Dear neighbors, On Saturday, June 14, we all awoke to the devastating news that Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated in their home. Their golden retriever, Gilbert, was killed too. Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife Yvette and daughter Hope, were also targeted in an assault in their home the same morning by the same suspect. These actions of political violence have shaken us deeply. Melissa served over 20 years in the House and was our Speaker of the House for six of those years. She was a brilliant and dedicated legislative leader who was passionate about her state, her community, and particularly, her family. While Melissa served in an important position at the State Capitol, she didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she was more interested in getting things done to improve the lives of Minnesotans. Melissa led some of the most consequential work in our state’s history, guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing needed change following the murder of George Floyd, and championing numerous transformational investments and policy changes to make Minnesota work better for everyone. But rather than taking the credit herself, she worked to empower others to lead and lifted up their work. Members of the public wishing to pay their respects are invited to the State Capitol rotunda this Friday, June 27 between noon and 5 p.m. when Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with Gilbert, will lie in state. Melissa will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol. On Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m., a private funeral will take place. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will livestream the services on its YouTube channel. The pain is far-reaching. Everyone who knew Melissa and Mark is hurting, but this tragedy is also a loss for everyone who believes in the value of public service and the power of our democracy. I’ve found comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children: Sophie and Colin. While experiencing unthinkable grief, they offered the following suggestions to all of us on how to best honor the memory of their parents: - 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.
As we remember Mark and Melissa, we also keep John, Yvette, and Hope Hoffman close in our thoughts, too, and offer wishes for a complete recovery. Let’s all commit to living up to Melissa’s legacy by relying on kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.  |