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Saturday, one lawmaker was listening.
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Congressman Tim Walz, right, discusses housing, oil and economy issues Saturday with a group of people at Mike's Food Center in St. Charles, Minn. The purpose of the visit was for Walz to hear from those who might not voice their opinion about policy topics. (Photo by Paul Solberg/Winona Daily News) |
Shoppers spoke with Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Minn., on Saturday at Mike’s Food Center in St. Charles, where Walz said the value of the dollar plays a huge role in rising gas prices, small banks are the best solution to the mortgage problem and a good early education will boost the economy.
Sandra McNab, a lifelong Democrat, came to support her candidate.
“We came to tell him he’s doing a good job,” McNab, 63, said. “I’m concerned about the economy and increasing the use of wind energy. I don’t know why we don’t use it more.”
Lucky for McNab, Walz’s main points of discussion were the economy and energy.
He spoke about a bipartisan committee he is a part of that focuses on energy and oil.
“When we enter the room (where the meetings are held), we put all policy aside,” Walz said. “We’re 95 percent in agreement about lowering fuel prices and protecting the environment.”
Walz said he advocates more drilling for domestic oil to bring down the price of gas.
The first-term congressman also said food prices were too high, as well.
“It isn’t farmers reaping the benefits of high food prices,” he said. “We know that in Minnesota.”
Focusing on early childhood education is one solution to problems with the economy, he said. Walz said he wants every child in Minnesota to attend preschool.
“My daughter is in first grade. She can read very well and knows basic math,” he said. “It would take a catastrophic negative event for her not to be successful.”
Conversation shifted to the problems with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and their impact on home mortgages.
He spoke of his own experiences in buying and refinancing his home, and he said he believes that smaller banks are the way to go.
“There are a huge number of independent banks in Minnesota, and they’re solvent,” Walz said. “It’s good for southern Minnesota and when they’re local, there’s more responsibility to pay loans back.”
