Star-Tribune, October 2, 2007
This week, my mother called to tell me that her friend’s husband, Skip, had died after a long and courageous battle against illness. I heard last night that a good friend of mine, David (not his real name), has been diagnosed with cancer. Their stories starkly remind us that life is precious.

Skip and David share another similarity: both men had doctors who examined them, diagnosed their condition, and prescribed treatment. For Skip, the doctor’s honest advice prolonged his life; for David, I pray that the treatment plan will save his.

I am thankful that both Skip and David had honest, professional doctors who told them the straight truth. A doctor’s responsibility and his oath require nothing less.

Representatives must follow a similar moral and legal responsibility. The public deserves-and should demand-an honest appraisal of public conditions.

Neither physicians nor politicians fulfill their obligation by putting popularity above responsibility. Yes, it would be easier to always report that “all is fine.” But, sometimes, all is not fine. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, though, many times all can be fine again.

Minnesota’s roads and bridges must be treated. We know from the diagnosis of many, many professionals-MnDOT engineers, county commissioners, city officials, local highway engineers, and others-that our roads and bridges are increasingly weak, that the demands put on them are reaching a crisis. We know that MnDOT tells us we need an infusion of $2.4 billion more dollars a year for the next decade just to return our transportation system to health.

Minnesotans understand the problem and we accept the reality that 20 years of backlogged road and bridge repair won’t be easily solved. We know that no quick fix-no infomercial medical device-is going to fix the problem. We need a comprehensive, responsible treatment plan.

Most state fair attendees this year agreed with a gas tax increase provided that all of the money goes to roads and bridges. It does. The Minnesota Constitution requires it. Many people say that they don’t want gas tax money going to light rail or bike trails. It doesn’t.

It’s not popular to talk about taxes. But sometimes it’s the honest, responsible treatment for a serious public problem like the transportation crisis. Just like a patient visiting a doctor, Minnesota deserves-and can handle-the straight truth. It’s the only way we can ever meet our challenges and move safely into the future.