READER REQUEST “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by Simply Red

Dear Star-Tribune Editorial Page,

I am State Senator Helen Burkel and, yes, as noted on Thursday editorial page, I am running for the US House of Representatives. Everything after that statement of fact, however, was a mess.

You said that, “it remains to be seen how voters will feel about Mrs. Burkel as the campaign reveals her. And it remains to be seen how we feel about her as well.” First, it’s Dr. Burkel. In addition to never being married, I hold a medical degree from UCLA. This fact has been brought up in, I believe, all six of my campaigns for State Senate.

Second, you have endorsed me for State Senate during all six of those elections. Are you of the impression I suddenly changed who I am? Or perhaps, as I suspect, you simply cannot be bothered to remember me and every cycle you get distracted by the newest shiny thing? Perhaps you have a sort of face blindness?

As you get to know me? I’ve been interviewed by your publication MULTIPLE times. You’ve been to my office. MY HOME. I’ve been to your offices as well. A lot. What is necessary for getting to know someone for you? Is there a number of encounters? A number of years? Please do specify.

In conclusion, do burn. I have neither the time nor the patience for a publication that seems oddly devoted to pretending the past has never occurred and that I don’t have an extensive records that your newspaper and the people of the district might know me by. If you need to get to know me, well, might I suggest your online archives. The paywall price is a bit steep, but, as I’m sure you agree, the work is just too fundamental not to pay for.

Warmest regards,

State Senator and future US Representative Helen Burkel