Ramsey Co. Criticized for Father's Day Cards to 'Deadbeat Dads'

The Ramsey County Attorney sent Father's Day cards as part of a new strategy to reach out to dads who pay child support. But, not everyone is happy about the new plan.

One woman told 5 EYEWITNESS News she was offended by the cards because her ex-husband owes back child support.

Dawn McShane says, and Ramsey County records confirm, her ex-husband, Scott Edwards, owes her more than $63,000. McShane says he has not made a payment to her children in 11 years. When she heard Ramsey County sent him a Father's Day card thanking him for being involved in his children's lives, McShane says she got angry.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi tells 5 EYEWITNESS News, that he is reaching out to dads who pay on time and he is trying to make those who don't pay feel guilty. He says the calls into his office, by 2-1, are positive about the cards and many have expressed thanks for the nice message. Choi says 41 dads contacted his office to update their information, and one father told him he was now working and wanted to make his payments.

Based on the overall response, Choi says he will probably do the same thing next Father's Day. This year, the County Attorney's Office sent out 9,600 cards at a cost of $4,700 to taxpayers.

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