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Pawlenty lacks a major Feat OTHER OPINION: LEADERSHIP
Six years into his governance of the state, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has certainly gained a national reputation for leadership. But there are many Minnesotans who might be hard-pressed to come up with how he has led at the state level.
Minnesotans should feel a bit of pride that the political leader of our state should be recognized in organizations such as the National Governor's Association, and be considered, time and time again against his denials, as a potential vice presidential candidate for the campaign of Arizona Sen. John McCain.
But it's hard to point to major initiatives he has accomplished at a time states so badly need leadership on major issues like jobs, health care, transportation funding and schools. When asked, the governor will point to what he feels was a major accomplishment a few years back in righting Minnesota's state budget from a $4.5 billion deficit without raising taxes.
At a recent forum with legislative leaders, Pawlenty offered very few if any groundbreaking initiatives that he can lead on and be successful.
Pawlenty needs to offer leadership on some kind of major initiative that will move the state forward.
Gov. Arne Carlson, a moderate Republican, with bipartisan support, instituted the system of MinnesotaCare, something that was self-funded in part and that expanded health care coverage while keeping costs relatively low and keeping Minnesotans healthy.
We suspect some taxpayers will be just fine with Pawlenty's stewardship of the state budget and this "accounting accomplishment." Still, the legacies of state political leaders have usually been of more substance. Pawlenty has three years left, we hope he can show leadership with something significant at this time of drastic change in our country and state.
- The Free Press of Mankato
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