Mark Dayton in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Local Issues:
Highway 62 model: remain open while rebuilding roads
Consider the recently completed Highway 62 interchange, built while remaining open for traffic. It's not perfect; yet it's a big improvement, and it provides for better public transit as well.
The notion we don't know how to invest in critical infrastructure improvements, or to implement those projects efficiently, is foolish. What's even more foolish, however, is our failure to make necessary investments in them.
The results are deteriorating highways throughout Greater Minnesota and worsening congestion in our metro system. Roads, highways, and public transit are to our state's economy, as are arteries to the human body.
If the arteries are healthy, and efficiently transport blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body, everything works at its best. If, however, the arteries become decrepit or clogged, the body's performance suffers.
Source: 2011 Minnesota State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2011
On Principles & Values:
Five-Point Plan for Future Prosperity: Invest, & invest more
To progress, we have to invest. We have to invest in jobs; in education; in transportation; in the health of our people, communities, & environment; and in the transformation of government.My Five-Point Plan for Future Prosperity: Invest in more jobs.
Invest in better education. Invest in improved transportation. Invest in the health of our citizens, our communities, and our environment. Invest in the transformation of government services.
Investments require faith and trust. People invest in the
future, only if they believe in that future. They invest, only if they trust their investing partners. To create together a successful Minnesota, we need to believe once again in each other and in our collective talents, abilities, and wisdom. We need to
believe that our fellow Minnesotans are acting in good faith, and that they want the best for their children, and their communities. So let us believe again in Minnesota. Let us believe again in one another. Let us invest together in our better future.
Source: 2011 Minnesota State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2011
On Technology:
Investing in transportation infrastructure improves business
Another crucial area of investment is in transportation. Minnesota suffers today from the failed legacy of twenty years of declining investments in our highways, roads, and bridges; in our public transit systems; and in other critical infrastructure.
Our decline has been worse than most other states, which means we are falling further behind in what I consider one of the most important "business climate" measures: the quality and capacity of our transportation systems and other infrastructure.
It doesn't have to be that way. Look at our Metropolitan International Airport, where new investments have been made continuously during those same twenty years. It's not perfect, but it's remarkable.
Virtually an entire new airport has been constructed while continuing to operate the old one. It is rated one of the best-managed airports in the country and even the world.
Source: 2011 Minnesota State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018