It’s almost astonishing when a politician speaks out against the actions of both major parties, using common-sense arguments that for some reason seem to escape the Democrats and Republicans who control our government and politics.

Tim Penny reminded us why he was a good U.S. representative and would have made a good governor in comments to the Mankato Free Press published this week. He pointed out that methods used to patch up the state’s budget deficit may have worked for now, but since much of the solution was achieved through one-time shifts and cuts, the state has not gotten out of the woods yet. And, he noted, the state had to borrow money for road projects for the first time. Going into more debt when there’s already a deficit? For some reason, it takes a Tim Penny to point out that it may not be a good idea.

After fading fast in the last weeks before the gubernatorial election and finishing third, Penny had been quiet about the state’s legislative session until the interview. When he finally did speak out, he illustrated why he could still be a valuable contributor to Minnesota politics.

In the election campaign, Penny made no promises he didn’t think he could keep. He didn’t promise not to raise taxes, nor did he promise to protect government programs. That’s the kind of politician the state needs, but unfortunately, being honest about the state’s problems and the needed solutions doesn’t always get you as many votes as appealing to voters’ personal wants.