Dozens of local residents have been gathering along Highway 41 in Chaska on Saturday afternoons to show their displeasure with the current direction of the country.
Holding American flags, along with signs of protest against emerging policy shifts under the Trump Administration, protesters wave to motorists passing by and shout slogans about everything from constitutional rights, public education, farm policies and more.
More than 100 protesters were standing, shoulder to shoulder, along the busy roadway on March 22. A chilly breeze didn’t deter their collective message directed at U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer’s congressional office nearby. The plan is to continue to rally at this location behind Aldi grocery store from 1 to 2 p.m. every Saturday, or until Rep. Emmer schedules a constituent Town Hall meeting where residents can voice their concerns and criticisms in person.
In recent weeks, many Republican elected officials have paused such meetings with constituents as they’ve frequently devolved into chaos. In early March, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested lawmakers to forgo town halls due to the growing protests.
Chaska resident Suzanne Banning said she’s called Rep. Emmer’s office to ask about a possible Town Hall meeting, but her efforts haven’t prompted any action so far. She’s been attending the protests on a regular basis.
“I’m just frustrated that there’s no dialogue,” she said. “We don’t think the people in power are willing to sit down and listen.”
Banning said she’s impressed by the number of Saturday attendees that have never been part of a protest before now.
“A lot of people it’s their first time ever,” she said. “They just want to be heard.”
Retired farmer and Vietnam veteran David Rieke, Chaska, stood amid the crowd holding a sign pointing to the negative economic impact of newly established tariffs on foreign businesses.
“Tariffs just completely harm farmers,” he said.
Rieke said he’s also concerned about cuts in USAID funding that fuel helpful programs globally.
Remembering how protesting college students helped bring an end to the Vietnam War some 50 years ago, Rieke said he decided to join the line of weekly protesters to add his voice to the chorus.
“I never thought the government could ever screw up as bad as that again,” he said, comparing the present time with the Vietnam era. “But I think we’re heading that direction now.”
Standing nearby, retired teacher Jill Randall used a bullhorn to amplify protest slogans – “Save Special Ed” and “Honor Our Veterans,” among others. She added that she has a long list of concerns – saving Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare as well as protecting the environment.
Randall, a 37-year Chaska resident, said too many locals are unaware of how serious the situation on the federal level has become. She encourages people to stay informed.
“It bothers me that so many people don’t know what’s going on, or they just don’t want to get involved in politics,” she said. “People need to do their homework and become informed.”
The Carver County Local News reached out to Rep. Emmer’s office but heard no response before deadline.
