November, 2019
Meeting local farmers
This past week I got to discuss legislation with the owners of the three farms within our senate district.
The first meeting was with Terry Picha, who runs the Picha Farms near Birch Island Lake in Eden Prairie.
The next two meetings ran back-to-back, so we did a joint photo. The earlier meeting was with Nikola and Aaron Peterson, pictured above in the middle, who are both former students of mine. Along with Sever Peteron, who was unable to attend, they run Sever’s Fall Festival. Though the event takes place across the river in Shakopee, much of their farming takes place near the Minnesota River in Southern Eden Prairie.
Also pictured above on the far right is Gregory Wiggins, who my third meeting was with. He runs Marshall’s Farm Market along with his wife Carrie Marshall, at the corner of Eden Prairie Road and Pioneer Trail. It was edifying to learn about suburban agriculture from these local farmers.
Discussing internet security
Last Friday, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce held its monthly legislative breakfast. The topic was cyber security, and I made sure to stress just how important it is for governments to adequately fund protections. We have some brilliant minds in Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), and we need to make sure that we are allowing them to do their jobs well.
Civics 101 with AAUW
On Monday, I was invited by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to teach a Civics 101 class at their weekly meeting. It was so inspiring to see such a well-educated group still hungry for knowledge about our government.
A conversation on antisemitism
Antisemitism today has taken some different forms than in years past, however the themes all too familiar. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) recently held a forum on this subject, and the room was absolutely packed with interested minds.
In a panel moderated by KARE 11’s Jana Shortal, we heard from Ethan Roberts, the JCRC’s executive director, Rabbi Aaron Weininger of the Adath Jeshurun Congregation, and Laura Zelle, the JCRC’s Director of Holocaust Education.
Thank you for voting last Tuesday!
Last Tuesday was Election Day for many localities and school districts in Minnesota. Thank you to everyone who voted, and an extra special thanks to everyone who threw their hat in the ring and put their name on the ballot. Your desire to serve was noticed and incredibly appreciated.
Learning about carpenters apprenticeship training
I recently got invited to tour a trades apprenticeship training with Kim Nelson from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. It was great to see the work they are doing to educate our future workforce.
Visiting Hammer Residences’ Lake Place
Last week I toured Lake Place in Minnetonka, a home run by Hammer Residences that helps Minnesotans with disabilities live with dignity. They are doing great work, and our state needs to make sure these types of efforts are fully funded.
Watching Mercury cross the Sun
Earlier this week, I stopped by Central Middle School in Eden Prairie while the planet Mercury was crossing the Sun. Science teacher Bill Prem brought a telescope outside to let the kids watch the awesome experience. His exuberance and enthusiasm was infectious.
Screen time and developing brains
Last week I met with constituent Lisa Venable, where we discussed the possible effects of screen time on developing brains. The book we are holding, #LookUP, was written by Judy Stoffel of neighboring Chanhassen. Advancing technology has made so many things possible, but we need to make sure we are being careful when it comes to the health of our youth.
Touring the HERC & Target Field
I was also recently invited to tour the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), which turns waste into electricity. I was most curious about the emissions at such a facility, and was pleased to see all of the safety precautions they are taking.
Our tour also included neighboring Target Field, where I got to stand on the field and learn about heating the stadium and the Twins’ legislative priorities.