who value the environment more than the men and women who hunt, fish, and hike outside their homes on the Iron Range.”
“Here in Minnesota, we value civility. We treat each other with respect. We must keep this debate healthy, productive, and focused on the issue at hand. Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a better life for our family and a brighter future for our state.”