Walz to hold 'Congress on your Corner' stop

Posted at 3:42 PM on January 13, 2011 by Elizabeth Baier
Filed under: Government, Southeast Minnesota, Southwest Minnesota

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz will host a "Congress on your Corner" stop in Mankato on Friday, less than a week after a shooting rampage in Tuscon that killed six and injured 15, including Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, announced the stop as a way to show his office will continue to host open forums with public access, despite growing concern from lawmakers on security issues.

"Hearing the thoughts and ideas of southern Minnesotans is the cornerstone of our representative democracy," Walz said in a statement. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to hear from folks."

Since the shooting, the discussion over safety has re-emerged among politicians, who are struggling to balance their own safety concerns with an open democracy. Members of Congress were also briefed on security measures by the FBI and the Capitol Police.

Earlier this week, Walz told the Mankato Free Press he was shaken by the attack on his friend.

Walz's meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Mocol's Super Market, 1001 N Broad Street in Mankato.