One reason why I am more hopeful for our future

On Monday a standing-room-only crowd gathered in a room harbor-side at the DECC in Duluth to participate in a listening session with governor-elect, Tim Walz. 
Dozens of stakeholders spoke eloquently of their concerns on a variety of issues facing residents of the Arrowhead region.  
Stakeholders included  friends and neighbors representing labor and industry, Native Americans, people of color and the young and old.
A living wage, safe housing, affordable health and child care, the protection of our environment and public safety concerns were high on the list of issues brought to the table.
The governor-elect listened intently and took notes. 
Addressing the room he focused on the theme One Minnesota and stressed his goal of complete transparency moving forward. 
"Sunshine," he said, "was the best disinfectant."  
To that end he encourage all citizens to apply for positions on boards and committees within in his future administration.
While many may attempt to define us by our zip codes I believe the governor-elect is sincere when he says there is only one Minnesota.
Ultimately we are all in this together and together we must move forward for the future of our children and the generations to come.