Opat Concerned Stadium Boondoggle Could End Political Career

From Patrick Reusse: "If this issue finishes me [politically], it was one worthy dying on." -- Mike Opat, who was out front in putting together a ballpark deal to secure the Twins' future here, and faces November reelection as a Hennepin County commissioner. Here's hoping. I'd be interested in hearing from Mike Opat's constituents. Does Opat return phone calls? Does he attend community meetings? The DFL will be having their county convention in Minneapolis next Saturday. Opat's opponent, Tom Reynolds will be going. It will be interesting to see what his reception is.

It isn't over yet...

If you don't like the Mike Opat-sponsored Hennepin County Twins stadium scam, there will still be chances to complain and votes to count. The Hennepin County Board is now faced with making the final deal. More public hearings are promised, and while the outcome seems certain, if you don't like the plan, you should still keep letting the board know your concerns. And ask your neighbors, your local city leadership, and business leaders (especially people who try to sell big-ticket items) to step up and complain about this unholy alliance. Rep. Phil Krinkie was on David Strom's FM 100.3 program on Saturday, and he said the legislature and governor did not get the negative feedback from constituents that they've heard in past sessions, the poll results notwithstanding.

Tom Reynolds Interview

I talked with Tom Reynolds who is running against Mike Opat for the county commissioner seat. Reynolds opposes the Hennepin County Plan to increase the sales tax for the stadium. He also said Opat has focused on the stadium at the expense of representing his district. Reynolds is a DFLer. The DFL endorsed Opat - but it sounds like this was a respect for incumbents type endorsement. It might be worth asking Mike Opat whether he supports Michele Bachmann's constitutional amendment. Opat has an anti-gay voting record.

Possible Mike Opat Opponents

From a post to Minneapolis Rumors by Guido Vivaldi: I have heard that he does have an opponent already declared and one that is rumored. Tom Reynolds has already formed a campaign committee. He ran unsuccessfully for city council in Brooklyn Center last election. The real contender, if he should decide to run, is Tony Pistilli, Metropolitan Council member and former city council member from Brooklyn Park. He should be encouraged to run against Opat. Here's the Reynolds Campaign information: ELECT TOM REYNOLDS HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER KRIS REYNOLDS, TREASURER 5438 71ST CIRCLE N BROOKLYN CENTER MN 55429 (763)560-0035 Dump Opat!

Welcome

This blog is here to encourage an opponent to run against Mike Opat and retire Opat from office.