Joe Farry Professor Louis Johnston on the Legacy of John Brandl

Is there hope for cutting through gridlock? John Brandl shows us a way

By Louis D. Johnston | 11/07/14 MinnPost

 

Yesterday at lunch a colleague asked me, “Is this going to be a good couple of years or not?” He was referring to the results of Tuesday’s election and the prospects for getting anything productive done in terms of economic policy during the next two years.

If he had asked me on October 28, my answer would have been quick and short: no, there’s not much chance we’ll get anything done in the next two years. On the 28^th, we were nearing the end of a campaign featuring erroneous assertions about Minnesota’s job growth, unemployment rates, and economic policies compared to other states and a generally low level of literacy on economic policy. The bitterness seemed palpable in the mail filling my St. Cloud mailbox.

Then, on October 29, I attended the annual celebration of John Brandl and his “Common Quest for the Common Good” and regained my optimism. I listened to Don Fraser and Al Quie, went back to John’s writings, and hope returned.

John Brandl graduated from St. John’s University in 1959 and earned a Ph.D. in Economics at Harvard. He worked as analyst in the McNamara Defense Department of the 1960s and then served as a deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare under President Johnson. John then returned home and joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota, where he served as a faculty member and dean in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. From 1977 through 1990 he served in the Minnesota Legislature, first in the House and then in the Senate.

I had the privilege of getting to know John after his retirement from the U of M, when he came to St. John’s and St. Ben’s to teach students and mentor those of us on the faculty who were trying to get students interested and involved in public policy. He is buried in the St. John’s cemetery and when my office was at St. John’s I would regularly take a walk out to his grave to say hello. Sometimes, if I was thinking about a thorny problem, I’d ask, “What would you do, John?”

I continue to ask this question because John’s starting point for public policy was that “only competition and community can dependably channel the efforts of free people to public purposes.” Further, he argued, “competition and community do not substitute for government. They are the instruments through which government facilitates the working out of public purposes by a free people.” (Both quotes are from John’s book, “Money and Good Intentions Are Not Enough, or Why a Liberal Democrat Thinks States Need Both Competition and Community.”)

I push this idea with my students because this is at the heart of economics more generally. Our discipline studies how societies allocate their scarce resources across infinite needs and wants, and we use both competition and community to carry out this task. Economists emphasize competitive markets, but I always point out that markets are instruments to an end, not the end itself, and that building community can be as effective or perhaps even a better way of providing the things our society values.

This is where Democrats and Republicans should start when they think about economic policy. What mix of competition and community will work best to close Minnesota’s racial achievement gap and promote our state’s long-run economic growth? How can tax policy be formulated to encourage Minnesota’s businesses to focus on delivering great products and services in competitive markets rather than using the tax code as their primary route to increasing profits?
But can or will our elected officials do this? I don’t know if they will do this, but listening to Don Fraser and Al Quie I heard how they can do it.

Fraser told us that a good policy maker starts the process by figuring out where he or she stands on an issue, not triangulating their position relative to party or constituents. Only then can you talk to members of your own party, the other party, and your constituents about it and learn from them.
Quie pointed out that good policy is like a child: it has DNA from both parents. And, the way to get that mix is to Listen, Think, and Love.

Laura Bloomberg, associate dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, said that John Brandl had both “a powerful intellect and a big heart.” If we follow John Brandl’s lead and build our policies on competition and community, if we learn from Don Fraser to know where each of us stands on the issues, and we listen, then think, and always love as Al Quie teaches us, then my answer to my colleague today is “Yes, we can do great things.”

Joe Farry Professor Louis Johnston named Growth & Justice Policy Fellow

Paul Anton, Louis Johnston Named G&J Policy Fellows

By: Growth & Justice

10/23/14

 

We are pleased to announce the addition of two highly respected Minnesota economists to our team of Policy Fellows. They are Paul Anton, chief economist for Anton Economics and formerly a top adviser to several of Minnesota’s largest banks, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; and Louis Johnston, associate professor of economics at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, and also the Joseph P. Farry professor in the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement. Anton’s areas of expertise include benefit-cost and return-on-investment analysis, economic impact analysis, and urban planning and land use studies. Johnston’s specialties include the evolution of Minnesota’s economy and the history of the U.S. economy before 1930. Both have been widely published over many years in economic journals and the news media. Anton serves on the Council of Economic Advisers for the state of Minnesota and Johnston is a frequent contributor of commentary and expert analysis to MinnPost and other Minnesota media.

Matt Rhoades To Be Featured at Mark Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Lecture Series

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center is pleased to announce that "The Mark Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Lecture Series" will feature Matt Rhoades at Saint John's University on September 15, 2014. The time of the lecture has yet to be determined.  

Rhoades is the Founder of America Rising SuperPAC and former Romney for America Campaign Manager.

This Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of the Honorable Mark Kennedy '79.

McCarthy Center Student Coordinator Justin Markon on his summer experience at Citizens League

Observations from a ‘Little Leaguer’: Farewell Intern Justin Markon

 

The Citizens League

For the last several years, the Citizens League has been fortunate enough to host a Brandl Scholar from the Eugene J. McCarthy Center at St. John’s University over the summer. The interns we’ve had from this program are bright and enthusiastic, and quickly become key contributors to our work at the League. This year’s intern, Justin Markon, was absolutely no exception. He stepped in with great initiative and became a valued member of the staff. Our thanks to him and the Eugene J. McCarthy Center at St. John’s for this ongoing partnership. The following are some parting words from Justin as he prepares for his final year at St. John’s.

Working with the Citizens League this summer has been a valuable experience. The League itself is a unique organization, as I’ve heard staff explain on numerous occasions. When I began my internship, words like “organizing agency” and “civic policy making” were difficult to grasp, and I know for all staff their meanings continue to evolve. I tried to jump right in and learn as much about the League’s work, including the electrical energy project, which has been extremely rewarding. My biggest takeaway from this summer has been learning about civic policy making and why the Citizens League is relevant today as much as ever. Unfortunately, our political system these days is not operating at its best. Speakers at seminars or discussions call for change to the current system, but do so without suggesting meaningful resolutions that truly help all parties. The Citizens League, over its 62 years, has crafted real solutions. Over that time, not every policy won unanimous support, but the staff and members choose issues they see as making Minnesota a better place. These are lessons I will take no matter where life takes me.
In three weeks, I will start my final year at St. John’s University on Minnesota’s prairie. I am very excited to take a class on local and regional politics, where I am sure I will use knowledge from this summer. Additionally, this year I will complete my senior thesis. I plan to write on the political differences between Minnesota and Wisconsin that have cropped up in the past decade. Undoubtedly, work by the Citizens League will serve as background for comparing polices. After graduation in May I will seek gainful employment, like most college graduates. Right now, I’m not sure what sector or policy area I will jump in first, but I am excited to see what is over the horizon.
Finally, I am excited for the future of the Citizens League. I am thankful to the Eugene J. McCarthy Center at St. John’s for giving me this opportunity to learn from and work with the Citizens League. As one of those citizens, I hope to stay involved and watch the continued success. Thank you to all the staff, members and supporters for making this a meaningful summer. The Citizens League is an important institution in Minnesota that will continue to serve the people and create “common ground for the common good.”

Sivarajah, Clark to speak at Politics & A Pint at CSB on Thursday

Collegeville, MN -- The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement is pleased to announce that Anoka County Commissioner and 6th District congressional candidate Rhonda Sivarajah and Former MN Senator Tarryl Clark will be the special guests at this Thursday's Politics & A Pint.

Sivarajah and Clark will be joined by CSBSJU political organization chairs Bridget Cummings (College Democrats), Ashley Bukowski (College Republicans), and Katherine Zuroski (Students Fostering Conservative Thought) to discuss the challenges women face in politics.

CSBSJU Political Science professor Dr. Claire Haeg will moderate the discussion.

These six women will join the CSBSJU community on Thursday, April 3 at 5pm in O'Connell's at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN.

 

The bi-monthly conversation series is sponsored by the McCarthy Center.

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President Hemesath, Dr. Hayes Discuss Ukraine at Politics & A Pint

SJU President Dr. Michael Hemesath with CSBSJU Professor Christi Siver

and student Bridget Cummings after "Politics & A Pint: Ukraine on the Brink " on Thursday.

 

Collegeville, MN – Last Thursday, Saint John’s University President Dr. Michael Hemesath and Dr. Nick Hayes joined CSBSJU students and community members in Brother Willie’s Pub to lead a discussion about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

At the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement’s “Politics & A Pint: Ukraine On The Brink,” President Hemesath and Dr. Hayes shared their insights on Ukrainian history and the current crisis.  

CSBSJU students Melissa DeOrio and McKensie Diver had the privilege to moderate the interview with our distinguished guests. “I thought it was a lot of fun.” DeOrio said. “It was awesome to see two really bright individuals share their insights and talents of the region with all of us.”

Remarkable turnout

According to last week’s attendance tally, the Politics & A Pint attracted 130 engaged citizens. This high attendance has now become a pattern.

Since the conversation series’ birth in the spring of 2008, its student and community participation has grown exponentially. McCarthy Center Director and CSBSJU Professor Matt Lindstrom attributes this success to the Center’s impressive presence on campus.

“Since we have started Politics & A Pint, the branding of the event has increased dramatically,” explained Lindstrom. “Students know that it’s by students and for students.”

In the future, the McCarthy Center hopes to attract even more students to its events. SJU President Hemesath shares this desire and encourages everyone to participate in a Politics & A Pint at their time here at CSBSJU.

“It’s important to have these discussions in class, but I think it is also great that our future engaged citizens get a chance to talk about these things in an extra-curricular setting,” Hemesath said. “That’s what Politics & A Pint is all about.”

Practical utility

And this unique environment comes with powerful benefits. Not only do students learn the value of continually being informed on the issues of today, but students also acquire invaluable skills like constructing arguments, articulating probing questions, and expanding one’s outlook.

Despite coming from different academic perspectives, President Hemesath enjoyed participating in civil-discourse and discussion with Dr. Hayes.

“It was fun to go back and forth with Dr. Hayes a little bit to see how a historian and an economist might view the world a little differently,” President Hemesath said after the event. “It was great to show students that we can disagree with each other and come to completely different conclusions by looking at the same set of facts.”

The importance of being internationally aware

Dr. Hayes echoed the President’s appreciation for the opportunity to speak in front of so many students and community members. Hayes’ also hoped his appearance showed students the importance of thinking globally.

“If you are not intellectually aware, if you don’t have a consciousness that is global and international, you will fall hopelessly behind,” says Dr. Hayes. That’s why he encourages students to be global citizens: to get ahead.

“When you get engaged internationally, it’s not just that you master a topic, it’s that you develop into a different person. You will have greater self-confidence. You will have greater knowledge of us and our encounters in the international world. Ultimately, it teaches you a lot about America.”

Learning these skills in the low-stake, informal environment in Brother Willie’s Pub is helping mold countless CSBSJU students into the kind of future leaders our current world so desperately needs.

“Given that we want to train engaged citizens for the 21^st century, I think everyone here should take a chance and stop by a Politics & A Pint,” said President Hemesath.

To view the full "Politics & A Pint: Ukraine on the Brink" event on YouTube, click here.

President Hemesath graduated summa cum laude with a degree in economics from Saint John’s University in 1981 and received his master's and doctoral degrees in economics from Harvard University.

Dr. Hayes holds his MA and Ph.D in History from the University of Chicago where he specialized in 20^th Century Russia and Europe. Currently, Hayes is a CSBSJU Professor of History and University Chair in Critical Thinking.

 

The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement, founded in 2006, sponsors the bi-monthly conversation series on issues relating to politics, public policy and community involvement.

The next Politics & A Pint is scheduled for April 3^rd at 5:00 PM in O’Connell’s Coffee House at the College of Saint Benedict and will focus on about the challenges facing women entering politics and the ways in which this generation can close the gender gap in public office.

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McCarthy Center Director Matt Lindstrom Participates in Local Sartell Debate

Debate: Should Chickens Be Able To Roost In Residential Areas?

Feb 7, 2014

MPR NEWS

A debate from the "Sartell Says: Town Hall Debate" series, on the motion "Chickens should be able to roost in residential areas." The debate touched on issues related to urban and rural life, local food, personal rights, property values, and more. Moderated by Patty Candella.

Debate Guests:

YES: Matt Lindstrom: Professor of political science at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict. Director of the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement.

YES: Jean Lavigne: Professor and chair, Environmental Studies department, St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict.

NO: King Banaian: Professor of economics, St. Cloud State University. Former State Representative.

NO: Lisa Schriefels: St. Cloud Health Director.

Patty Candella: Moderator, "Sartell Says: Town Hall Debates."

To listen to the full debate, click here

McCarthy Center Hosts Economic Talk With Louis Johnston and Chris Farrell

A Year End Look at the Economy

December 19, 2013
Saint John's University

Digital Commons @CSBSJU  

 

Picture Courtesy of MPR News

Two economists looked back on 2013 and predicted what's ahead economically for 2014 during a live radio taping for Minnesota Public Radio at noon Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Lecture Hall (room 102), Saint John's University Art Center, Collegeville.

"MPR News Presents: A Year-End Look at the Economy" featured Louis Johnston, associate professor of economics at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University who holds the Joseph P. Farry Professorship at SJU, and Chris Farrell, MPR's economics correspondent. The discussion was hosted by MPR Editor at Large Gary Eichten.

"Chris and I will look at the economic scene from state, national and international perspectives," Johnston said. "Gary Eichten and audience members will ask questions that will push us to talk about where we've been, where we are and where we're likely going."

Johnston writes a twice-monthly column on economics called Macro, Micro, Minnesota for MinnPost.com, reporting on economic developments in the news and what those developments mean to Minnesota. He is a frequent contributor on economic issues on MPR and WCCO Radio.
Johnston, who has taught at CSB and SJU since 1997, specializes in macroeconomics and economic history.

Farrell is economics editor of "Marketplace Money," a nationally syndicated one-hour personal finance show produced by American Public Media. He is also an economics correspondent for "Marketplace," the largest business program in broadcasting and chief economics correspondent for American RadioWorks.

The award-winning journalist and author of two books, Farrell is a graduate of Stanford University and the London School of Economics.

Eichten, an award-winning broadcaster who hosted the "Midday" program on MPR for over 20 years before retiring from that position in January 2012, is a 1969 graduate of SJU. Eichten began his career at MPR as a student announcer at KSJR in Collegeville (MPR's first station).

The event was sponsored by the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement at Saint John's University, serving the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.

To watch the full interview, click here.