McFeely Blog: Republican Clay County President Helped Organize Opposition To Cover Mandate In Moorhead Schools

Lisa Hahn, who interrupted Monday’s meeting by handing out a pledge that she expects every board member to sign by Wednesday, is introducing herself as the founder and coordinator of something called the Clay County Education Task Force. She is the wife of Edwin Hahn, who is the chairman of the Clay County Republican Party according to the group’s Facebook page.

Edwin Hahn is also a former political candidate who ran for the state legislature as a Republican in 2020.

Lisa and Edwin both held up signs at the meeting stating that the masks were the parents’ choice. A photo posted on InForum shows Edwin Hahn, wearing a red shirt, holding a sign saying “Parents’ Choice”.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about a disease; it’s about power, control and money,” said Edwin Hahn, according to InForum’s story about the reunion.

Despite opposition, the district voted to make masks mandatory in all public schools for the 2021-2022 school year.

The motion passed 5-1 with board members Keith Vogt, Kara Gloe, Rachel Stone, Matt Valan and Cassidy Bjorklund voting to impose masks and Melissa Burgard voting against the motion.

A number of things should be emphasized here.

It is not known if the Hahns have children in the Moorhead School District. In a 2019 Q&A forum post featuring city council candidates, under “Family”, Edwin Hahn’s response was “Edwin resides in Moorhead with his wife Lisa and family dog, Farrah”.

A text message to Edwin Hahn was not immediately returned.

In addition to running for city council in 2019, Edwin Hahn ran for the state House of Representatives as a Republican in 2020. He lost to DFLer Heather Keeler, 57% to 43%, but then filed a complaint contesting the election results. He called for a “full forensic audit” of the election.

The lawsuit was dismissed less than two weeks after it was filed.

It also appears that Edwin Hahn used his post as Clay County Republican chairman to spark opposition to a mask term and encourage local Republicans to speak at Monday’s meeting.

So is Edwin getting involved in the local school board strictly for his own political gain? It seems so.

A message sent from the Clay County President’s email address urged local Republicans to prepare a brief speech to deliver at the meeting.

“We ask you and other members of the community to attend this meeting prepared to deliver a 1 to 3 minute speech addressing:

“- How MANDATES masks and / or vaccines harm the development of growing children and youth

“- How health care choices are personal and not public

“- The members of the Council VOTE NO on the RESOLUTION

“- Board members should REVIEW and DELETE all parts of the resolution that prescribe masks or vaccines for any reason.

“- Board members to REVIEW and DELETE all parts of the resolution that mandate OR suggest that students should wear masks if not vaccinated.”

Here is the full email:

From: Clay County President

Date: Aug 2, 2021 at 5:49:54 PM CDT

Subject: Moorhead School Board Special Meeting

Let parents choose

We ask for your help to elevate us and promote the 2021-2022 school board program! We need you to:

1. Email us your comments by 8/21 at 12 noon – indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.

2. Attend a preparatory meeting tonight, August 2, at the Legends Sports Bar, 7-9 p.m.

3. Attend the special board meeting on August 4 at 5 p.m. – MAPS Ops Center

4. Join the conversation after the meeting and engage!

This weekend we were informed of a SPECIAL school board meeting on August 4 at 5:00 PM to address the resolution: SAFE RETURN to Moorhead area public schools to the in-person learning plan.

DOWNLOAD THE AGENDA HERE

We MUST TALK to remind these people that masks and vaccines are a choice. Social pressure and coercion must STOP!

Children should focus on EDUCATION and develop healthy SOCIAL INTERACTIONS without fear of being ostracized because of family health choices.

Our children’s mental health problems are worsening as a direct result of draconian policies.

We ask that you and other members of the community attend this meeting prepared to deliver a 1 to 3 minute speech addressed to:

– How MANDATES masks and / or vaccines harm the development of growing children and youth

– How health care choices are personal and not public

– The members of the board of directors VOTE NO on the RESOLUTION

– Board members should REVIEW and DELETE all parts of the resolution that prescribe masks or vaccines for any reason

– Board members to REVIEW and DELETE all parts of the resolution that mandate OR suggest that students should wear masks if they are not vaccinated

We WILL MEETING at Silver Spike at 7:00 PM for our Education Working Group meeting AFTER the school board meeting.

– Moorhead School Board Meeting – AOT 4, 5:00 p.m. – 1330 30th Ave. S. Moorhead, MN

– Education Working Group Meeting – 4 AOT, 7:00 p.m. – Silver Spike 314 15th St N NE, Dilworth, MN 56529

Thank you for taking a stand for FREEDOM and TRUTH!

Lisa Hahn

Founder & Coordinator

Clay County Education Task Force