Letter to the editor, Mankato Free Press (August 9, 2009)

We appreciate the work of Paul Thissen, Rep. Terry Morrow, Bobbie Jo Champion, Debra Hilstrom, Joe Mullery, Gale Kulcik Jackson, Chris Michaels, Debra Holtz (state ombudsman) on the strengthening protections for wards and protected persons: Chapter 150, Laws of 2009 (SF 951/HF804).

The shepherding of the legislation could not have been completed without their persistence and dedication to serve Minnesota residents. Their efforts to correct serious shortfalls in the state code concerning guardianship responsibilities will help prevent the misuse of state resources by an individual or non-government agency at the expense of an individual that cannot express their wishes concerning their quality of life in this human experience.

In his last years, our son, Trever Langbehn, had been kept alive for the sake of staying alive with a very poor quality of life; only his basic physical needs were taken care of in a professional manner.Their efforts will help prevent a reoccurrence of his tragedy.

Coris Langbehn

Lafayette