Dear Neighbors and Friends, One week ago, our friends Melissa and Mark Hortman were taken from us in a horrific act of violence. We are all grieving and processing this unthinkable loss and I wanted to share some reflections about Melissa, and how her lessons in leadership can guide our next steps forward. I’ve known Melissa since 2007, when I was a young House DFL staffer. Immediately, it was clear to me that she was a mover-and-shaker in the legislature – brilliant, a master of the process, and driven to get things done. At the same time, she was down to earth, approachable, and very funny. What made Melissa so unique as a leader is her incredible record of accomplishment matched only by her uncommon level of humility. She is the most consequential Speaker of the House in our state’s history with her fingerprints on so many monumental legislative achievements. But it was never her instinct to take or expect credit. Instead, she would sidestep praise, giving it to our team, to her staff, or to Minnesotans. The other hallmark of Melissa’s leadership is that she wasn’t interested in the theatre of politics – she wanted to get to work and solve problems. She thrived in learning the details of every issue and in her persistence to get to a solution. This last session may have been her most challenging as a leader, and yet she was the force who kept things moving forward and toward resolution. As we navigate this unspeakable tragedy and seek to move forward, we will need to lean on Melissa’s lessons: See the good in one another, including our political opponents. Seek consensus before soundbites (although she always had a good one-liner). And amidst whatever roadblocks are presented to us, never give up on finding a solution that will improve the lives of Minnesotans. If you are looking for ways to honor Mark and Melissa, I want to share the words of their children, Sophie and Colin: “If you would like to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following: - Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
- Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
- Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
- Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
- Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
- Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.” Amidst such grief, I also must share immense gratitude to you – our community. Our Richfield Police Department officers are heroes. They assisted in the operation that captured the perpetrator. At the same time, they responded quickly to ensure our family was safe, providing reassuring care, communication, and concern of which I will forever be grateful. I am also so grateful for everyone in our community that has sent messages, letters, and emails of support. Your encouragement and empathy have been so meaningful. My sign-off on my e-mail communications is often “In partnership” because I’ve always felt this job is one that only works if we’re in relationship together to make our community a better place. I have felt that partnership deeply in these last few days. Together is how we will rise in this moment to meet the challenges ahead. And together, we will. In partnership, always, Mike |