County DFL approves gay marriage resolution

Other resolutions against death penalty, for universal health insurance

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The Brown County DFL Party went on record Saturday as supporting marriage for gays and lesbians as part of a 20-resolution packet that now goes to the district and state conventions for possible inclusion in the DFL party's platform.

The resolution, "The state of Minnesota allow people to marry, regardless of sexual preference," was approved in a majority vote during the county party's convention meeting at the New Ulm Public Library.

DFLers attending the meeting endorsed a resolution registering opposition to the reintroduction of the death penalty in Minnesota and called for universal health insurance and prescription drugs to be made available to everyone.

Another resolution called for modification of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation "to provide excellent learning opportunities for all children with full fundings for implementation for 'No Child Left Behind' as well as full funding for all special education mandates."

The party also endorsed a resolution calling for a statewide healthcare pool for all school employees, and it called upon the Minnesota Legislature to pass a bill funding adoption of new born children when the mother chooses to place the child up for adoption.

DFLers heard Joe Mayer of Rochester, seeking the party's nomination for First District Congress, call for universal health care.

"For decades we have wanted universal health care. Still, 44 million people don't have health care. It's what always happens, it gets vetoed," Mayer said.

"Our corporatized government uses free trade to send jobs out of the country. We have the budget deficit, the trade deficit, and consumer debt and bankruptcy are all-time highs. The lack of environmental regulation affects our health care," Mayer continued.

"We've got a government of the few for the few. Together we need to spread the word that it's a new day."

Mayer was the only candidate at Saturday's meeting. No candidates for either the Senate District 21 seat or the House 21B seat have surfaced, DFL County Chair Lori Sellner acknowledged.

Mayer is a retired educator and coach who taught at Lourdes High School in Rochester.

Sellner was re-elected chair of the Brown County DFL Party, and Bob Skillings was elected associate chair. Doug Howard and Mary Kluge retained their jobs as secretary and treasurer, respectively, and Brian Paulson of Hanska was elected affirmative action officer.

Selected as delegates to both the district and state conventions were Skillings, Jason LaMote, Michael Huss, Kluge and Yvonne Bomquist. Alternates are Jim Zents, Dick Blomquist, Becky Otte, Darlene Nelson and Sue Bruss.