Local Republicans to Show Documentary in Woodbury

Looking to spark discussions about the state of education in Minnesota and raise funds for their political party, local Republicans will show the film “Waiting for Superman” at their next meeting.

Joe Salmon, chair of the Senate District 56 Republicans, said the film—a critically acclaimed documentary about the U.S. education system—will provide some context for a panel discussion afterward.

Organizers are hoping to get members of the South Washington County School Board, local lawmakers and others to serve on the panel.

“It’s just doing something a little different from our traditional monthly meeting,” Salmon said.

He said he has yet to see the film and local party officials discussed two other documentaries before settling on “Waiting for Superman,” which is "supposedly the best of the three.”

“It comes highly recommended,” Salmon said. “It’s kind of a tear-jerker.”

Salmon said the event won’t have a conservative bent, noting that “Waiting for Superman," an award-winning movie that outlines failures in the nation’s public schools, has the same director as “An Inconvenient Truth.”

There is no set agenda for the panel discussion and organizers will let the conversation evolve organically, Salmon said.

The event, in lieu of the group’s regular meeting, will begin with a social hour (hors d'oeuvres, cash bar) at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 24. Tickets cost $15 each, or $25 for two. It will be held at , 9555 Wedgewood Drive, in Woodbury.

People can get tickets at the door or call Salmon at 651-248-1831.