On October 1st, Hastings Environmental Protectors and Conservation Minnesota hosted a non-partisan discussion about important environmental issues impacting the health of Hastings and Minnesota. Democratic candidates Senator Karla Bigham (Senate District 54) and Kelsey Waits (House District 54B) shared their thoughts and answered questions from the virtual audience. Republic candidates Tony Jurgens and Leilani Holmstadt did not respond to our invitation to participate in this discussion.

Some of the issues discussed included nitrate in the city’s groundwater, pollinators, and clean energy. State Senator Bigham talked about her concerns and plans to decrease PFAS found in our district, a “forever chemical” left behind by 3M and still used today in everything from nonstick pans, water proof clothing, and even microwave popcorn. House Candidate Kelsey Waits conveyed how she helped lead the charge to transition the Hastings School District to all solar, which helps save considerable energy costs for the district. It has been a long tradition in our country to try to leave things better than we found them for future generations. With environmental problems increasing in severity – chemicals in our water, greater weather extremes, increased air pollution, more tick carried diseases – we may instead be leaving things worse. The environment is on the ballot this November 3rd. We would do well as voters to put the health and well-being of our kids and grandkids first and make Minnesota a national leader on environmental issues. -Andy Tix and Avery Hildebrand, members of Hastings Environmental Protectors

Re-election of Karla Bigham

As a Hastings resident who raised his children here and served twelve years on the non-partisan city council, I am writing in strong support of the re-election of Karla Bigham to the Minnesota Senate. Karla works well with local government; she and your local council have worked hand in hand to revitalize the riverfront and address issues ranging from transportation to public health to local government aid. She listens to constituents with concerns and responds. In a time where it has become fashionable in some quarters to generate more noise than results, Karla generates results. I’m proud to cast my vote for her and encourage all to do the same. Be well, Hastings. – Tony Alongi

Meet and Greet

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 I invited our MN state representative and senate candidates from SD54 to my home for a Meet ‘n Greet for the neighborhood. I believe that voting is our most important right as citizens and an informed electorate is a good electorate.

I became involved in advocacy when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2000 and then cancer several years later. I needed to find a way I could affect my life and others to navigate the unsure course of these devastating diseases. Thru advocacy with others, together we got improvements in the way many state services were provided, such as home improvement tax credits for disabled, prescription drug transparency, etc. Anyone living with or having a family member with a chronic disease knows the complexity of navigating the healthcare and state safety programs will understand.

It’s hard to get involved when it seems like all there is in government is partisan bickering. But the only way to change something is to exercise your rights as a citizen. I appreciate SD54 candidate Sen Karla Bigham for her ability to work across the aisle and bring consensus on many topics. She is a fierce advocate for education and healthcare. And she brings many with her. Let’s help defeat partisan politics as usual and re-elect Karla Bigham as our senator from SD54.

Mary Nehring

Jen Fox for City Council

We want to express our enthuastic support for the election of Jen Fox to Hastings City Council. Jen’s professional, and volunteer contributions to our community are many, and admirable. In addition to being a business owner, and dedicated school volunteer , and HEDRA volunteer we have know her as an advocate for the arts in our community. From summer arts programs for kids, to progrmas on the the Riverfront, to programs for Senoirs Jen hs always been a leader. The arts make our individual, family and commuity lives richer. Jen possesses a great histtory of service and leaderhsip to meet the challenges of our futures. Please vote for Jen.

Patrica Powers and Richard Graham