Uh oh! It loos like Governor Tim Walz’s COVID-19 lockdown measures have left more than just a bad taste in the mouths of Minnesota’s small business owners. They’ve left a trail of financial devastation that’s harder to swallow than month-old leftovers. Today, we’re diving into the story of a bar owner who’s pointing the finger squarely at Walz for her business’s demise and a whopping $300,000 in legal fees. Buckle up, patriots, because this tale of government overreach and small business struggles is about to make your blood boil.
The Decimation of Local Businesses
Lisa Zarza, a former Minnesota bar owner, has come out swinging against Governor Tim Walz’s pandemic-era lockdowns. Zarza claims these measures “decimated local businesses,” forcing her into bankruptcy and out of the state she once called home. The lockdowns, initially implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, resulted in overwhelming financial losses for many small business owners like Zarza.
Zarza’s story is a textbook example of the devastating impact of prolonged shutdowns on small businesses. After following initial lockdown protocols, she felt that bars and restaurants were unfairly targeted for extended closures. By October 2020, Zarza, along with other bar owners, decided to defy the closure orders. This act of rebellion led to legal threats and a costly lawsuit, ultimately resulting in over $300,000 in legal fees and personal bankruptcy for Zarza.
Minnesota bar owner says ‘evil’ Tim Walz forced her into bankruptcy with COVID closures https://t.co/bnnvW7IPpr pic.twitter.com/c2NF7CkM3N
— New York Post (@nypost) August 11, 2024
A Tale of Two States
Forced to leave Minnesota to legally work, Zarza now commutes two hours daily to her new bar in Wisconsin. In March 2022, she opened the Outpost Bar and Grill in Bay City, Wisconsin, after losing licenses for her Minnesota establishments. The irony? Her new Wisconsin bar is thriving, supported by patrons from both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“They decimated local businesses.” – Lisa Zarza
Zarza’s experience highlights the stark contrast between Minnesota’s heavy-handed approach and the more business-friendly environment in neighboring Wisconsin. While small businesses in Minnesota struggled under prolonged restrictions, larger retailers like Target and Walmart remained open, a point of contention for many small business owners.
The Political Fallout
The impact of Walz’s COVID-19 policies extends beyond just economic consequences. It has soured many Minnesotans’ views of their governor and his political future. Zarza, for instance, expressed strong disapproval of Vice President Kamala Harris selecting Walz for the Democratic ticket, citing her negative experiences under his leadership.
Zarza isn’t alone in her criticism. Greg Urban, another Minnesota business owner, pulled no punches in his assessment of Walz’s handling of the pandemic and its aftermath. Urban called Walz an “evil person” and a “complete dictator,” highlighting the deep-seated resentment many business owners feel towards the governor’s policies.
The Broader Impact
The fallout from Walz’s COVID-19 response wasn’t limited to business closures. His administration’s approach to enforcing stay-at-home orders also raised eyebrows. Eight Minnesotans were charged with violating the order, facing potential jail time and hefty fines. This heavy-handed enforcement strategy drew criticism from civil liberties advocates, including the ACLU of Minnesota. The ACLU’s Teresa Nelson criticized the charges as potentially mean-spirited and harmful to individuals’ housing and employment opportunities.”
As Minnesota continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of its COVID-19 response, stories like Lisa Zarza’s serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of government overreach. While public health concerns were undoubtedly valid, the disproportionate impact on small businesses raises serious questions about the balance between safety measures and economic survival.
In conclusion, as we watch business owners like Zarza flee to greener pastures, one can’t help but wonder: at what point does the cure become worse than the disease? It’s a question that Governor Walz and his supporters will need to answer as they face the judgment of voters who’ve seen their livelihoods decimated by well-intentioned but ultimately destructive policies.
