MINNEAPOLIS — Three hours into his governorship, Tim Walz was still visiting his campaign theme “One Minnesota.”
“This is a place where every single voice is welcome to be heard,” Walz said, gesturing toward pipeline protesters who interrupted his inauguration day capitol reception.
But with America stalled, can a divided state government get something done?
RELATED: Tim Walz sworn in as new MN governor
Two political veterans - from opposite sides of the aisle – are optimistic.
Republican Amy Koch, a political strategist and former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, shares a podcast with progressive activist Carin Mrotz.
At KARE 11’s request, they sat down together Monday evening to discuss the chances for success by Minnesota’s new leadership.
KOCH: We've got a budget surplus, we've got some steady hands on the reigns in the senate, we've got some new people in the house. I just think there's a real opportunity here for things to get done.
MROTZ: I think we're at the point where the divide doesn't feel good for anyone, and everyone is really ready to try to work together.
So, where to start?
KOCH: You have to find some trust, and that means getting to know each other and build a relationship, which I hope they will do.
MROTZ: And I would also say, make sure to listen to their constituents the community organizations that are coming to talk to them that are representing the voices of Minnesota and staying in touch with what the people of Minnesota actually put them in their jobs to do.
KOCH: I also recommend that they get some small wins. Find some things that were agreed upon last session that maybe didn't pass – pass them. Then when you can tackle the smaller stuff, or the less controversial things, that makes tackling the bigger stuff easier down the way.
Challenged by those pipeline protesters, Governor Walz suggested an alternative line of communication.
“One of things that works really well is allow me to finish my speech. And I'll walk up and stand with you and we can talk,” Walz told the protesters as their chants faded.
It is an approach two friends from opposite sides of the aisle would endorse.
“There should be discord, there should be disagreement,” said Koch about Minnesota’s divided legislature, “but in the end they have to find a solution.”
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