By Linda Zelig
MnSF director of development

I would love to hear everyone’s story of what happened on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5. As I made my way to my precinct caucus, I was suddenly aware that every other organism that breathes and moves in my neighborhood was doing the same thing. Traffic crawled along as we converged from all possible points to the same tiny piece of public space designated for our meeting. What is usually a 10-minute drive took 45 minutes. Some folks abandoned their cars a half a mile away to walk the distance, having given up hope of getting any closer, much less finding a place to park.

It didn’t get any easier once inside the local high school. The long wait in line on the road reconstituted itself as a line that snaked from the entrance, down the hall, up two flights of stairs, and finally to a distant classroom. Now here’s the amazing part - no one complained, no one got upset over this incredible wait to participate in the political process.

And then the most amazing thing of all...my district representative at the Minnesota House walked toward me and gave me a big hug, just as if she knew me. She doesn’t know me, but the excitement of the evening was infectious. I’m sure we all hoped the enthusiasm would carry us right up to November.

It felt good to shed some of my winter blahs and my political woes for the moment. I hope you enjoyed the same or similar experience. Back here at the Senior Federation we’re trying to keep the enthusiasm rolling right into the state legislative session. By the time you read this, a good number of our members will have gathered at the Capitol to demonstrate support for the Minnesota Health Act, a single-payer universal health care bill now before the Senate health committee.

If you were not able to attend, do not fret. There are numerous ways to demonstrate your views and have them heard. Check your mail. Did you receive our letter describing our advocacy work during this session? At the bottom of the letter is your opportunity to help us help you. If you can send a gift at this time, we’ll put it to work on your behalf on legislative issues of concern to you. Tell us what those concerns are too. We are in your debt. Thank you.

You can contact Linda Zelig at , 651/783-5006 or  toll-free at 877/645-0261.