I often hear people decry the sharp divisions over politics. I find that in my conversations, it can be hard to find common definitions of simple words, much less the abstract concepts that are required to have common ground on complex policy issues.

I am currently running for Minnesota House in district 52B. The incumbent, my opponent, is Joe Atkins. He is a local guy, and I have heard a lot about him.

I do not view politics as a battle. Politics is a conversation between friends over how to best move forward with those things that we share. As a local district, a city, or a state or even as an entire nation, we are among friends – us – and it is the whole community  that is affected. We have a responsibility to each other, and to the community. Our officials take oaths, usually to “protect and defend” a constitution. When elected, we do not represent the 51% who elected us, but have the job of representing all the voters. That’s hard.

I invited Joe Atkins to lunch, and he graciously agreed. Today we had that lunch, and I was very pleased to meet him. He is a family man, long in the community. We only glancingly discussed politics. This lunch was not about politics. It was about setting a tone. I wanted to thank him personally for his service as a legislator. It is public service, and we should not forget that. I also wanted to do what boxers do. Before the match, we shake hands.

During our lunch, Rep Atkins and I were talking about our visions of the upcoming campaign, and its essence as a debate about policy, where the voters render the verdict on election day. I asked him if he would be interested in having public debates, and he agreed. We did not discuss the details, but I have set myself a goal to make that happen. I would love to see some informative, civil, knowledgeable debate about the issues that face us.

My thanks go to Joe Atkins for a great lunch, and for his legislative service. I look forward to a vigorous debate about the issues, and the upcoming election.