Talk The Talk

We Lose

2010-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

Over the last six months Gov. Tim Pawlenty and now the United States Supreme Court has decided that the way states and Federal Campaigns are funded must change.

Since 1990 the citizens of Minnesota had the opportunity to donated to a political party or candidate of there choosing and were eligible to receive a tax refund of fifty dollars for and individual filers or a hundred dollars for couples from the state. With the governor doing away with this program it is projected that the state of Minnesota will save $10 million in each budget cycle or roughly five million a year. This ends up being a drop in the bucket in away to fix this years budget deficit.

In a story on Minnesota public radio last June Common Cause Minnesota's Mike Dean the executive director of the non-partisan watch dog group, said the tax refund has been a valuable way to engage average people in the political process. Dean said he has concerns that big money will have a bigger influence on candidates.

Well it looks like Mr. Dean concerns were valid. On Friday Jan 22, 2010 the United States Supreme Court struck down a major portion of a 2002 campaign finance reform law. What the supreme court has done in this ruling is to open the flood gates of corporations and Labor Unions dollars in future elections. In doing so the balance of power has changed. Candidates will now become beholden to Corporations Lobbyist, special interest groups and Labor Unions to help in finance the political campaigns leaving the common citizens out of the equation.

We will see its effects starting in this upcoming election. More deep pockets outsiders will be using their tact's of mudslinging and dirty politics to the extent of which we have never seen before in an attempt to buy elections.

That leaves you and me the common citizens as the big losers.

It's time to fix the Dam

2009-10-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

The debate over the ownership of the Albert Lea Lake Dam along with fixing and/or replacement of the dam has been going on for far to long. The time has come for the Shell Rock River Watershed and the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners to put this issue to rest. The old Albert Lea lake dam is again leaking and is need of repair. The facts are that even with aerators in Albert Lea Lake this winter, if nothing is done to keep the water in the lake by fixing the dam their will be a major fish kill in Albert Lea Lake and millions of walleyes will be lost. Make know mistake about it, if this allowed happening there will be an economical impact felt on our community.

The time is now for the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners and the Shell Rock River Watershed to sit down with the land owner of the property surrounding the Albert Lea Lake dam and settle this issue. No more games, no more obstructionist tactics. There needs to be straight forward and honest negotiations that lead to an agreement reached with the property owner giving Freeborn County outright ownership of the Albert Lea Lake dam and the right to Freeborn County and the Shell Rock River Watershed employees or representatives to enter and leave the landowners property to be able to inspect and or fix the counties dam or other issues that may arise in regards to water quality, when needed.

The time to either fixed or replaced this dam is here. This issue has gone on for far too long and as I stated before the water needs to be stopped from leaking out of the exciting dam. There is $150,000 in matching funds from the DNR that can be used to fix the dam and we need to take full advantage of these funds while we still can. I would like to ask our leaders who are making these decisions to please put any personal issues aside. There needs to be some give and take on this issue and you need to come up with a compromise soon.

Please don’t allow a winter kill to happen that would result in the lost of millions of good size walleyes? Please tell your County Commissioner and the members of the Shell Rock Watershed Board that the time has come to settle this issue once and for all. Clear up the ownership issue and fix or replace the dam now, so this issue is settled!

Why?

2009-08-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Why is healthcare not a right?

Why is it a right to bare arms yet if you are wounded by a gun you don’t have the right to healthcare to save your life.

Why is it that conservatives fight for the rights of the unborn yet refuse to provide the right of healthcare for that same child after its birth?

Why are we turning our citizens away from taking life saving medications because they do not have the money to pay for their medications?

Why are we forcing our seniors to cut there medications and take half doses because of the high cost of prescription drugs?

Why is socialized healthcare ok for seniors with Medicare and for veterans through the V.A., yet it is not ok to come up with some type of public option for the millions of hard working Americans whose employers do not offer affordable healthcare insurance to their employees?

Why is it we can afford to kill people in foreign wars but we cannot afford to save lives here at home?

Why do we hide our heads in the sands and deny that our healthcare system is broken?

Healthcare

2009-08-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

It seems like one would have to be living under a rock or lost on a deserted island to not have heard all the chatter going on over healthcare right now. To listen to the Right, one would think that the sky is falling. When watching critics of health care reform screaming on the news or reading letters to the editor, one has to wonder:
Why is the health care industry spending more then 1.4 million a day lobbying Congress?
Ethically speaking, how can we accept the fact that nearly 46 million Americans today are living without any type of health insurance, and 25 million more Americans are underinsured?
Why aren’t they outraged by the fact that healthcare premiums have increased by 120% since 1999, yet wages over the same period have only increased by 29%?
Studies conducted at Harvard University found that 50% of bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses. This is something that is undeniable; we all know someone whose quality of life is diminished because they can’t afford the care that saved their life. Why do the critics vehemently support a system that is financial death for so many Americans?
Seniors are encouraged to tell the government to stay out of their healthcare and they are happy with their Medicare plans; but don’t they realize that Medicare is a government run socialized healthcare plan? How loud would the roar be if Medicare was done away with and seniors were force to buy all their health care insurance on the open market?
Critics are using scare tactics and lies and because of that we are lynching our political representatives and not the pharmaceutical and medical industries who are making massive profits. They have figured out how to take advantage of the system and victimize us hard working American Citizens. And now that their easy road to wealth to is in jeopardy they are trying to get us to fight their battles for them. They say that with Medicare part A scheduled to be broke by 2017 we need to oppose reform because the government can’t do anything right. That is a ridiculous logical fallacy fueled by the very people and organizations robbing and draining our bank accounts every day. We need to take action and safeguard the program and stop them from draining the funds through exorbitant and unnecessary fees. Healthcare in this country is broken and reform is necessary.
AARP has brought some issues to the table that I feel need to be addressed in any new healthcare plan. Like, guaranteeing access to affordable coverage for Americans age 50-64. With unemployment hovering at 9.5% and older workers losing their jobs and health insurance along with the sky rocketing cost of COBRA, there needs to be some type of safety net in place.

We need to close the Medicare Part D coverage gap or "doughnut hole." How many of you have been caught in the doughnut hole with your prescription coverage and had to pay for the cost of your medicines out of pocket. Something needs to be done to fix this.
Creating a Medicare-transition benefit helps patients safely return to their homes after hospital stays—thus preventing costly hospital readmissions.
AARP is watching the final bill so that it includes increased federal funding and eligibility for home and community-based services through Medicaid, so older Americans can remain in their homes—thus avoiding expensive nursing homes. I would think every senior would be in favor of having the option of having a PCA come to your home and assist you with tasks, so you can live in your own home for as long as possible. Also, it will be creating more jobs and putting people back to work.
In 45 states across the country, insurance companies have the right to discriminate against a people based on their pre-existing conditions when they try to purchase health insurance directly from insurance companies. They can deny you coverage, charge higher premiums, and/or refuse to cover that particular medical condition. That is an unethical status quo that must change.
Lastly, I would like to ask those who do not like the healthcare bill that is being considered in Congress, why they haven’t stepped up with their own healthcare reform bill. It looks like they want to be obstructionists more than doing what is best for the American people. CNN reports quite regularly on the death threats, mobs, and lies that the critics of health care are supporting. This must stop. The violent seas of this debate are confusing those who need to understand it the most. Let’s stop the fear tactics and use maturity in our debates. Our future depends on you.

Political Contribution Refund program

2009-06-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard the Political Contribution Refund program which as citizens contribute to candidates for state office will end on June 30 as part of Gov. Pawlenty's plans to balance the state budget through unallottment.

Let's face the truth , the 10 million dollars that the state will save over the next two years isn't really going to make a dent in the multi-billion dollar deficit were facing. But what it does is it takes the peoples voice out of our government. Many citizens that now give to political party's or to candidates may now think twice in doing so because the refunds will no longer be coming in the mail. That means that special interest groups with deep pockets will be buying there influence in St. Paul. Is this a good thing for the citizens of our state????

But there may be a challenge to this abuse of power by the Governor.

According to the Mpls Star Tribune, Mike Dean, president of Common Cause Minnesota, said Monday that the group has been talking with lawyers and law professors over whether Pawlenty can make his unallotment "We're very concerned about the abuse of power here," Dean said. "We have consulted legal experts to make sure we're correct, but we think there are grounds. We would engage someone who would be injured -- a legislative candidate -- to file the actual lawsuit."

This abuse of power by Gov. Pawlenty needs to be challenged. The peoples voice needs to be kept in our state government.

Paul Thissen

2009-06-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to chat with Paul Thissen recently who is a candidate for Governor in 2010. After our chat I listen to Paul speak I was impressed to say the least

Here is a person that knows the issues and the hardships facing Minnesotans today

Paul understands that stripping away heath care coverage for the poorest Minnesotans is wrong.

Paul realises that Minnesota is growing older and we must make sure that our parents and older neighbors live independently, with dignity and in their community as long as possible.

Paul will keep our focus on Renewable Energy buy keeping Minnesota a leader in “going green.”

My only advise to Mr Thissen would be that he try and get out in rural Minnesota more and listen to the problems we in rural areas of the state are facing .

Here is a link to his Website

http://paulthissen.com/

Here is a candidate worth watching!!

DARK AGES

2009-05-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Minnesota is a wonderful state to live and raise a family; I am proud to be a Minnesotan. The world knows that the State of Minnesota does the right thing for all of its citizens, especially those facing economic hardship, and citizens with disabilities. Under the leadership of Governor Tim Pawlenty the world will be disappointed in our great state’s moral leadership. The Governor has reached a new low point with his line-item veto of $381 million of General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program in the health and human services bill.
The Governor has killed a program that provides medical care to our poorest Minnesotans, persons with disabilities, and individuals suffering from mental illness. Over 30,000 Minnesotans will be affected by this line-item veto, and in less than a year our Governor will forsake our neighbors, our friends, those we care for, members of our churches, and our communities.
The Democrats in office found a way to keep GAMC for the poor by raising the state income tax for the wealthiest Minnesota by $109.00 a year what that means is that a family earning over $250,000.00 a year would have to pay an extra $2.10 in state income tax every week. $2.10 a week is that too much to ask our wealthiest Minnesotans to pay to make sure that the poorest Minnesotans can receive healthcare services and medications? In these economic times we must ask ourselves, will Governor Pawlenty also forsake us in our greatest time of need?
It is a dark day in Minnesota when the poor and disabled are forced to chose between food and necessary medical visits to their physician. As a result they will only be able to visit the doctor in life or death situations, and sadly by then it will be too late. Who will care for their families then? No one, they will slip into the depths of poverty beyond comprehension. It’s too bad that the Governor feels that the poorest Minnesotans do not deserve to receive preventive healthcare. It is too bad for our state, our community, our churches, and the families that must suffer the consequences of our Governor’s actions.
Are you wondering what is next on the governor’s hit list? History and logic show that it will likely be an all out assault on programs that help care for the elderly such as state funding for Nursing Homes and Group Homes, and on low income individuals and families. Do you have 100% job security? Could you fall in that category someday? State funding for Hospitals has already been talked about that the Albert Lea Medical Center (ALMC) may lose over $4.1 Million in state funding over the next two years. ALMC is an essential part of our community, if that gets hit I doubt that we will be able to recover. How many people do you know that work there? Do you work there? Do you visit a physician there? Are you immune to the ramifications of Governor Pawlenty’s cuts? Please make a stand for what is right and just before it is too late. Stand up for yourself, and stand up for those who cannot defend themselves!
There is no doubt that Tim Pawlenty will leave his mark on the History of Minnesota, and it will be remembered as Minnesota’s DARK AGES.

The Opener

2009-05-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Minnesota Fishing Opener is almost here. I see that the Governor has decided to stay close to home this year and spend the Opener on White Bear Lake which is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Capitol.

So I guess their will be no big kick off in Northern Minnesota for the governor to push the great fishing and pristine lakes up there.

Nor will the Governor be coming to Southern Minnesota to the Shallow fetal lake to push a fishery that is really coming into it own.

So I would like to make a suggestion to the Governor for the 2010 Fishing Opener.

How about coming down to Albert Lea and try fishing Albert Lea Lake?

Here is a little info on this soon to be Walleye destination

ALBERT LEA LAKE

According to Hugh Valiant, the Department of Natural Resources' fisheries supervisor for the southern region that includes this lake, there have been some water-quality issues that have been addressed, and now Albert Lea Lake is drastically improving in that regard. While anglers do like to fish lakes where there is some decent visibility and deeper weed growth, their top priority is whether there are fish to be caught.
"We have been stocking walleyes in Albert Lea, and the numbers couldn't be better," Valiant said. "In our last survey, there were 85 walleyes per gill net. And the fish are in great shape."
Valiant explained that growth rates in the southern Minnesota lakes result in quality fishing.

"The walleyes in these highly fertile lakes grow fast, and they get big," he said. "This lake has never received the fishing pressure it deserves, but once anglers discover there are a lot of walleyes, that will change."
Albert Lea fits the definition of pothole lake. In its 2,600 acres you'll be hard-pressed to find water over 6 feet deep. With no structure to key on, anglers must use search techniques like trolling crankbaits and casting jigs until they connect with a pod of walleyes, then they drop anchor and pitch out the slip-bobbers.

Just think about it,

The Governor could come here and fish for Walleyes and give Albert Lea a little shot in the arm economically speaking. While he's here he could be taken to the site of the Shell Rock River Dam and get a first hand look at just how bad this dam really is.

Do you think something might get done with replacing the Shell Rock Riber Dam if T-Paw were to get involved?

Do you think T-Paw will come and fish Albert Lea Lake?

I doubt it.

The Dam

2009-04-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Will the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners ever get around to replacing this dam at the headwaters on the Shell Rock River?

That is a question that the Citizens of Freeborn County have wanted answered for quite some time now.

The Jugland dam was constructed by Freeborn county in 1922. In 1958 the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution declaring that the County of Freeborn , turn over a portion of State Aid highway 19 which was no longer needed as a public road to C.D. Palmer as a private road. Nowhere in this resolution does it state the the County of Freeborn is also turning over the ownership of the Jugland dam to C.D. Palmer.

What is said about the dam is this:

Reserving however to the County of Freeborn it agents and invitees, the
right to access to, egress and ingress across said premises to and from
the Jugland dam.

So what do these three little words mean access, egress and ingress in the context of the Jugland dam?

Access: a way or means of approach

Egress: Maintenance and workmanship." Means of egress shall be continually maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency.

Ingress: the right to enter.

The county did state that it retained access to go to and from the dam. Also, through the word egress, it has the right to continually maintain free of all obstructions the Shell Rock River dam.

But as early as the 1960's thing started to get heated when the County started decussions on the over hall of the Shell rock river dam.

In an article in the Albert Lea Tribune of Oct 23 2001 it was stated
that:

State statute stipulates that the owner of a dam constructed before
the
state regulation was applied must maintain and operate the dam in a
manner
approved and prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR).
The
state law also demands the state to take over the control of
an abandoned
dam
owned by a private entity.

The county considered either the state or the landowner was to be responsible for the restoration.

But in the state's opinion, the county
retains the possession. A document
issued by State Assistant Attorney General
Matthew B. Seltzer in August
1999 said,
"All of the facts that have been
presented to me indicate
that the dam was
built by a public agency and it
continues to be owned
and controlled by that
public agency."

The county board in October of 2001 asked County Attorney Craig Nelson to conduct a survey to identify the legal owner of the dam and report his finding back to the county board.

Then in the November 11, 2001 story that was printed in the Albert Lea Tribune on the ownership issue of the dam, County attorney Craig Nelson stated:

The document, signed in October 1958 by the chairman of county board, T. C.
Nelson, and County Auditor Robert D. Hanson, says the county would reserve the
right of access to the dam and turn over a portion of old County Road 19 to the
landowner "as a private road or for whatever purposes he chooses that
does not interfere with the operation of the remaining portion of said
County-State Aid Highway No. 19."

County Attorney Craig Nelson added:

"The legal concern is all clear now for the county to start the
project,"

So we have yet to see where it is stated in a government document or in a title or deed of property that the County of Freeborn does not own and does not have control of the Shell rock River dam.

In 2005 funding was attained from the state of Minnesota to go through the Minnesota DNR in the amount of $250,000.00 to go towards replacing the Shell rock river dam.

In January of 2007 in action taken by the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners Stated as reported in the Albert Lea Tribune

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of a partnership between Freeborn County and the Shell Rock River Watershed District to pursue the building of a dam and bridge. The dam will be on the Shell Rock River at Albert Lea Lake and the bridge to be replaced will be for County Road 19 over the river.

Also in the 2007 Department of Natural resources current dam safty program projected proirity needs listed the Shell Rock river Dam at number 6 on the Priorty list of dams in need of replacing and was funded

So one would think that maybe the County Commissioners might now have there ducks in a row right?

Not by a long shot!

So the Shell rock river watershed set out to Negotiate and purchase the property around the old dam to be used to parking and fishing and to put a public fishing peer for the pubic to fish from.

BUT for what ever reasons the owner had at that time decided to sell his property to another individual.

So in August of 2008 the Shell rock River watershed District vote to proceed with the Bridge dam project: in wishfully thinking by the Albert Lea Tribune it was reported that:

The Albert Lea Lake dam project is finally under way.
The Shell Rock River
Watershed District Tuesday morning approved plans for the Albert Lea Lake dam
project — after a discussion lasting longer than an hour.
The vote was 4 to 3

But as you can see by reading link poviided the new owner had different ideas for the Dam area and ownership of the dam.

So on October 7 2008 the Freeborn County Commissioners at that time on a 3 to 2 vote, voted down the Shell Rock watersheds plan to replace this dam with a variable crest dam under neath a new bridge that is going to replace the bridge you see in the background of the picture above.

So to put it Bluntly
what the Freeborn County Commissioners did was in-fact took the replacement of the Shell rock river Dam our of the hands of the Shell rock River Watershed and Bought this issue, meaning that the Freeborn county commissioners will now make the finial decision on when the dam will be built where it will be built, what type of dam will be built, and if the public will have access to the dam and to the shell rock river at the dam site and below the dam site. the decision this board will make will affect the citizens of Freeborn county for the next 100 years

It also came out in the October 7th meeting that two commissioners had been negotiating a deal with the new owner.
From the Albert Lea tribune article that day after the meeting we see this in there store

Petersen then said the public should know the details of the negotiations
going on between the commissioners and Jensen.
Belshan retorted that Petersen
is asking about land negotiations. Mathiason said all the details are not
ready.
Petersen repeated that people should know what’s going on. Belshan
then spilled some details.
“You’re grabbing something in negotiations and
making it public,” he said.
Belshan then said Jensen would donate land to the
county on the west side of the Shell Rock River for public fishing. He said it
could have picnic tables, and people can reach the dam. He said a new dam might
have decks for fishing atop it.
Mathiason added that there would no parking
lot but the county would seek a wider shoulder on the road. Petersen questioned
the safety of roadside parking and the ability for people to use the river as a
public waterway.“It looks like Greg Jensen has made a deal with you that is not
acceptable to the public and the Shell Rock River Watershed District board,” he
said.

Then on October 9th 2008 there was an article printed in the Albert Lea Tribune where the new Owner of the Land around the Shell rock river dam stated his case

Mr Jensen in this article bring up some issues to which I have some questions

Mr Jensen and Mr Belshan when talking about a small bay next to county road 19 stated in this article that:
"the people have riparian rights to the small bay between County 19 and the present dam.
“They cannot remove this waterway,”

Well riparian right do apply and it give access to the public to all the water of the shell rock river
even to waters below the Dam.

My question is the being that the public has riparian rights does not that mean that Mr Jensen would have to give Safe passage around the Shell rock river dam.

Jensen said the dam is part of the road, and so the dam was turned over; the county only has the right to get there

I will repeat myself again, in the 1958 resolution there is no mention of the county handing over ownership of the dam to anyone. Next

Jensen said the state Department of Natural Resources last summer gave him a permit to repair part of the dam. Because he received the permit, the state recognizes his ownership of the dam, he said.

Not so fast below a picture on the shell rock watershed Website it was stated that Part of the Albert Lea Lake dam washed out in 1997 and was repaired by local residents
Here is a link

Did these people claim ownership of the dam then??? No!

then we have Mr Jensen's demands

He said a new dam needs to have a fixed crest

No Parking lot only parking will be on the side of the road

Jensen said he doesn’t owe anyone access beyond the dam and said he plans to put up a fence to keep people from trespassing beyond the dam.
So what are riparian duty's?

It is the duty of the riparian owners to exercise their rights reasonably, so as not to unreasonably interfere with the riparian rights of others [see Petraborg v. Zontelli, 217 Minn. 536, 15 N.W. 2d 174 (1944)]. They cannot dike off anddrain, or fence off, their part of the waterbody [see Johnson v. Seifert, 257 Minn. 159, 100 N.W. 2d 689 (1960)]. It is a public nuisance and a misdemeanor to “interfere with, obstruct, or render dangerous for passage waters used by the
public” [see Public Nuisance Law, Minnesota Statutes 609.74].

Lastly. Belshan and Jensen on Wednesday said the deal is done except for a few last details. that was on October 8 2008

So where is the deal this article was printed on October 9th 2008 and as of April 11 2009 a deal has still not been reached with Mr. Jensen. That is over 6 monthes and still no deal. the Dam is still in dier need of repair and the time line to use the state funding to replace the jugland dam runs out on July 1 2009.

Can you say good bye to $250,000.00 and say hello to higher property taxes to pay for the new dam

How is that saving the Taxpayers Money???

Stimulus

2009-03-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Where will some of the Federal stimulus money be spent here in Freeborn County
The Albert Lea Tribune has this article

Get ready for additional local road construction
Two highway projects in Freeborn County are tentatively scheduled to be constructed in 2009 with federal economic stimulus funds, while one is tentatively scheduled for 2010.
Interstate 90
The first, which involves the bituminous overlay on westbound Interstate 90 from Minnesota Highway 13 to Alden and then unbonded concrete overlay on Interstate 90 eastbound from Alden to Highway 13, would cover 12 miles in each direction.
The improvements would not only benefit people from Freeborn County who drive on I-90, but also motorists passing through, said Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever.
“I think anybody who’s driven that portion of I-90 understands the need that’s out there on that particular stretch,” Kluever said.
Kristine Hernandez, public affairs coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, said the I-90 project was originally scheduled for 2011 but got moved up two years.
While it is under construction, there will be ramp closures at the state Highway 109 and Highway 13 exits, and MnDOT will set up head-to-head traffic in the westbound lanes while contractors work on the eastbound lanes. Then it will switch when crews are working on the westbound lanes.
She estimated the cost for the project at $13.6 million. MnDOT will open bids March 13 with work tentatively scheduled to begin in May.
“That’s the nice thing about this economic recovery package,” Hernandez said. “We have five jobs scheduled on I-90 that wouldn’t have happened this year. It was a good thing because our interstate is more than 50 years old.”
County Road 46
Piggybacking on the I-90 project will tentatively be the overlay of County Road 46 from Lake Chapeau Road in Albert Lea to Freeborn County Road 6, which is 8.7 miles.
Kluever said this is a project Freeborn County Engineer Sue Miller worked diligently to obtain funds for.
“This is a project that needed to be done and probably would have gotten done at some point in time, but now it’s in a more timely fashion,” Kluever said. “It’s a direct big benefit for the residents of Freeborn County.”
Miller said she worked to submit the project starting in mid-December when there was talk of stimulus funds and about standards projects would need to follow to qualify for funds.
She worked to package the county’s project with MnDOT’s project on I-90 to try to save money for both parties, she said.
Bids for the County 46 project are also tentatively scheduled to be opened March 13. Like many county roads, it is considered a state-assist route. If the project comes to fruition, it would be under a MnDOT contract but would be run by Freeborn County. The estimated cost is $4 million.
Miller said obtaining funds for the project would be of great benefit to the county, as the project costs more than one year of the county’s entire construction budget. As a small county, she said, she looks for grants and other opportunities wherever she can.
“We were all very excited we were able to fold our plans in with MnDOT,” she said.
Minnesota Highway 13
Tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2010 is a project on state Highway 13, starting north of Interstate 90 to state Highway 30 near New Richland, Hernandez said.
It will cover almost 15 miles and will include culvert replacement, mill and overlay, turn lanes and guard rail, she said.
The estimated cost is $3.5 million.
Another project that will affect all of the counties in District 6 is the installation and replacement of various guardrails. Hernandez said the project will cover a span of 12 miles and will include 184 guardrails. It may also involve temporary lane closures.
“These are some very worthwhile projects,” state Sen. Dan Sparks said. “It’s even more important than ever to get these contractors to work.”
District 27A Rep. Robin Brown echoed those comments.
“I’m very pleased there will be stimulus money coming to the Albert Lea area,” Brown said. “I look forward to seeing these projects up and running.”
The translation of the project will mean more jobs for contractors and hopefully more for area businesses too, she said.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation Web site, state projects were selected for the economic recovery funds based on the following criteria.
•Project readiness: MnDOT’s top priority is to use the available funds, so it looked for projects that are ready to start, according to the site. A project’s readiness was assessed based on the status of criteria such as environmental review and percent of right of way purchased.
•Consistency with performance-based needs: MnDOT is giving priority to projects with a demonstrated performance need so that it can meet its commitment to make a lasting transportation improvement, the site continued.
•Statewide coverage: Because the intent of the economic stimulus bill is to create jobs statewide, MnDOT wanted to ensure that the program would do just that.
•Balanced program: Using the entire capacity of Minnesota’s highway construction industry.
•Project advancement: For projects to be funded with economic recovery funds, the projects have to be advanced within the State Transportation Improvement Program.
Minnesota is expected to receive more than $596 million for state and local highway and transit projects over the next two years as a result of the federal legislation, according to a news release. About 30 percent of the highway funds are available for local governments, with the remaining 70 percent for MnDOT projects.

I am glad to see this work being done. One project I have not heard about for a while now is the replacement of the dam on Albert Lea lake. this is a project that needs to get done. It might be time for the public to put some pressure on your county commissioners!
Click here for contact info for your commissioner. Please tell him to get this job done !!!!!!!!

Earmarks

2009-03-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

I have been ran over the coals over the years by my Republican friends for promoting legislation that would put people to work.
But it looks like my GOP friends have to mentality of "do as I say and not as I do"
I found this on "The Hill" Website

Some GOP critics love their earmarks
By Alexander Bolton

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and other Republicans are drawing criticism for sponsoring hundreds of millions of earmarks in the $410 billion omnibus that they themselves have blasted as fiscally irresponsible. Vitter is the most obvious target because he holds himself a fiscal conservative, a position that often serves him well. In the midst of a heated debate over earmarks, however, Vitter finds himself ducking charges of hypocrisy
The criticisms undercut the GOP’s weekend effort to frame omnibus as a Democratic Christmas tree. “Even though Vitter has been styling himself as a fiscal conservative he has been more willing to team up with [Democratic Sen. Mary] Landrieu [La.] and belly up to the bar and take more than his fair share of earmarks,” said Steve Ellis, the vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a group that tracks earmarks.Vitter, for example, threatened to hold up Senate action on the omnibus unless Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) promised him a vote on an amendment to eliminate automatic pay increases for lawmakers. “In a lot of ways he’s trying have his cake and eat it too,” said Ellis. “He talks about being fiscal conservative and then brags back home what he was able to deliver to the state.”John Alyosius Farrell, Tip O’Neill’s biographer, singled Vitter out for ridicule on the Thomas Jefferson Street blog. “The self-righteousness among Republicans on the issue of government spending is rank and overwhelming. The GOP is acting as if federal spending is a Democratic monopoly.” The Huffington Post, a liberal-leaning online publication, ran an article discussing Vitter’s earmarks entitled, “Red States Gobble Up Omnibus Earmarks.” This barrage of criticism comes as a surprise considering that Vitter has positioned himself as one of the staunchest fiscal conservatives in the Senate. Vitter, however, defends his actions even while he criticizes the torrid spending pace Congress has set in the last six months.“I have strongly supported fundamental spending reform, including complete openness and transparency and significantly lower budget number,” Vitter told The Hill in a statement. “As I do that, though, I am proud to stand by my specific funding requests for critical transportation, law enforcement and hurricane recovery needs.” “These represent serious Louisiana needs, which have not been met even as Congress has passed trillion dollar spending and bailout bills,” said Vitter.
Vitter, of course, represents New Orleans, which is still recovering from the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina. A study of nearly 9,000 earmarks in the omnibus showed that showed that Vitter is the fifth-biggest recipient of earmarked funds in the Congress.Vitter has sponsored or cosponsored nearly $250 million in earmarks, according to the study by Taxpayers for Common Sense. Two other Republicans topped the list of biggest earmarkers: Sen. Thad Cochran (Miss.), senior Republican on the Appropriations Committee; and Sen. Roger Wicker (Miss). Of the ten lawmakers who sponsored or cosponsored the largest sums of earmarked funds, 6 were Republicans. Several of them, such as Cochran and Sens. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), are members of the Appropriations panel. This has caused grumbling on conservative Websites. A contributor to a discussion forum on conservative television host Sean Hannity’s website lamented that Cochran, Wicker and Vitter were three of the biggest sponsors of earmarks in the omnibus.“So much for GOP fiscal responsibility,” griped the anonymous commentator. "Leading Republicans in the House and Senate pushed for a better solution: a spending freeze that would strip the omnibus bill of all its airdropped earmarks and hold government spending at current levels,” House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), wrote in an opinion editorial published Saturday. “Democratic leaders in both chambers scoffed at this common-sense proposal.” Vitter managed to steer hundreds of millions of dollars to his home state despite not serving on Appropriations by teaming up with a Democrat, Landrieu, his home state colleague. As a member of the Appropriations panel who faced a difficult re-election last year, Landrieu received special consideration from Democratic leaders who ultimately control Congress’s purse strings. Landrieu sponsored more money in earmarks than any Democrat in Congress. Nevertheless, Vitter told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he would vote against the omnibus because it is “just too expensive.”Vitter claimed it is not inconsistent to win money for projects in a bill likely to become law but vote against it because of broad fiscal concerns.

Seems the Republicans have a fondness for earmarks.

Thumbs Up!!

2009-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a buzz in the air these days as the news broke about the possibility of a VA clinic coming to town

The Albert Lea Tribune ran this story

Albert Lea is in the running for VA outpatient clinic

The Albert Lea City Council voiced its unanimous support Monday to have a Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic come to the city.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced it plans to open two new community-based outpatient clinics in Minnesota, one of which is planned for the south central portion of the state. Albert Lea is one of the locations in the running.
Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen said because of the city’s location along Interstate 35 and Interstate 90 — in that it would provide easy access for people in both southern Minnesota and northern Iowa — city staff are supportive of the outpatient clinic coming to Freeborn County.
The city support comes after Freeborn County commissioners voiced their support for the outpatient clinic at their most recent board meeting..... here is a link to story click here

Then in the Sunday Albert Lea Tribune we saw this in there editorial page

Thumbs

UP - To the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Albert Lea would be a great place for a VA outpatient clinic. Not only is our city at the crossroads of I-35 and I-90, it has great support for veterans from strong veterans organizations. And our city has well-supported medical and senior communities and nice places to get exercise. Pick Albert Lea.

We agree Albert Lea would be a great place for a new VA outpatient clinic. This would be a win win for everyone. This would be a desperately need boost to the local economy.

Good Luck Albert Lea I sent my e-mail in support to Rep. Walz I would like to ask everyone to do the same.

The Man

Feel the pain

2009-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Well we see that Governor Tim Pawlenty is at it again . Wanting to balance a project 4.8 billion dollar deficit on the backs of middle and low income Minnesotans.

here is a couple of cuts that Gov. Pawlenty is proposing:

a 10 to 15 percent reduction in projected subsidies known as local government aid to counties, cities and townships

this could mean that Potholes will not get fixed roads might not get plowed or sanded and loss of local services.

In the area of health and human services

84,000 adults will lose their state-subsidized health coverage

cuts millions of dollars in payments to hospitals

Long-term care providers will take a 3 percent rate hit in the governor's budget.

It is interesting that Patti Cullen, President and CEO of Care Providers of Minnesota, said that you can only draw one conclusion after reading the Governor's budget plan.

"Don't be poor and old unless you have loved ones to take care of
you,"

In a recent letter to the editor in the Albert Lea Tribune the writer said
Quote

We need to keep funding programs that helps to keep our elderly out of nursing
homes. It’s far cheaper for the state to provide a couple hours of care for an
elderly living in their own homes than to have to pay the cost of residing in a
nursing home. Likewise, let’s not forget that Human Services provides care for
those with mental illnesses. Without this care, many would be living on the
street — without medicine. Think of the repercussions of cutting Human Services!

MNSCU
The Governor's proposal could mean a $146 million cut in the MnSCU budget over the next two years
This could mean laying off hundreds of employees, cut programs and classes, and close some MnSCU campuses

In the 21 century We need an educated work force This proposal will force colleges to increase tuition cost and will put out of reach a college education for many children from middle and low income families.

Well we at Talk the Talk have a proposal for the Governor to consider. We understand that Governor Pawlenty is a big proponent for pay-for-performance structure known as Q Comp for teachers.

Maybe it's time that Q comp be installed in figuring the salary for the Governor! After six year with Tim Pawlenty in the Governors office and two diferent Billion dollar deficits I propose that the Governor Pawlenty cut his salary by 50%.

It's time that you feel some of the pain that you are willing to inflict on the citizens of Minnesota.

every little bit helps

2009-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

I wish to say thank you to Rep Tim Walz for again giving pack his congressional pay raise. Rep Walz has returned his salary increases to the U.S. Treasury each year since he was first elected in 2006
The Star Tribune story says that

Walz, realized a few thousand dollars wouldn't fix the economy or pay down the country's $10 trillion debt. "But every little bit helps," Walz added "We're all in this together and now is not the time for a pay raise"

Thanks Rep. Walz

It's Possible

2009-01-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

While surfing the web tonight I ran into a nice piece on mnpACT! on the Top 10 Worst Political Persons in Minnesota in 2008

Their's a couple that really caught my eye

#5 Marty Seifert. The golden tongued House minority
leader had some great moments in 2008. He managed his job as obstructionist
quite well and I am sure we can expect more of it in the future. Relishing his
role as Governor Pawlenty's "firewall" in the legislature, Marty got a little
overzealous in control of his troops. The break by the "override six" on the
transportation bill caused one of the more unusual legislative retributions that
anyone can remember. Doling out committee sanctions against those who would dare
break with his wall of obstruction, he managed to fuel a conservative backlash
that savaged these members of his own party. One retired and two others will not
be coming back. In the 2008 election, the House lost two more seats and a
reflective Seifert has said that type of tactic will be dispensed with in the
future. Still, with the Senate in veto-proof DFL control, Rep. Seifert will be
looking for "automaton-like" control of the remainder of his troops. Governor
Pawlenty is counting

With Marty coming back as Minority Leader for the next two years could the House become veto proof in 2011. ?

Then there was #2

2. Tim Pawlenty.
Now how in the world could a governor with a 55+% approval rating be on this
list? Well, let's see. He has overseen Minnesota's worst economic
performance in
recent memory, with thousands of jobs lost. He had a major
bridge fall down on
his watch. He has had 2 commissioners removed, either by
resignation or the
State Senate. The legislative auditor has criticized his JOBZ program. The DNR partied on the
state
dole. An employee in charge of dealing with disasters is AWOL on the
biggest
one. And he will soon be dealing with the largest per capita state deficit in
the nation. Pawlenty
always has a good excuse for all that
negative stuff. It is always somebody or
something else's
fault. From
high taxes to gusset plates to DFL irresponsibilty to local government largesse to an economy out
of his control. Governor Pawlenty has done a "great" job....he just has had
too many others messing it all up. For years we have heard the excuses. And
for
years we have watched Minnesota decline. Pawlenty almost parlayed that "aw shucks" style into
a Vice Presidential bid...but he got outgunned by Sarah Palin. Maybe that speaks
volumes by itself.

Since Tim Pawlenty was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1992 and was chosen House Majority Leader in 1998 the state has gone for having billion dollar surpluses to mufti Billion dollar deficits. The latest could grow to over $6 billion by February forecast. With that kind of leadership could we see the first elected DFL Governor in 20 years in 2010!
Its possible!!!!

Nice work if you can get it

2008-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

I saw this little tidbit on the MPR website. Pawlenty leaves on trade trip to Israel

Here is the story if you missed it.

Minneapolis — Gov. Tim Pawlenty is traveling to Israel today for a four-day trade mission.
Pawlenty is leading a delegation of 37 business executives, community leaders and government officials, with stops planned in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
State officials say 100 Minnesota companies are currently doing business in Israel. During an airport news conference before his departure, Pawlenty said he hopes to expand exports to the Middle East country.
"We want to make sure we open as many doors and as many eyes to future trade and future friendship between Israel and Minnesota, both economically, culturally and otherwise," said Pawlenty.
Pawlenty is leading Minnesota's second trade mission to Israel. Gov. Arne Carlson traveled there in 1993. Israel is Minnesota's 21st largest trading partner.

I just have to wonder How much this trip is going to cost the citizens of Minnesota.

We as a state are looking at a 5.2 Billion Dollar deficit over the next 2 1/2 years. the Governor is talking about unallotment and cutting LGA to cities and counties which will cost the Tax payers more locally. Yet Gov Governor Pawlenty is able to find money to go to Israel with some of his Friends at the Minnesota taxpayers expence during the holiday season?

Give me a break!!!!

Online Classes

2008-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

It isn't very often that I agree with Gov. Pawlenty but here is one issue that it seems we do agree on. According to an MPR article one of Governor Pawlentys goals is to see that 25% of colleges classes be offered online by 2015. I also heard that by 2013 the governor wants to make it mandatory that all high school, students must take one high school class online to graduate.

Here is some of what MPR had to say:

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system hopes to offer a quarter of college credits to students online by the year 2015.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and MnSCU officials say their goal is to modernize how classes are delivered, and to maximize efficiency.
The governor went so far as to say increasing online coursework will be one way of measuring the accountability of colleges in the future.
"as requests come forward for more buildings for example, we're going to say, 'How are you doing on your online goal? And before you talk about adding new buildings, how are you making progress on your online goal?'" said Pawlenty.
About 9 percent of MnSCU credits were delivered to students online during the last academic year, and about one-quarter of MnSCU students took at least one online course....
The Republican governor is pushing online learning at both the high school and college levels.

I believe this is a goal that can be reached.

Minnesota Majority

2008-11-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

I read with interest a news article about a Minnesota group that is upset about Minnesota's same-day voter registration law. It seems that Minnesota Majority doesn't feel that we as citizens of Minnesota should not have the right to register to vote at the polls on election day

According to Twincities.com Minnesota Majority president Jeff Davis says he's not satisfied with county officials' response to his questions about voter records. Davis says he opposes same-day voter registration and wants to require voters to show photo identification before they cast ballots.

Looks like just another right wing group that wants to make it harder for you to vote.

Marty Still at the Helm

2008-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

I see that the House GOP has again elected Marty Seifert as their House Minority Leader for the next two years.
Ya know Marty has done such a wonderful job over the last four years spitting out his Republican rhetoric. I still remember how unwound he became over the gas tax increase that he was striping his own party members from committee post for voting to override Pawlentys veto.
Marty the people have spoken and you just lost two more House seats maybe you might need to take a look at yourself and see if it is you who is out of touch with the voters of Minnesota. With Him At the Helm the DFL could have a veto proof Majority in two years. We might even see our first DFL Governor elected in over twenty years.

Sarah Palin

2008-09-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

So last night was billed as Sarah Palins big coming out party but even thou she gave a good speech She seems to have a little problem with her facts. her is some interesting info from CBS fact checking

Palin on Special Needs Children
Palin said: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House

But the Fact is;
Palin actually slashed funding for schools for special needs children by 62%

Palin on the Bridge to Nowhere:
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves."

The Fact is
the Earmarks for the Bridge to Nowhere were removed before Sarah Palin became governor. and in her campaign for governor when asked;
Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
Palin replied: Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."

I also think it is interesting when Palin says America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it."
But the fact is that the Obama plan is to develop more energy then Sen.John McCain 's plan it's just that Sen. Obama want to increase renewable energy not carbon-based energy.

An interesting side note is if Sen. McCain is so interested in our Energy Crisis why has he missed the last eight votes on renewable energy?

I have to admit that Sarah Palin is bringing back memories of Dan Quayle

Ask Real Questions

2008-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Rep. Tim Walz had a nice editorial in the Albert Lea Tribune today if you missed it here it is

Ignore finger-pointing and ask real questions

If there’s one thing Minnesotans don’t need from their politicians, it’s more finger-pointing and political slogans. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what state Sen. Dick Day gave the readers of the Albert Lea Tribune on Aug. 24.
I ran for Congress in 2006 because I was fed up with the partisan bickering. In Washington, from the farm bill to the G.I. Bill, I have worked with members of both parties to forge common-sense solutions to the problems facing the people of my district. I spend my time back home traveling hundreds of miles across southern Minnesota and talking to folks about their hopes and concerns.
From the economy to energy, I have sponsored good legislation to help middle-class families. My middle-class tax cut will help 61 million Americans. And, I’ve worked with colleagues from both parties on a bipartisan energy bill that increases offshore drilling and uses new royalty payments to finance research and development in clean fuels and speed up our transition to energy independence.
These bills are common-sense solutions to the problems facing ordinary Americans. In fact, Sen. Day himself has said he doesn’t oppose my middle-class tax cut and he’s glad I’m working on the bipartisan energy bill. And groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have endorsed my energy bill, saying it will, “have a meaningful impact on energy prices.”
This campaign season, I encourage you to ignore the political finger-pointing and ask: Which candidates are forging common-sense solutions that work for us? I think you’ll find that on a host of important issues, I’m working for you.
Tim Walz
U.S. representative
First Congressional District
Mankato

Great Job

2008-08-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was talking to some friends the other day and they told me that they had heard that Robin Brown was closing in on having door knocked over 8,000 homes so far this summer.

WOW, GREAT JOB ROBIN

Then I saw this recently on the Albert Lea Tribune Website

Why I plan to vote for Robin Brown this Fall
By Jeshua Erickson

I plan to vote for Robin Brown this Fall. Here's why:

1) She is accessible. If you want to talk to Robin about something, ask her a question or need help solving a problem that involves the Minnesota State Legislature, call Robin. She can help.

2) She values education. Robin is a teacher at Albert Lea High School, so when it comes to knowing how important it is that we support education in Minnesota, Robin has first-hand experience. She uses her experience as a teacher to make education decisions that are right for Minnesota's future.

3) She has foresight. I remember a debate in the last election cycle where Robin was telling members of the audience how important it was that we keep our roads and bridges in good shape. She was emphatic about this long before the I-35W bridge fell in Minneapolis. Robin is a state representative who is proactive, not reactive.

4) She works hard.Robin works hard to earn your vote and she wants to find out what it is that matters most to you. She's personally knocked on door after door after door, wearing her bright yellow blazer on hot summer days just to let you know she cares about each and every person she represents.

Robin, thanks for everything you've done for us so far. Keep up the great work!

I can't agree more
Thanks Robin for listening to my concerns when you were out in my neighborhood this summer
in 90 degree heat.
Keep up the good work

Random Thoughts

2008-07-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

I received a call tonight from a friend of my who was out at the Freeborn County Fair today.
He told me that the Republican booth was lacking their nice big pictures of President George W Bush and VP Dick Cheney. Gee what happened Guys and Gals don't tell me that you want to forget the last 7 years too.

My friend also told me that the Freeborn County GOP was going to give away $20.00 for free gasoline in a drawing on Sunday. So I decided to do the math and when I figured in the price of gas at today's price of 3.59 a gallon the total gas you will win in the drawing is 5.6 gallons. They must figure that they can't afford to five away a full tank because it would cost them to much. So being the conservatives that they are they must of figured that a quarter of a tank was enough.

My friend also said that the Freeborn County DFL was giving away some Tim Walz T-shirts which lasted less then 10 minutes before they were all gone. He also said that the Robin Brown Fans were going like hot cakes. On a day like today I would take a Robin Brown fan over a GOP Sticker any day.

I'm Shocked

2008-07-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

As I was web surfing tonight I noticed that Minnesota 20/20 has done a report on road safety. A survey of Minnesota's County Highway Engineers has brought some interesting facts about the roads and bridges in our state , such as:

Nearly three-quarters of county engineers surveyed say the roads and bridges they maintain have deteriorated in the past decade as costs and traffic demands have risen while state support has stagnated.
The falloff in county road and bridge quality and safety has persisted despite a doubling of local property taxes dedicated to roads and bridges in 10 years, to an estimated $1.6 billion in 2006
4% of county engineers surveyed say they have even returned 20th century paved roads to 19th century style gravel or dirt roads
New state-level road and bridge financing enacted this year over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto will ease the situation somewhat, but "not enough to make a real difference." More than 92 percent of county engineers surveyed said the revenue increases won't allow them to meet their transportation goals.

County engineers that responded to the survey stated in their recommendations that, the state should adopt recommendations of the Minnesota County Engineers Association, particularly:

• Inflation indexing of the gasoline tax, which lost nearly half its buying power in the 20 years between the two most recent increases.
• Authority for counties to levy annual wheelage taxes of up to $20 per vehicle for roads and bridges.
• Some form of road impact fees to defray a fair share of the actual costs of real estate development
and heavier truck traffic on county roads.
• Increased state general obligation bonding to repair or replace aging local bridges.

In a Poll taken of the county engineers when asked what strategies they used to meet road and bridge funding challenges

70% said they had to increase property taxes. But the number that really jumped out at me was that 44% of county engineers stated that that they had cut snowplowing and other maintenance efforts because of lack of funding.

That is not right! We are talking about public safety here, yours , mine, our children and our grandchildren safety. Yes we need to find ways to keep our roads safe but cutting maintenance and snow plowing is NOT the way to go.

Jotting

2008-06-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

I heard Dick Day was in town recently tryng to muster up support from the small business folks. So now that he is out on the campaign trail driving all over the First District one has to wonder if he has finally noticed just how bad the roads are in the state.

Do You Think?
With the July 3rd parade just days away, will the Freeborn County Republican party be welcoming Dick to town with open arms?

Next

While I'm writing about our local republican party, I was checking out their website recently and noticed they have a little write up on Norm Coleman. well since Sen Coleman has been senator for the last 6 years I for one would think that they would be able to spell his name right. So here is a little heads up to my republican friends Norms last name is spelled Coleman not "Colman" hope that helps.

I also notice that Erik Larson said on his website that he give back to the community as a part of the Bayside Skiers water show. Ok so is showing off ones water skiing skills really giving back to the community? I think not.

What has Erik really done for the citizens here? Looks like "Nothing."

Lastly

I have always wondered why the Chamber of Commerce holds the Independence Day parade on the evening of July 3?

By doing so they are excluding the men and women of the community and the area who work the night shift at our local business and factories from taking part in or enjoying this event.

These are young to middle age working class citizens with families, why would we want to exclude these hard working people and their families from attending? The committee that plans this parade need to at least look into planing this event in the future so the working class citizens that work the night shift can also enjoy this wonderful event.

Walz fight for Us

2008-06-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

The high gas prices are inflicting some real pain on the citizens of the first district. Rep. Tim Walz also feels the pain and is doing something about it.

As Minnesotans are preparing their travel plans for the 4th of July, Congressman
Walz took steps today to stop price gouging at the pumps. Walz joined 275
of his colleagues in voting for the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (HR
6346). This legislation will allow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to
investigate and punish individuals and companies taking advantage of American
consumers and will help families and businesses that are struggling with record
gas prices.“Our summer driving season is well underway and hard working families
are paying a heavy price for this Administration’s failure to hold Big Oil
accountable,” said Walz. “In Mankato, gas costs $3.93 a gallon, which is more
than double the cost when Bush took office. Enough is enough.”Walz continued,
“This bill will allow the FTC to investigate and punish those who artificially
inflate the price of gasoline and diesel fuel to greedily make more money. Under
the bill, the Justice Department could impose criminal penalties of up to $150
million on corporations and fines of up to $2 million and jail sentences of up
to 10 years for individuals who are found guilty of gas price gouging

Rep. Walz understands that the high cost of fuel has a ripple effect on us all. Beside costing us more at the pump it also drives up the cost of food, goods and services which in turns takes more money out of the pockets of hard working citizens. It's time to stand up for the citizens that are feeling the pinch.

Thanks Rep Walz

John McCain: Energy and Global Warming

2008-06-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Where does John McCain really stand on the issue of Energy and Global Warming?

On the Environment

In 2007, Mr McCain had a voter rating of 0 of the 15 critical votes taken on the Environment. John McCain missed them all. Mr. McCain only has a lifetime rating of 26% in supporting environmental issues.

Big Oil

It is well known that John McCain is a huge supporter of Big Oil.
Did you know that:

In 2007, John McCain received $291,658.00 from big oil and gas industries.

Sen. McCain was the only senator to miss a vote to end tax breaks for big oil and to invest in clean energy, according to Forbes.com, and would have voted in support of big Oil if he had been there.

Sen. McCain has proposed to cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent. By doing so, he would have lowered Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips taxes by $1.2 billion each in 2007.

Sen. McCain voted against temporarily taxing oil company profits so consumers could receive a tax credit.

Sen. McCain has said that America dependency to foreign oil is a threat to our Security. Yet Sen McCain voted against a plan that would have reduced imports of foreign oil .

Renewable Energy

With wind energy becoming a part of life here, it's interesting to note that in 2002 and again in 2005, Sen. McCain voted 4 times against funding for wind and solar energy He has vote against requiring utilities nationwide to generate 10 percent to 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources.

Sen. McCain wants to greatly increase the use of nuclear energy to solve our energy problem and would cut ethanol subsidies.

It is becoming clear that a President McCain would be another four years of Bush Policies towards the environmental and global warming issues. Can the world really stand four years of John McCain?

I think NOT!

.
.

Have You Heard?

2008-06-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Republican smear machine has been working overtime for a while now on putting out false accusations on the air waves and in cyberspace about Sen. Barack Obama

Like, have you received an e-mail lately telling that Sen. Obama won't pledge allegiance to the flag?

How about the one that says he took the Senate oath of office with his hand on the Qur'an?

Well folks, these rumors are nothing more then lies and mistruths that have been circling around the Internet, spread by the GOP Sleaze machine. Republicans seem to care less if a smear has any truth to it or not.

To think this type of false information is being spread by the Party that says it stands up for family values. I never knew that lying was a positive family value. .

One would think that the religious right would be up in arms over this type of conduct of spreading lies and mistruths, since it is breaking one of the 10 commandments.

Remember number nine?

'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'

Why haven't we heard a word from them over these tactics???

The Obama campaign has started a new website called Fight the Smears. This new site is an effort to fight back against damaging rumors being spread about him.

Check this cite out and find out the truth. Then stop and think for a few minutes, then ask your self,
if all the republicans can do do is spread rumors, lies and mistruths to avoid answering the real issues that is affecting all Americans, how can we really trust them?

Sophomores Take Action

2008-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

I read with interest the article written by guest columnist Abbey Arends about the violence that is being perpetrated on the people of Darfur by its own government that was in the Albert Lea Tribune

It is truly a noble cause theses students have taken by standing up and condemning the genocide that is happening there.

What a great idea Sam Sickels, and her group members had in writing a letter along with sending a petition with 152 signatures to Rep. Tim Walz urging him to spread awareness about the genocide taking place on the Darfurian peoples.

It make me proud to see our young people taking part in such a noble cause. Keep up the good work and let your voices be be heard.

If anyone would like to write Rep Walz on this issue you can e-mail him by clicking on
his name below

Rep. Tim Walz

Unite

2008-06-07T05:11:00.000-07:00

Howard Dean kicked off the State DFL convention yesterday by telling democrats to unite.

"Our goal is to end the Bush presidency and not allow a third term for George W. Bush. Mr. Dean added " We honor John McCain's service to America, but he has served enough,"

Dean went to to say that John McCain is

"badly out of touch with what the American people want"

and added that McCain is

"the wrong choice for America's future

Mr. Dean received a ovation when he said:

"Anybody who believes that the American people want to stay in Iraq for another 100 years under any circumstances is badly out of touch with what the American people want"

in a interesting side note,

58 percent of voters under 30 now identify themselves as Democratic or leaning Democratic.

Mr. Dean wrote wrote in a e-mailing earlier this week that:

As we move toward the general election, the Democratic Party has to be the Party of ordinary Americans, not Washington lobbyists and special interests. So, as of this morning, if you're a federal lobbyist, or if you control political action committee donations, we won't be accepting your contribution

Think the Republicans will join this stance?

Not a chance.

History

2008-06-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have seen many changes in our country over the last fifty years:

Political activists being murdered in the south because for their attempts to register blacks to vote.
The assassinations of a president, a civil rights leader and a candidate running for president.
Men walked on the moon.
Spacecrafts sent to outerspace and Mars
Mars landing and pictures sent back of Mars surface
The end of the cold war
Women running for and being elected to public office
The first black, Barack Obama, claimed the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for President.

Our nation has come a long way in the last fifty years in the quest for equality. But we still have a long way to go - especially with equal rights for women, civil rights, and affordable health care for all Americans.

Gas Tax was Good Move

2008-05-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Albert Lea Tribune has a nice Editorial on its opinion page today on the gas tax

Here is the Editorial

There has been a lot of debate on this opinion page about House District 27A Rep. Robin Brown’s vote for the transportation bill that passed during this year’s legislative session.And debate is good. It is healthy for society and for democracy.But Brown was indeeed right in her support for the gas tax. It wasn’t a Republican vs. Democrat issue so much as a Legislature vs. Gov. Tim Pawlenty issue. However, he does lead the Republican Party in Minnesota, and now many supporters of the gas tax are being chastised, in spite of the fact that many Republicans in this session and previous sessions have favored it.Let’s get one thing straight: Taxes are not responsible for the spike in gasoline prices. In fact, if you repealed the taxes, you wouldn’t get an extra low price. Instead, you’d find the price nearly the same because that is about what the market will bear right now.Furthermore, the 8.5 cents per gallon that will be added to the price of gas by 2013 is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount consumers are sending to the profits of Big Oil. Chump change to fix Minnesota’s roads is not asking all that much.Brown fulfilled her campaign pledge to help Minnesota’s highways. Anyone complaining about how she voted indeed has the free-speech right to speak up, but they definitely can’t say they didn’t see this coming. She lives in the country, and she knew all along the roads in southern Minnesota need serious fixing. Her support of the transportation bill, with its gas tax, will benefit District 27A.

I agree with the Albert Lea Tribune that this was the right vote and thanks to Rep Brown our roads and bridges will be better for it.

Also saw that the Albert Lea City Council Recognized District 27A Rep. Robin Brown and state Sen. Dan Sparks for their work done to help bring to pass the needed funding to complete the North Edgewater Park Landfill Project

Thanks Rep. Brown

Gas Hog??

2008-05-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have had to scratch my head and wonder what was Sen. Dick Day thinking. Now the Associated Press reported yesterday that State Sen. Day held a new conference at the state capitol to tell of his plans to drive a new 2008 Ford Explorer in parades through out the First District this summer. After looking up what a Ford Explorer gets for gas mileage, it becomes obvious that Senator Day will be doing his part in helping the big oil companies keep raking in those huge profits.

Lets Not Forget

2008-05-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

With Memorial Day fast approaching let's not forget to honor our men and woman that have given their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifices are why we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Memorial Day, was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Lets look back at the History of Memorial Day from History.com

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

I would like to leave with this poem written in 1915 by Moina Michael

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Rest In Peace, you have served your country well.

Legislature Finishes on Time

2008-05-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am glad to see that the 2008 Legislature was was able to finish its work on time.
MPR has a story

So lets take a look at some of what was accomplished for the citizens of 27A

Gov. Pawlentys Veto of the Transportation bill was overridden By the House and Senate. By overriding the governor veto we will receive 10 million more in transpiration funding over the next 10 years.
The Edgewater Park Dump site received its funding for its cleaned up. work will start this this summer on a holding cell and on the dump site this fall and the project should be completed by next spring.
Also in this years bonding bill, Manchester will receive $320,000 to go toward a waste water treatment system planned between Albert Lea and Manchester, Myrtle will also receive money for their project , Riverland Community College in Albert Lea will receive $700,000. Of that $200,000 will go toward the first phase of replacing the heating and air conditioning system, and $500,000 will go toward an air handling unit for the welding lab.
Rep. Robin Brown helped craft legislation in school funding that will provide an additional $51 per pupil in 2009. Schools are also offered the flexibility to transfer another $51 per pupil from their capital budget to their general fund to address critical needs
Nursing homes will receive an additional 2 percent cost of living adjustment for 2009,
Increase in LGA Funding
Property Taxes will see a 3.9% levy limit over the next three years, Some may see a tax credit by linking taxes to income.

Here is some of the bills that passes that will affect us. Thanks to Rep. Robin Brown and Sen. Dan Sparks for all of you hard work for the citizens here and keep up the good work

Minimum Wage vetoed

2008-05-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Gov.Tim Pawlenty has turned his back on the working poor by vetoing the minimum wage bill that was passed by the legislature earlier this week . According to MPR

The bill would have raised the lowest hourly wage for workers at large companies by 60 cents to $6.75 in mid-July and another dollar a year later. That's for businesses with annual sales above $625,000. Smaller employers would have to pay at least 50 cents more an hour, or $5.75, starting in July and their minimum wage would go up to $6.75 a year later.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said his concerns were the size of the boost in relation to the federal minimum wage and the lack of a distinct wage for employees who earn tips.

Governor Pawlenty has received some heat over this veto.
An article in the Mpls Star Tribune stated that Worker advocate groups have criticized the veto, saying they had compromised several times to meet Pawlenty's concerns only to have him reject the bill anyway.

"I don't think a total of $8 a week above the federal minimum wage for the rest of this year or $13 a week over the next year is too much to ask," said Kris Jacobs, director of the JOBS NOW Coalition....

With the high prices for gas and food, and heating cost expected to skyrocket this winter it is a shame the our governor would turn his back on the working poor of this state

Palwnty's Flip Flop

2008-05-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was checking out the St. Paul Pioneer Press today and saw that Governor Pawlenty is back to his Flip Flopping ways again.

Talks broke down Tuesday evening between DFL legislative leaders and Gov.
Pawlenty on how to fix a nearly $1 billion budget deficit and provide homeowners some much needed property tax relief.

Of course the Governors spokesman Brain McMlung said "Tonight, the DFL walked away from negotiations," but but added that a deal is still possible

So why did the DFL walk away?

Maybe it could be that the Governor is back to playing games.
According to the Mpls Stat Tribune website:

Their was some speculation Monday night that a deal on the budget might be close. But when everyone returned to the table on Tuesday the governor started to move the negotiators further apart.

The Pioneer Press stated that:

The issue that brought the talks to a close, according to a spokesman from the governor's office and legislative leaders, was a $50 million savings Democrats wanted to use from a health care reserve account.

Democrats said they had thought Pawlenty agreed to use that $50 million to help with the state's budget deficit, and they learned only during the talks Tuesday that Pawlenty wouldn't agree to use that money.

"We are concerned at this point that the governor isn't serious. ... There's that goal post, and the governor is moving the goal post," Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, said.

The story goes on to say that shortly after adjourning the House and Senate for the night, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis. sent a letter to the governor Pawlenty stating;

"Governor, given how we are close to an agreement, we hope you can find a way to work with us to finalize this budget solution,"...

It looks like the DFL is willing to talk some more but time is in the essence. If all Governor Pawlenty wants to do is flip flop on different item and stall for time in the hopes of delaying the Peoples business from get done on time, then the Legislature needs to take care of business and get their bills to his desk in plenty of time, so that any override votes that need to be taken before Mondays adjournment can be taken.

I also saw this little article on the governor that was amusing

Pawlenty As Veeep???

2008-05-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some speculation In the Washington Post and the Mpls Star Tribune that Gov. Tim Pawlenty is at the top of John McCain's short list for his VP running mates. So maybe its time we should look at a few of the things Gov. Pawlenty has done for Minnesota.

Gov Pawlentys on Property Taxes

Their has been an 82% average increase in homeowners' property taxes that's come under Pawlenty's watch and their is a 7.7 percent increase that's forecast for next year

Roads and Bridges

What else need to be said our roads and Bridges are crumbling and it took an override of the Governors veto to get new money into the system. Pawlenty has been asleep at the wheel while our transportation system has fallen apart.

Pawlentys unfair tax cuts

The tax cuts of 1999-2001 produced a fairness gap that favors the rich, and it's growing. The latest calculations say top earners pay about 9 percent of their incomes in state and local taxes, compared with 12.5 percent for middle earners

Pawlenty's JobZ program according to Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal needs fixing

Launched in 2003 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, JOBZ is an economic development initiative that gives tax breaks to business that move to, or are located in, depressed areas. The report, released Friday, said nearly 7 in 10 businesses that have participated in JOBZ would have expanded by roughly the same amount even without subsidies. The program may have hurt competing businesses that aren't subsidized, the study also found.
JOBZ, which was intended to target parts of Minnesota that are economically distressed, has not been reaching important areas in that category...

So if Gov. Pawlenty has done this much damage to Minnesota, just think what he could do to the Federal government.

Nursing Home Debate

2008-05-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Interesing letters to the editor over the last couple of days in the Abert Lea Tribune First we have Miniorty leader Marty Seifert complaining about the Democrats not wanting to help Nursing homes.

Seifert says that over the past year there has been a lot of talk about how nursing homes and continuing! care facilities need more funding. It appears that talk fell on deaf ears from the Democrats in charge of the Minnesota House and Senate.... Marty also says" We should certainly be able to find some dollars in this fund for those who take care of our senior citizens and vulnerable residents."

So what's the Governors plans?
According to the Mankato Free Press

Pawlenty and the House Republican caucus have time and again vowed to protect nursing homes and services for the elderly from budget cuts, (but in the 2008) the governor’s plan calls for halting expected funding from nursing homes and long-term care services. It does this not by outright cuts — although this is debatable — but by delaying minimal increases in funding that were to take place this year. The governor’s plan delays a 2 percent rate increase for long-term care providers to July 1, 2009. That means starting July of this year, providers will have to change their plans, cut their budgets and services to keep their books in the same shape they would be had they received their expected funding....The bill also cuts another $8 million or so by delaying a new payment formula for a year for nursing homes.
in that delay, nursing facilities will lose between a 1.5 percent and 2.7 percent increase they were scheduled to receive this year

Rep Seifert goes on in his letter says tha "Nursing homes and long-care facilities were short-changed during the 2007 legislative session."

Yes Marty' but not by the Democrats!

In 2003 and 2004 their were no funding increases, While Governor Tim Pawlenty and Republicans controled the Minnesota House, then there was less than 2 percent increases in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Last year (2006)the House Democrats proposed a 3% increase in nursing home funding over each of the next 2 years. But the increase was vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty,So Marty who is standing in the way? In fact according to Rep. Paul Thissen when the governor vetoed the final bill, he listed increased funding for nursing homes as one of the specific reasons for his veto. Mr Thissen also goes on to say that the House Democrats have propsed a 2% cost of living increase for 2009.
Here is Rep. Thissen letter to the Editor

Seifert fails to tell truth on nursing home funding

Marty Seifert is not telling the truth on where Democrats stand on the issue of nursing home funding. While I am reluctant to wade into partisan bickering over who is responsible for the money shortfalls facing some nursing homes in our state, I believe it is important for people to know the facts.Nursing home funding challenges did not happen over night. Over the past five years, when Rep. Seifert’s Republican caucus ran the House, funding for nursing homes stagnated. In fact, in 2004-05, the Legislature provided an increase of one-half of 1 percent. In 2006-07, funding was not restored.Last year, the Minnesota House of Representatives proposal increased nursing home funding by 3 percent over each of the next two years. A more than 6 percent increase over two years would have gone a long way to reversing the Republican reductions of the last five years. In addition, money in the original House bill was dedicated to increasing the funding for those nursing homes whose state payments were less than the costs of providing service. Providing more equity for small town nursing homes was at the heart of the proposal.Unfortunately, the House increase was chopped down by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.In fact, when the governor vetoed the final bill, he listed increased funding for nursing homes as one of the specific reasons for his veto.This year, House Democrats have proposed a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for every nursing home in the state for 2009. The contrast with the governor could not be clearer, since he recommended cutting funding for long-term-care facilities, and eliminating the rebasing that was passed last session.Adequate funding for our nursing homes is too important to play politics with. Instead of falsely accusing the Democrats of underfunding nursing homes,

Rep. Seifert It's time to quit playing games>

GOP Throws out Journalist

2008-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just saw this on The Up Take It seems that a Up Take’s video volunteer was booted from the Republican First Congressional convention in Albert Lea.

Kyle Potter, a Volunteer Journalist for The Up Take describes what happened to him.

“A few weeks ago, I got the assignment to go there and I emailed and called
the person who was in charge of the event, the chair person for the first
congressional district, and I got no response. So I figured, OK I’ll just go
down there. I’ll talk to someone at the press credential table and we’ll see
what happens. “I went down. I didn’t see any press credential table so I walked in
and I set up my camera. I filmed for awhile and I was told by the
Sergeant-At-Arms that I have to register my camera. I asked him who to do that
with, and he said that he would talk to the person who I emailed originally.
“The Sergeant-At-Arms comes back and says that I was denied access. And I asked
why and he said there wasn’t any reason given. So I had to leave

If you would like to see video of this and other GOP altercations Click Here

Larsen and the NFIB

2008-05-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Who is Erik Larsen and what do we really know about his employer the National Federation of Independent Business?

The Albert Lea Tribune in a article said that Mr. Larsen was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., grew up living in all corners of the United States and even in Europe . He and his family have lived here since the middle 1980's

When asked about politics Mr. Larsen that;

“I’m very happy to meet people,” Larsen said. “That’s what I do all day long, and that’s what I like doing.”

The Albert Lea Tribune article go on to say that:

Though he never has been involved with politics, he has a long interest in the political realm

Really?

So who is the National Federation of Independent Business?

According to MyBUSINESSMAG.com

The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading advocacy
organization representing small and independent businesses

Then The National Federation of Independent Business says on their website that they are

the leading small business association representing small and independent
businesses. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization

But is the NFIB really a nonpartisan organization?

Not according to CNNMONEY.COM in their article

"Is the NFIB losing its voice?"

CNNMONEY states that:

"the NFIB is a Pro-Republican group that directed 98% of its congressional
campaign contributions during the 2004 election cycle to Republicans."

The Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) stated that:

the organization is one of the most Republican-leaning associations in the
capital...

they also go on to say that:

" NFIB and the Bush administration do walk hand in hand, because we do see eye to eye," says White House SeniorAdviser Karl Rove, a longtime NFIB member..

Also the NFIB website says that Sen. John McCain is to Keynote the NFIB 2008 National Small-Business Summit.

They don't sound nonpartisan to me.

The Candidate Is???

2008-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

So the Freeborn County Republicans last night endorsed Erik Larson to run against Rep. Robin Brown for the District 27A House seat. I'm not surprised, I do feel for Andrew Hanson who was the young man who had the courage to stand up and throw his hat into the ring at their Precinct Caucus back in February. This young man in my opinion receive no respect from the Freeborn County Republican party faithful.

As an outsider looking in I don't feel that Tom Price the teacher from Rose Creek never really stood a chance of getting the nomination either. I have to wonder if he was just a token candidate coming from one of the townships of Mower County. Lets face it, a Mower County resident just isn't going to fit in well in the Freeborn County Republicans "Old Pal's Club".

So why was the FC-GOP Endorsing Convention such a hush hush affair? Where was it held? Why is their no pictures in the Albert Lea Tribune or its website? The Freeborn County Republicans website doesn't even mention this convention on its site, which I think is odd. . It make me think that the FC-GOP Party Bosses dictated that Mr. Larsen is their hand pick candidate. I would be surprised if there was more then 10-12 people at there convention.

Compare that to the Senates District 27 DFL endorsing Convention back in March. where there were over 100 delegates in attendance. I am proud to say that every delegate had the opportunity to give their views to our DFL Candidates on the issues that affect us here. Just go to show you who's the party of the common person.

I notice in the Albert Lea Tribune article a quote by Mr. Larsen .

Mr Larsen said:

Now is where the rubber meets the road

I thought it was funny that he would us that term. After reading how House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Governor Tim Pawlenty feel that Republicans need to always walk in lock step with their views It make me think that Mr Larsen would be the type of representative that will rubber stamp everything that Rep. Seifert and Gov.Pawlenty told him to. Even if it against the interest of the citizens of District 27A.

Marty's Follies

2008-04-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

I see Marty Seifert, is back at it again. The House Minority Leader is still throwing a temper tantrum over the transportation bill that was passed.

Marty had initially wanted to run ads filmed at fuel pump TV monitors at gas stations, But Holiday Gas Stations refused to run any political ads from those monitors. But that is not stopping Rep Seifert from wanting to blame the Democrats in the State Capitol for higher gas prices. Mr. Seifert goes on to say

You pay, they pump. Who's to blame for higher gas prices? It's the Democrats in
the State Capitol

Sorry Marty, I'm not buying it.

With Big Oil bringing in 123 billion in record profits last year. I don't think the 2 cents increase will make that much of a difference considering that big oil has raised the price of gas by 51 cents since the bill was passed in February.

In a story on MPR Freshman Rep. Julie Bunn, DFL-Lake Elmo said she understands that some of her constituents may be concerned about higher fuel prices, but she said the gas tax increase will be dedicated to road and bridge construction projects throughout the state. She said her constituents will benefit from accelerated projects like an added lane on I-494, the reconstruction of the Hastings Bridge and other projects through the added funding.

"We are already seeing the benefits for our area of having broken this logjam
and moving us forward on adequately funding transportation in our state," said Dunn.

Rep Robin Brown stated in a press release that:

Freeborn County will receive an additional $10 million over the next ten
years; Mower County will receive an additional $12.3 million. The city of Albert
Lea will receive just over $2 million. This new funding will not only go a long
way toward fixing area roads and bridges, it will also offer relief for property
owners who have been picking up the tab

Other House DFL staffers said it's unfair for Republicans to blame high gas prices on the recently passed gas tax increase. They say the price of a gallon of gas was $2.96 when the transportation bill passed in February. Now, the price of gas is $3.49 a gallon. They said the gas tax increased two cents a gallon on April first, just a small portion of the jump in the price of gas.

One economist agrees with that assessment.

"The day to day politics have got nothing to do with the price of oil being
at $3 or $3.40," said Jerry Fruin with the University of Minnesota's Department
of Applied Economics.
Fruin said global factors are more at play with the
rising costs. He said China and India's increased demand for oil and a slowdown
in oil production are the main reasons for high gas prices.

"We've seen unprecedented demand and a failure to increase supply to
keep up with it," Fruin said.

Remember this legislation will help stimulate the economy by creating over 30 thousand badly needed jobs over the next five years. Better roads, safer bridges and more jobs sound like the right thing to do in these hard economic times.

Minnesota Healthcare Access Fund

2008-04-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

While checking my e-mail today I thought this was interesting. Minnesota 20/20 is conducting a poll on the Health Care Access fund.

There is the question:

Minnesota's Health Care Access fund (generated by a care providers tax)
expands affordable coverage for uninsured Minnesotans whenever the fund has a
surplus. Given the state budget deficit, there is debate on how to use the
current surplus.

Here are the choices

1. Maintain current service levels in order to plug the budget
deficit

2. Use the health care access fund surplus as it was intended and
expand affordable coverage to uninsured Minnesotans

If you would like to take part in this poll Click Here.

1st District DFL Convention

2008-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting day here Saturday in Albert Lea with the unanimous endorsement of Rep Tim Walz for a second term in the United States House of Representatives.

In a press release, State DFL Chair Brian Melendez Says.

“A veteran, a teacher and a family man, Tim Walz is a terrific representative for the people of
southern Minnesota. With years of service to community, state and country, he
knows what it’s like to live the values of responsibility, accountability and
love of country while meeting the challenges of everyday life.
“Walz also knows how to
fight for southern Minnesota, which his extraordinary work on behalf of the
First District in just the last 15 months demonstrates. He has become a national
leader on behalf of our veterans, is working hard to build stronger economy that
supports middle-class prosperity, and is a relentless watchdog for fiscal
responsibility.
“Tim Walz’s independent Minnesota values, hard work and
exemplary service are why southern Minnesotans can do no better than to put him
back to work serving them for another two years. The DFL Party will do its part
to make sure that Walz returns to the job of fighting for Minnesota
first.”

Our friends at the Bluestem Prairie has this news release from First District Chair Lori Sellner

Today, the 1st Congressional District DFL party endorsed Congressman Tim Walz for re-election to
the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Walz was first elected in 2006 and is up for
re-election in 2008.
"Tim Walz is a breath of fresh air in Minnesota
politics," said 1st CD DFL Chair Lori Sellner. "He is one of our neighbors; a local
teacher and veteran who is working to change Washington. He is fighting for
southern Minnesotans everyday. He is fighting for affordable healthcare and a strong
economy. He is fighting to honor America's contract with the men and women who
have risked life and limb in defense of their country. The 1st CD DFL is excited to re-elect
Tim Walz in
2008!"
"I am grateful for the endorsement of the 1st Congressional District DFL," said
Congressman Walz.
"More and more people are joining my grassroots campaign because of the change
we are making in Washington. As a teacher and a veteran, I know the struggles of
middle class families firsthand and I am fighting to reduce the cost of healthcare and strengthen
our economy. Together, we will build the largest grassroots campaign in the
history of southern Minnesota and take our message directly to the people of the
1st Congressional District."

KaalTV6 and the Albert Lea Tibune also has stories.

Rep. Walz 's wife Gwen gave a great introduction of the Congressman and Congressman Walz gave a rousing speech in accepting the nomination.

Erik Who?

2008-04-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Percentage of Nonelderly Americans Without Health Insurance Coverage, 1987-2006

Erik Larsen has decided to run against Rep Robin Brown if he receives the GOP endorsement .Larson said in the Albert Lea Tribune that “My enemy is not Robin Brown, my enemy is the policies and the politics. So his enemy is the policies and the politics. Sounds like he is getting into the wrong business

Regarding health care Mr Larsen said he does not believe that universal health care — a single-payer government-run health care — is the answer he goes on to state "In the United States everyone has access to health care"

Oh really, according to Cover the Uninsured website

Forty-seven million Americans, including more than
9 million children, are living without health care coverage

the website goes on to state

The problem of the uninsured is continuing to
grow. The federal government estimates that 47 million individuals lacked
health insurance coverage of any kind during 2006. Other research shows that
tens of millions more Americans go without health coverage for shorter
periods of time.

Recent Census Bureau data demonstrate that the
problem of the uninsured continued in 2006. According to figures released in
August 2007,

1. 47 million people -- 15.8 percent of the total U.S.
population -- were uninsured in 2006, up slightly from 15.3 percent in the
previous year.

2. The percentage of the non-elderly population that is
uninsured has climbed steadily from 15.9 percent in 1994 to 17.9 percent in 2006
(with a slight dip of no more than one percentage point around the turn of the
century)

Did you also know that

1. Two thirds of the uninsured are low income -
and eight in ten come from families with full or part time workers.

2. Uninsured workers are more likely to work for
small firms such as agriculture, construction and services were employers do not offer affordable coverage if any coverage at all.

It looks like the Freeborn county Republicans new candidate is out of touch.

Levy Limits: A Phony Solution

2008-04-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is at it again. the Governor is proposing a cap on county and city property taxes instead referred to it as "levy limits"-in a way that will guarantee more county and city budget cuts in the future. So what will happen If the governor has his way? Well we will see reduced police protection, closed libraries, and many more cuts in public services. Minnesota 20/20 has some interesting and factual information

Minnesota 20/20 also has a poll going.

As we've reported before, Minnesota's property taxes have increased by more
than 70 percent in the last six years. This is something that all
Minnesotans agree is a problem that requires a solution.

Click Here to take the poll

Veteran Concerns

2008-04-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

We in the 1st district should be proud to have a congressman who works as hard as Rep Tim Walz does today Kttc and the Mpls Star Tribune have stories

Minn. veterans tell House Speaker Pelosi that too many vets fall through cracks in the system

MINNEAPOLIS - Too many Iraq War veterans are slipping through the cracks and aren't getting the benefits they've earned, veterans told U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday.
At a panel discussion hosted by U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., Pelosi was told that the Minnesota National Guard has done an excellent job of making sure its troops coming home from Iraq get all the health and education benefits they're entitled to.
But participants said too many veterans from the active duty military services don't get those benefits because they return home alone, and nobody makes sure they check the box on their discharge paperwork saying that they want the information to go to the veterans services offices in their home states.
Luke Weinandt of Mankato said he could have been one of those who fell through the cracks.
"I pretty much stayed in my father-in-law's basement for a few months" after getting out of the Army, he said, having no idea what kind of help was out there.
Weinandt told Pelosi he eventually found out and went back to school, but had to take out student loans to pay his tuition because his GI Bill educational benefit payments kept coming late. Some of his fellow veterans just dropped out because the money didn't come on time, he said.
Michael McLaughlin of Mankato, who served with the Marines in Iraq, told Pelosi he was fortunate that he had a father who was a Vietnam veteran and knew the system.
"A lot of our active duty members are left out," McLaughlin said has he sat next to his father, Tom McLaughlin, who lost a leg in Vietnam. "... Ever since I got in the system it's been world class."
Tom McLaughlin, who's now a Blue Earth County commissioner, choked up a little as he told Pelosi that he never imagined 40 years ago that he'd have a son who would also be a combat veteran.
The elder McLaughlin described how he was fortunate to have a high tech, computerized artificial leg, and held up the small battery that powers it. He said the new leg is a big improvement from the prosthetics of years past.
"We need to see that every veteran who suffers this type of injury, as well as other types of injuries that are severe and life-affecting, have this type of technology," he said.
But he added that he had had problems getting benefits, too. While the Department of Veterans Affairs paid in 1984 to remodel his bathroom with handrails so he could get in and out of the tub, he said the VA refused when he moved again in 2003, telling him he was entitled to that benefit only once.
"Oh, my," Pelosi said, as McLaughlin went on to explain that he had to spend $4,000 in his own money to get the work done.
McLaughlin said that needs to change because chances are that a 20- or 21-year-old amputee veteran probably won't stay in the same house for his or her whole life.
"It's shocking to hear all these years later that you only get that benefit once," Pelosi said.
Ken Delano, of Albert Lea, a former military police officer who was injured on duty, was one of several participants who praised the quality of care they get at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center — once they get there.
But Delano told Pelosi he has to drive 100 miles one way, and the milage reimbursement rate was just recently raised to 28.5 cents per mile. He said the VA needs to add more community-based outpatient medical services so that veterans can get their routine care close to home, saving the long trips to Minneapolis for more serious issues.
The California Democrat said she helped last year to get the milage rate raised after it sat at 11 cents for many years. She said she's working to increase that to the 48.5 cents, the standard set by the Internal Revenue Service.
After touring the VA hospital and meeting some patients and their families, Pelosi told reporters that veterans deserve futures worthy of their sacrifices.
"We will take this message back to Washington and we will act upon it,"

Property tax Relief

2008-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Under the Pawlenty Administration local property taxes have went through the roof but now I see that the House democrats have come up with a plan for property tax relief for most Minnesotans here is the story.

House Democrats revive plan for property tax relief

Minnesota Public Radio April 21, 2008

St. Paul, Minn. — Democrats in the Minnesota House have unveiled a plan to provide property tax relief to most homeowners. The revenue-neutral proposal would tie property taxes to homeowners' incomes. That money would be funneled through a new homestead credit refund to those whose property tax burdens are heavier based on their income. Marquart says about 95 percent of homeowners would qualify, but many high-income Minnesotans would be ineligible for a property tax refund. Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, says property taxpayers who've been feeling the most pain would get the most relief, beginning in 2009. Marquart says the state's budget deficit is no reason to wait on a property tax relief plan. "It's more important than ever in this type of down economic times that we look at a system like this based on an ability to pay, and target those homeowners who need it the most," said Marquart. Since no additional revenue is needed, Marquart says he thinks the plan has a good chance of passing yet this session. The House Taxes Committee will hold hearings on the plan in the coming weeks.

Forum Communications also has a story. We will keep an eye on this bill through the end of the session.

The Pump

2008-04-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little surfing on the net today and came across this story on MPR. Seems that the Republican in the Minnesota Legislature are planing to run a campaign blaming the Democrats for the increase in the gas tax. There plan is to buy advertising at locations with gas pump video monitors in an effort to show how upset Minnesotans are.

So I have to wonder:
How many Republicans will be playing to the cameras just to get themselves in these 15 second ads?

We know that the gas price did rise 2 cents on April 1st from the transportation bill go in to effect. Yet the price of gas has went up 27 cents from 3.31.08 price of $3.14 to the average price of regular gas on April 19 of $3.41. So if two cents went for our transportation system where did the other 25 cents a gallon go? You got it, right in the pockets of the Big Oil companies

That right, Exxon Mobil Corp., for one had record profits of $40 billion dollars last year. When you take Exxon Mobile profits and add in the profits of Conoco Phillips, BP America , Chevron and Shell Oil Co, there combined profits were $123 billion dollars in 2007. Yet these same oil company's with huge profit also raking in another $18 billion in government subsidies.

I have to wonder why we hear nothing from House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall about the huge profits of the oil companies? Is it that he is so consumed with the thought of having to pay a few cents extra at the pump for our roads and bridges that the profits of big oil has slipped his mind. or is it that price gouging of consumers is far game in his eyes.

One would think that with one bridge that has collapsed and another that is on the verge of collapse in St. Cloud along with the roads in our state being in poor shape that it was well past time that new monies be invested into our transportation system.

Rep. Seifert If you really want to complain about the high price at the pump, then maybe you should send these clips to the Oil company executive, there the ones raking in the huge profits, and gouging the consumers, or isn't that the Republican way?

JobZ

2008-04-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Albert Lea Tribune came out in support of a new and improved JobZ program tonight in their editorial page

Down to considering the termination of the JOBZ program.The Job Opportunity Building Zone
program has benefited Freeborn County almost more than any other county in the
state of Minnesota. It is a program that has been especially helpful to out state Minnesota.
Now, some legislators from metropolitan Minnesota want it to end. But the metro
area enjoys many perks by simply being large, but the JOBZ incentive helps even
the economic-development field for regional cities such as Albert Lea,
Worthington or St. Cloud.What perks are their for being large? The biggest is
the population to dominate representation in the Legislature, guiding state
dollars toward metro desires. Others include greater federal assistance dollars
and grants, plus greater human resources all around to go after funding sources.
So what harm is there to the metro area in cutting a break to out state Minnesota?
None.We hope what comes out of the discussion is an enhanced, improved JOBZ program.

Then there was this article on the MPR website on JobZ. Here are some highlights

While the battle over the fate of the JOBZ program continues in the Legislature,
participation in the rural economic development program continues to fall
sharply. In 2007, the number of JOBZ projects went down about one-third from the
year before. So far in 2008, participation is off to its slowest start ever.

Worthington, Minn. — JOBZ is the centerpiece of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's rural economic development program. Businesses adding jobs in certain areas get big breaks on corporate, income, sales and other taxes. In JOBZ's first three years, the tax reductions totaled nearly $46 million.
With incentives like that, JOBZ got off to a fast start. About 120 companies signed up the first year, 2004.
Since then, the number of new projects has fallen an average 26 percent a year. That decline accelerated last year.

"I wouldn't describe the whole outlook as bleak," said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, who oversees the program. "But JOBZ needs clarification by the Legislature, and we're working hard to get that."
But right now there's a battle in the Legislature over whether JOBZ will be clarified or canceled. One legislative effort to prop up the program would extend the number of years companies receive tax breaks. Currently, JOBZ benefits are on a sliding scale. Based on JOBZ's 2015 end date, a company signing up this year gets eight years of tax breaks. A business entering the program in 2004 received 12 years of benefits. While some legislators work to revive JOBZ, others want to stop the program. The Senate tax bill contains a provision to end JOBZ. McElroy said some companies are waiting to see what happens in the Legislature before they commit to the program. He said that's part of the reason for a slow 2008. There have been just two JOBZ sign ups so far this year, compared to 17 in the same period last year.

"I'm a little surprised. I hadn't realized it was only two so far," said McElroy. "There are probably 10 more that I know that are in process. But it is not as robust as it would have been in 2006." The slowdown in JOBZ is something Mankato business consultant Ed Tschida has seen first hand. He works mainly with city and county governments on economic development projects, often involving JOBZ. "Certainly, all evidence is that it will continue to decline," said Tschida. "I don't see anything turning that around." Tschida said companies are shying away from the Pawlenty centerpiece for a number of reasons. Some businesses calculate the benefits aren't as rich as expected. Some are concerned that court challenges of JOBZ may prove successful and end the program. Tschida said others complain JOBZ requires them to pay construction wages that are higher than the going rate in the area.

"Having to pay several hundred thousand, or even millions of dollars more, up front was not worth the potential benefit of staying in the program," said Tschida.
Officials with Bedford Technology in Worthington decided against JOBZ for an expansion project when they learned the wage requirement would increase their labor costs 10 percent. Another southwest Minnesota company figured the so-called prevailing wage obligation would increase costs nearly 25 percent. Mankato consultant Ed Tschida said the JOBZ requirements caught some companies by surprise, and their difficulties have slowed participation in the program.
"Businesses that maybe would have rushed into the program a little bit in the past, have found out the program wasn't a good fit. I think maybe we steer some of these businesses away that aren't good fits," said Tschida. "And the cumulative effect of that, I think, has been to see a slowdown in the use of the program."
JOBZ took another blow earlier this year when a Legislative Auditor's report called the program "unfocused." The audit found "significant problems" in administering JOBZ, particularly with the business subsidy agreements. The report said those agreements too often lacked adequate job and wage requirements. As with other JOBZ problems, the Legislative Auditor said it's up to the Legislature to fix the program.

I do see some merit in the JobZ Program in bringing jobs into rural Minnesota. But I would like to know the cost to every taxpayers in freeborn county in bringing these jobZ to our area.

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman attended hearing by the Senate and House Tax Committees on Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ) its interesting to note that Mr. Dorman stated

"Currently in Albert Lea, the JOBZ program has helped create about 600 jobs from a
total of about seven successful projects,

600 hundred job is about the amount of jobs that were lost from the Farmland fire. So I would have to ask are we better off now? Are the wages and benefit packages paid by the company's in the JobZ zones better then what was at the Farmland plant back in 2001?
What I really see is we have a net gain of 0 jobs here. What we have done is replace the Farmland Jobs buy giving 7 company's 8-12 years of free taxes. Or should I say corporate welfare

Hmmm

2008-04-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

After reading the Albert Lea Tribunes editorial yesterday (Pawlenty deserves the real thanks) I had to stop and think for a minute. I remember last May (2007) that Governor Pawlenty Vetoed the bonding bill which had the edgewater project in it. When the bill was revised and sent back for final passage, slowdown tatics were perpertated by the Republicans keep the revised bill from coming to the floor in the final hours of the 2007 session Then when the Governor Pawlenty set his priorities for this years Bonding Bill late last fall the Edgewater project was again left out. So I have to disagree with the Tribune on this issue. Representative Robin Brown and Senator Dan Sparks have worked very hard to see this come to pass and have done a great job. Mayor Randy Erdman and all the local groups do deserve credit credit for a job well done. But the Citizens of Freeborn County really need to be commended. They called, wrote letters sent e-mails in support of this important project. it shows Grass Root politic at its very best Yes, Gov.Pawlenty deserves a thank you for not Line-item vetoing our projects in the bonding bill this year. But if Governor Pawlenty truly deserve the real thanks he should have signed the bill last year before another 1820 gallons of toxic waste would have seeped into our lakes.

Jottings

2008-04-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some interesting things going on in the area. Governor Tim Pawlenty was in town today to ceremoniously sign the bonding bill again. The Albert Lea Tribune has a story.

Then I see that the JobZ program was back on the front burner at the Capitol yesterday with former Rep Dan Dorman testifying. the Albert Lea Tribune and In-Forum have stories.

After reading what the wages being paid in Cass County in the In-Forum article ..
Quote

Gail Leverson, Cass County Economic Development Corporation’s executive
director, gave a list of businesses that have used the JOBZ tax-break program,
including one that produced 52 workers.
“JOBZ was their main motivation to
locate in Cass County,” she said.
Another business has 72 workers, with a
nearly $15 per hour wage average.
A third example was a mental health care
business that pays more than $22 an hour in wages and benefits, which she called
“an exceptionally high wage rate for Cass County.”
Leverson said she doesn’t
seek out just any job when recruiting businesses.
“I look for things that are
year-around jobs,” she said.
Cass County’s unemployment rate is twice the
state’s average and, like most of rural Minnesota, wages are lower than in the
Twin Cities.
Cass County JOBZ jobs are “higher than the average income for
low-income counties,” Leverson said.

I for one have to wonder what the average wages of employees of company's that have the jobZ zone in Albert Lea and Freeborn county area are?

Finally I see that Rep. Tim Walz wants to revamp GI Bill ,MPR has the story

Cuts

2008-04-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

It looks as if all the hard work done by Rep. Robin Brown and Sen. Dan Sparks has paid off. As far as i can tell it looks like all of the local projects in the 2008 bonding bill made it through. There was a nice article in the Albert Lea Tribune today.

In the 2008 bonding bill, Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Monday approved $2.5 million in funding to clean up the North Edgewater Park landfill, though he cut $208 million in other funding requests across the state.“You just have to see the smile on my face right now,” District 27A Rep. Robin Brown said after hearing the news. “This truly was an example of people working together, and I have to thank the community members for being heavily involved. I really consider it a community project. I’m so proud of everyone.”...

Senator Sparks added

It was something we worked hard to get started,” state Sen. Dan Sparks said.
“We pitched in and told everyone that this is a real priority, for not only Albert Lea,
but also Freeborn County.” Sparks said he thinks bonding for Riverland Community College and for the cities of Manchester and Myrtle also received approval.

If anyone is interested here is a link to the projects that were cut from the bill
Projects cut.

Thank you, Rep Brown and Senator Sparks for all your hard work.

Edgewater Update

2008-04-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

It looks as if Governor Pawlenty has come to the realization that we just might be in a recession and has signed the bonding bill. but he did trim 208 million from the bill, bring the total bonding to S717 million dollars. I am glad to see that money for the Edgewater cleanup was left in the finial bill . It is yet unclear if the money's for Riverland Community College and the Manchester and Myrtle projects were included in the bill according to the Albert Lea Tribune.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty approved bonding for the $2.5 million North Edgewater Park
landfill project Monday as part of the $717 million state bonding bill.

There were many of projects that did fall to the governors veto pen. according to the Mpls star Tribune website some were

—$46.7 million for property acquisitions and classroom renovations on Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses.
—$16 million for a loan to the Red Lake school district for a new school.
—$6 million toward sports centers in Moorhead and Rochester.
—$5.5 million to study or plan for passenger rail routes connecting the Twin Cities to Duluth and another to Chicago.
—$5 million for a St. Paul Asian Pacific Cultural Center.
—$3 million toward planning for a Minnesota Orchestra Hall renovation.
—$400,000 for a music lending library in Chatfield

I am a little taken back that the Governor would cut $16 Million in a loan for building a new school in the Red Lake school district. One has to wonder why, since T-Paw would still have been $92 Million under the max that he wanted to bond. this one has me scratching my head.

Brown Solves Problem

2008-04-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

It is refreshing to see that our first term 27A House of Representative Member Robin Brown is more then willing to go the extra mile in helping the citizens in our district.

Here's a Letter to the Editor that was printed in the Albert Lea Tribune on April 6, 2008

In 2006 I sent an e-mail to Victoria Simonsen, “Albert Lea city manager,” regarding the
fact that we were being charged a city tax on our Charter bill, and we did not
live in the city of Albert Lea. She responded the early part of February 2007
and in her response she agreed and said she would notify her financial
department and Charter Communications of this. However, the tax has stayed on
the bill until recently. I also had contacted Charter to no avail.It simply said it was
up to the city officials to tell the company who to tax or not tax.I even wrote
a letter to Mayor Randy Erdman and asked that he mention it at the City
Council meeting. He never responded at all! I had not heard from the city
manager (even though I sent her e-mails regarding this) until she finally
responded on Dec. 27, 2007, stating she had contacted the city attorney to
research this problem. Then she indicated he had reported back to her that he
had researched this and it was legal! I don’t know if he actually did this, but
if he did I am not sure where he got his information as it was also
wrong.Meanwhile, I had been in contact with state Rep. Robin Brown and the state
of Minnesota Department of Taxation and Revenue. She and her staff worked
diligently with me to get this corrected and in January Charter contacted me and
also the state Department of Revenue and Taxation telling me it is not legal for
us to have to pay Albert Lea city tax on our Charter bill! I would like to
publicly thank
Rep. Robin Brown and her staff for all the time and effort spent helping me in
getting this resolved. On my recent bill from Charter not only is the tax off I
was reimbursed for all the charges. I am hoping all the others in my area and
outside the city limits have also had the tax removed and been reimbursed. If not,
contact Robin. She is more than willing to help.
Beth Miller, Albert Lea

Great Job Robin!

Edgewater Park Dump Site

2008-04-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

There was was an interesting view point in the Albert Lea Tribune editorial on April 4,2008. If you missed it.

Editorial: Don’t drop the ball, St. Paul
Friday, April 4, 2008
Republican, Democrat, governor, Legislature, veto or no veto, it doesn’t matter who is right or who is wrong. It doesn’t matter who is playing politics or who is in an election year.What matters is that Minnesota state leaders, from Gov. Tim Pawlenty on down, need to make sure that — if nothing else — pollution gets taken care of. It is flat out wrong that chemicals from the old landfill that is beneath the present North Edgewater Park have been allowed to pollute Fountain Lake for so long without the proper funding to clean it up.Lack of state regulation of landfills allowed the pollution to happen in the first place and the lack of state funding to clean it up has allowed it to persist this long.The levels of pollution are said to be safe for recreation, but it is wrong that there has been a level of pollution in the first place.People swim in this lake, ski in it, fish in it. Your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters use it.The governor and legislators had better remember that. This legislative session should not end without Albert Lea getting a simple $2.5 million cleanup request. Without it, the chemicals will leak for still another year, maybe two, maybe until the end of Pawlenty’s term.

I do agree that this project need to get done now. Our elected official, did a good job making sure it was included the bonding bill that went to the Governor's desk. I for one will be watching to see what happens over the next few days. Stay tuned