Our View–Morrow for 23A

Free Press, October 27, 2006

On Nov. 7 a choice will be made in District 23A between Republican Andy Davis and Democrat Terry Morrow. Both hope to be chosen by voters to replace long-time Democratic state Rep. Ruth Johnson in St. Paul. Both come from intriguing backgrounds and offer the district a refreshing dose of energy.

 
Davis is an Army vet from St. Peter who served combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, gaining national recognition for starting Comfort for Courage, a nonprofit group that helps returning veterans adjust to college. He has served as a consultant for defense issues. Morrow, a one-time lawyer turned educator, is an associate professor at Gustavus Adolphus College and also serves as chair of the St. Peter School Board.

 
While we believe either candidate would represent District 23A well, we believe it is Morrow who is most ready to provide constituents with the experience, temperament and knowledge needed make the more influential impact in the Minnesota Legislature. During his tenure on his local school board, Morrow has wrestled with difficult budgetary decisions and has received praise as a thoughtful, articulate leader. We are encouraged by his demonstrated ability to work toward solutions without favor or partisanship. Morrow is a bridge-builder who, we believe, can be trusted to stay on focus and avoid getting caught up in the infighting that has gripped the Legislature in the past.

 
Without fail, Morrow’s responses to difficult questions now facing the state have been as nuanced as they have been comprehensive, and as persuasive as they have been confidently spoken. He considers education, health care and the area economy to be his primary concerns, and he has done his homework on them all.

 
He correctly keeps his options open on taxes, persuasively explaining that while he doesn’t advocate a tax hike, legislators who agree to no-new-tax pledges handcuff their ability to deal with situations that might arise later. That said, he hopes to reach out to Republicans by stressing a shared interest in fiscal responsibility. With his background in education, he is uniquely positioned to help provide adequate funding for public schools while easing pressure on property tax rates.

 
Anyone who visits with Morrow is impressed with his upbeat personality and his optimism — traits sure to bode him well as he attempts to persuade fellow legislators in St. Paul. He speaks eloquently that the devastating St. Peter tornado of 1998 was a “pivotal” moment in his life, causing him to devote himself to public service.

 
Morrow is also a serious U.S. history buff, with a keen interest in the U.S. Constitution and the Founding Fathers. He is someone who understands and appreciates the principles that this great country was founded upon, and we believe he will follow in the best tradition of public-spirited citizens who have done their small part to improve the lives of others.

Editorial: Legislative Picks in Mankato Open Seats

Sheran, Morrow, and Brynaert have strong public service records

Star-Tribune, October 27, 2006

House 23A: Terry Morrow

“We prefer the Gustavus Adolphus professor, Morrow. As chair of the St. Peter school board, Morrow, 43, has been a spur for innovation, such as a cooperative cost-cutting effort with neighboring school districts. He maintained public trust during tough financial times for the district, as evidenced by 2-1 majority votes in levy referendums in 2002 and 2005. His extensive résumé suggests that he could go to work immediately on a wide range of legislative issues.”

The Thursday, October 26th edition of the St. Peter Herald endorses Terry for election as the District 23A Representative.  The Herald notes that Terry “purposefully chose St. Pter as his home, and committed himself to public service instantly to the community and areas.”  Terry, the paper continues, “has poured countless hours into service for entities such as the St. Peter Heritage Preservation Commission and the St. Peter School Board.  In this year, in this election Morrow is the fit for the district.  His communication skills, and his knowledge of the law, arts, an deducation will provide a strong voice at the legislature.  He has an established reputation for getting things done in a respectful and consensus building method.”