Community Corner

A Working Weekend for Eagan Legislators, Politicians

Legislators used the holiday weekend to talk to constituents at Eagan's July 4th Funfest.

Local legislators and politicians used the holiday weekend to talk to constituents about the state government shutdown, which today enters its fifth day.

Rep. Diane Anderson (R-38A), Rep. Doug Wardlow (R-38B) and Sen. Ted Daley (R-38) spoke to constituents at the Republican booth and waved to people in the July 4th . At a nearby DFL booth, local politicians spoke with concerned citizens, as well.

Daley said he spoke to some people who urged Republicans and Democrats to work together. "Just resolve this thing. Just get this done," Daley said one man told him at the Eagan fairgrounds over the weekend.

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Mike Obermueller, former democratic state representative for District 38B, spent some time at the DFL booth talking with people. He said he saw people he normally doesn't get to see.

"The shutdown's having an impact on their life, and people want to talk about it," Obermueller said in a tent on the fairgrounds.

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He talked to a man in a wheel chair who worried about others like him who need personal care attendants. He talked to families with children wondering about schools. He said he talked to people who asked, "Why can't you guys give in?"

Obermueller said he hopes that both parties find a way to get past their differences. Most importantly, he said, he hopes people can come together to talk. Not negotiating is unacceptable, he said. "That can't be the solution," he said.

Daley said he hopes negotiations can resume soon, especially because "the longer (the shutdown) goes, the harder it becomes for everybody."

"I remain optimistic," he said.

Follow latest local developments of the shutdown here. Share your shutdown photos or stories with Eagan Editor . Keep up with shutdown developments on our Eagan Facebook Page.


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