Politics & Government
Bachmann Talks Deregulation with Small Business Leaders in St. Michael
Reprising her rhetoric on the "red tape" in Washington, the Congresswoman held a round-table discussion with seven St. Michael area business owners.
Shortly after arriving in St. Michael Monday afternoon, U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann laughed as she told those present that if she were president, "There'd be more lanes and bigger shoulders on [Interstate] 94".
She laughed as she talked about the traffic issues with westbound Interstate 94 on Friday nights and eastbound 94 on Sunday afternoons.
"In my opinion, it's one of the most reasonable investments we could make. Why not fix that?" she said.
Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Her visit and talk with local St. Michael business leaders wasn't all a laughing matter though.
"I have a lot of concerns...not just in Minnesota, but nationwide," Bachmann said to the group congregated at St. Michael's .
Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The former presidential candidate was surrounded by local businessmen as she toured the heart of the Sixth District talking issues with owners. It's a regular Bachmann appearance during downtime. She hit Hanover and Monticello as well.
She expressed concern about China and their continual business growth. "If we aren't careful, China is on track to become the big business powerhouse by 2015," she said. "That irritates me."
Bachmann vowed to bring back what she could from the business owners and do what she could to pass bills. "What you tell me here, I work on," she said.
Those in attendance included President Paul Ederer, Randy Pelletier from , Mark Van Heel from MVP Heating and Cooling, Scott Powell from Cornerstone Auto, Rhonda Baack from the I-94 Chamber and Pete, Flori and Mike Scharber from Marksman Metals.
Bachmann allowed each of the business owners time to ask questions and bring up their own concerns.
Both Ederer and Pelltier expressed concerns about partisan politics. "I have an overwhelming concern about the division. When will America be united again as a whole?" Ederer asked.
Pelltier agreed, "it seems the divide is getting greater and I'm concerned about my kids' teachers talking too much about politics."
"The classroom should be for facts and history but not politics, values or beliefs. The division starts early," Bachmann agreed.
Pete Scharber asked Bachmann her stance on Romney and who she thinks he may chose as a running mate for vice president as the meeting closed.
"I endorsed Romney, and I'm confident he'll choose someone I will stand behind. Originally he wasn't going to repeal Obamacare but I made that an issue and he has promised me he will," she told the group.
She wrapped up her visit with the leaders with a prayer–led by Powell–and had a quick tour of the plant before heading down the road to Hanover.