Tom Horner: still willing to help solve budget problem

I spoke with former Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner this morning.

He is visiting editors in southern Minnesota to say he is willing to help solve Minnesota's budget problem, much the same task he ran on in last year's election.

He has offered his help to both sides in the standoff. But, so far, no takers.

Horner suggests Dayton and GOP approve a narrow lights on bill and take two months to try to hammer out significant long-term spending and taxing reforms. Otherwise, he says, we'll simply be in the same spot two years from now.

He and former congressman and Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tim Penny wrote an opinion piece for the Star Tribune suggestion solutions for a "third way" to solve the budget impasse.

That's simply a way for both sides to adopt solutions and still maintain their "core principles." Horner believes it can be done, even if Dayton doesn't get his "tax the rich" plan and even if Republicans don't get their "within our means" checkbook.

He was trying to drum up some attention in the state to get his former supporters, largely the independent voter in the middle, to contact Dayton and their legislators and urge an end to the shutdown and long-term reforms.

Horner suggests once the lights on bill is passed, the governor and the legislature should bring in experts to help them achieve goals like health care access and sustainable spending.

Horner is also sure the "third way" suggestion has to come from the governor's office.

I can't say I disagree a lot with what Horner has to say. The Free Press editorial board took a stand last year that Horner had the most reasonable budget proposal and that it involved necessary reforms.

I also urge readers to e-mail Dayton or their legislator. There are easy e-mail links here.