To the editor:

I have voted early. Jim Hagedorn did not receive my vote. In addition to the ethical and big pharma reasons you see in the ads, his voting record on environmental issues was a definite clincher.

I am a retired wildlife biologist and these issues mean a lot to me. He and Rep. Stauber were the only two members of the MN Congressional delegation to vote no on the bi-partisan Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422/H.R. 7092) which funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and which has been signed into law. This fund uses a small portion of federal offshore drilling fees towards protecting important land, water and recreation areas for all Americans. It has been used on numerous projects throughout the state. Since 1966, Brown County alone has benefited from nearly a half a million dollars for outdoor recreation projects from the fund including Flandrau State Park, Minnecon Park, Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Park and Hanska County Park.

Hagedorn’s voting report card on environmental issues is abominable. Clean Water Action has rated his voting record at 0%, The League of Conservation Voters gave him 7%, and Defenders of Wildlife gave him 11%. Please vote no to Rep. Hagedorn.

John Schladweiler

New Ulm