Getting through the storms

THUMBS UP: We’ve had some wild winter weather over the past couple of weeks. While Minnesotans are used to bundling up and hunkering down, we still depend on a lot of people who have to go out in the bad weather to keep things working for us all.

So here’s a big Thumbs Up to the snowplow drivers who help get the roads cleared as quickly as possible; the police officers and sheriff’s deputies who are still out there just in case someone needs rescuing; the utility workers who are on standby in case the storm affects the power system; the plumbing and heating technicians who are ready to help out in case someone’s furnace quits or pipes freeze up. Thanks also to the health care workers who staff the hospitals, nursing homes and emergency rooms, even in the worst weather.

We also want to thank the meteorologists, whose predictions about winter storms and blizzards have been truly accurate this winter. It’s helps to know well ahead of time when to get ready for the bad weather.

House in disarray

THUMBS DOWN: Rep. Kevin McCarthy has been struggling all week to get what is usually a pro forma vote from his Republican caucus – approval as the Speaker in the U.S. House of Representatives. With about 20 hard core conservative Republicans opposing him, McCarthy has been unable to get the 218 votes needed to assume the Speaker’s post and get things going in Congress. Until a Speaker is elected, representatives cannot be sworn in, committees cannot meet and none of the business of the House can be done.

As of midday Friday, a 13th vote was being taken, after McCarthy picked up about a dozen votes after making serious concessions to his critics. If elected, the position of Speaker will be less than the position of power he was hoping for.

This fractious election may be a portent of the coming session of Congress. McCarthy, if elected, will be beholden to the same group of critics. Among the rule changes he has agreed to, McCarthy can be challenged by any single member of Congress who can call for a vote to cast him out of the leadership position. It will be a tough tightrope to walk, and chances of getting much of anything done in Congress will be tight.

New Mayor in Town

THUMBS UP: Congratulations to New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer, who took her oath of office on Tuesday. It has been a long time since women started breaking through barriers, and being “the first woman to” do something is no longer so astounding. But Mayor Backer is the first woman to hold this office in the city’s history, and that’s worthy of recognition.

We are sure Mayor Backer will fill the role of mayor in admirable fashion, with the same excellence that she has brought to her other endeavors in town.