by Rich Larson
Halfway through his second term, State Representative Todd Lippert said that one of the most disappointing things he has seen
in the legislature is the substance of the debate on the House floor, and how the Democratic and Republican parties treat one another.
He said the partisan environment in St. Paul greatly reflects the state of politics across the country, where there are deep divides between the two parties, but it has not always been that way in Minnesota. He has had conversations with many of his rural colleagues, most of whom are Republicans, that point to the Metro area and say, “that is where all the money goes.” Conversely many of his colleagues from urban areas, the majority of whom are members of the DFL, complain that most state funds are being spent on rural areas.
Lippert said as a society, we need to stop thinking in terms of “us and them,” and instead see a bigger picture.
“We need state dollars to go where there is need. And if we can start seeing ourselves in one another, whether white, black or brown, whether we live in a small community or on a farm or in Minneapolis/St. Pual, there is a tremendous amount of need that we share.”
Another problem Lippert sees within the legislature is the influence of special interest to keep government, and society, divided. He said that progress cannot be made if we remain divided, and there is a deliberate political strategy to maintain the status quo.
However, he said, this does not have to be a permanent situation, and he does see opportunities for real bi-partisan work. Saying that relationships are the key to the work at hand, he has seen Republicans and Democrats work together Even more importantly, members of each party can and do get along with each other and have relationships that can inspire good work.
“We have the only divided legislature in the nation,” he said, “and that is because our state is not of one mind.”
With that said, he acknowledged that the legislature is expected to do the work and produce results.
“Part of the reason we were able to get a budget done is because there are leaders [in both parties] who can get along.
“These relationships are not impossible.”
Our full conversation with Representative Todd Lippert can be heard here
Farmstead Bike Shop to make high profile move
After Bierman’s Home Furnishings closed the doors to their Division Street location at the end of last year, the immediate question became what would become of that space, and who would fill such a coveted location right in the heart of Downtown Northfield. The answer has been revealed, and it is one that is aas surprising at is exciting.
Farmstead Bike Shop, a bicycle sales and service store, only recently opened a location in Northfield this spring, but the owners, Greg Neis and Brianna Lane, plan to move into the former Bierman’s location at 422 Division Street and dramatically expand their services.
The pair, who also own a Farmstead location in Southwest Minneapolis, have had a love of the Northfield area for quite some time. Neis is a former cycling coach at Carleton College, and as an Apple Valley native, he said, that he would make the Quality Bakery a destination during training rides while he was in junior high and high school. Lane said the town has quickly warmed to Farmstead, and they have enjoyed getting connected to the area and getting to know so many people.
With the move to a much larger space, they said they will expand their offerings by putting in a café that will be accessible from the sales and service areas of the store as well its own entrance off of 5th Street. They will also add kayaks and canoes to their inventory, and for the winter there will also be fat bikes, snowshoes and cross-country skiing gear, along with what Neis called a “high level” ski base prep and waxing service.
Along with the expanded inventory there will also be opportunities for rides and excursions from the store. Neis said they would like to offer a “Pedaling and Paddling” service that would allow people to ride their bikes to an area on the Cannon River where Farmstead would meet them with boats and bring the bikes back to the store, while the riders paddle up the river to the store’s location.
Lane said offering excursions of all types will be an important component of the business.
“We love all of the social events. Right now, I’m leading a women’s ride on Thursdays out of the shop. [We hope to be] leading snow show excursions, maybe some more gravel rides for everyone. We love just getting more people outside.”
Neis said they are also hoping to partner with Keepsake Cidery for a second river put-in, and there will also be fat bike excursions in the winter, because, as he said, “you can’t be in a bad mood on a fat bike.”
Neis and Lane plan to open at the new location sometime this winter.
Our full conversation with Greg Neis and Brianna Lane of Farmstead Bike Shop can be heard here
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
