Far-Left Walz Ruined Our Business, Say Ex-Owners!

Minnesota’s Vice Presidential hopeful, Tim Walz, is facing fierce criticism from former small business owners in his state, who claim his strict COVID-19 lockdowns and inaction during the 2020 Minnesota riots have devastated their livelihoods. These business owners argue that Walz’s decisions have left them financially ruined and feeling abandoned during their time of need.

COVID-19 Lockdowns: A Crushing Blow to Small Businesses

Former bar owner Lisa Zarza, who once ran two successful restaurants in Minnesota, is among those who are speaking out against Walz. In an appearance on “Fox & Friends First” on Tuesday, Zarza recounted how the Democratic governor’s strict COVID-19 lockdown measures forced her into bankruptcy. Her defiance of his orders came at a steep price.

“They took my food service license, essentially, and they suspended my food license, and then they revoked my right to have a food license in the state,” Zarza shared, her frustration evident. The revocation of her licenses had a domino effect, resulting in the closure of her businesses. “They revoked my right to have a liquor license in my state for five years, which was later overruled, but I lost two restaurants because of it. I lost two different restaurants because of it, and I was fined over $300,000 for it.”

Despite her setbacks in Minnesota, Zarza has since relocated her business to Wisconsin, where she continues to operate a bar. However, she remains vocal about the danger she believes Walz poses to small businesses like her own.

A Strong Critique of Walz’s Leadership

Zarza didn’t hold back in expressing her disapproval of Walz, describing him as “evil” in a recent interview with the New York Post, a sentiment she reiterated during her appearance on Fox News.

“I definitely think that Tim Walz is evil. He closed down our state not one time, but two times. In November of 2020, he decided that all bars and restaurants in our state needed to close down, and he opened up all big stores… Target, Walmart, Fleet Farm – they were all opened up 100% a week before Black Friday. He was looking out for the big people. He wasn’t looking out for the small businesses of Minnesota,” Zarza asserted.

Zarza’s criticism highlights a common concern among small business owners, who feel that Walz prioritized large corporations over the needs of smaller, locally-owned establishments. “He talks about being so small-minded for small businesses. That’s not who this man is,” she added.

The 2020 Riots: A Time of Chaos and Abandonment

Another former Minnesota business owner, Bill Hupp, also voiced his frustrations with Walz’s leadership during the 2020 riots that ravaged the state. Hupp, whose family-owned business was destroyed by rioters, appeared on “The Big Money Show” to recount the harrowing experience.

“It was a turbulent time…. and we had total lack of leadership beginning with Tim Walz and even the mayor. It was terrible,” Hupp recalled. The chaos that ensued during the riots, coupled with what Hupp describes as a “total lack of leadership,” left him and his family feeling abandoned by those who were supposed to protect them.

Hupp detailed how over 300 rioters “completely surrounded” his business as he, his son, and his son’s friends tried desperately to board up the building before fleeing. The rioters, armed with frozen water bottles and Molotov cocktails, ultimately set the store ablaze, leaving behind nothing but charred brick walls.

A Grim Outlook for Minnesota’s Business Climate

Hupp didn’t mince words when discussing the current state of Minnesota under Walz’s leadership. “It’s like a Third World country. It’s absolutely terrible. The leadership is completely absent,” he stated bluntly.

He also questioned Walz’s qualifications as a leader, particularly highlighting the governor’s military background. “Walz is supposed to be a so-called veteran. That’s not a veteran. Anyone that’s absent without leave there when all the worst times that we needed somebody to help out, he was gone [and] the mayor was gone. Nobody to call.”

A Growing Chorus of Discontent

The stories of Zarza and Hupp underscore a growing dissatisfaction among small business owners in Minnesota. As Tim Walz eyes a potential vice-presidential candidacy, these voices of discontent may prove difficult to ignore. With many feeling that they were left behind during the state’s most challenging moments, the criticism of Walz’s leadership is likely to remain a contentious issue as the political landscape continues to evolve.