Changes to MNDem.com are here. I am migrating the site from Blogger to Wordpress. The official change has already occurred. Besides an updated look, the only real change will be the location. It will still be accessed using www.MNDem.com, but if you access the site using the mndem/blogspot address, it will not take you to the updated site. Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions or questions.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
Take A Leadership Role Rep. Garofalo
I have not written anything about the budget/unallotment fiasco. I figured there are a lot more knowledgeable and qualified voices out there to do a better job than I can, but…
Last week, I received Rep. Pat Garofalo’s “Inside Scoop” email newsletter. The heading of the first paragraph was “LOTS OF FINGER POINTING...VERY LITTLE LEADERSHIP”. Great I thought, a little swipe at Governor Pawlenty. I know you are surprised, but I was disappointed to discover that Rep. Garofalo’s email was not about the Governor’s lack of leadership skills. It was not about how Governor Pawlenty spent five months without providing leadership. It did not mention that the legislature held listening sessions to get input on the expected funding cuts at the beginning of the session, while the governor waited until after the session to ask for suggestions from the public on how to unallot. It did not mention that the DFL leadership significantly compromised and asked for more input from the governor on ways to get an agreement done, while the Governor ignored the legislature and passed the buck in the press. It did not mention that the Governor would rather borrow money on credit to allow for a better leader in the future to solve the problems of today for him.
To Rep. Garofalo, all the leadership problems are on the DFL side. Obviously they did not possess enough leadership skills to recklessly cut spending on education and healthcare more. There definitely was not enough leadership to cut more local funding so that property taxes could be raised a little higher. Maybe they should have worked a little harder to provide some leadership in increasing one of the nation’s already highest average public college tuition costs. There probably should have been more leadership on how to get the tax increase on the rich rebranded to be a fee or some other buzz word to hide that the dear leader might raise taxes.
At least everything is OK now. (That was written sarcastically.) Rep. Garofalo is “thankful” that the governor is going to solve the problem for the leadership challenged legislature. Rep. Garofalo does not understand that a real leader would have engaged the legislature to find a solution instead of waiting for the legislature to solve the problem for him. He does not understand that a leader would be willing to compromise and put aside his own personal ambitions for the good of the state. He does not understand that a true leader thinks of long term growth, not short term results. He does not understand that a real leader would bite the bullet to solve a problem without using gimmicks and wordplay to push that problem off into the future so another leader could solve it.
Last week, I received Rep. Pat Garofalo’s “Inside Scoop” email newsletter. The heading of the first paragraph was “LOTS OF FINGER POINTING...VERY LITTLE LEADERSHIP”. Great I thought, a little swipe at Governor Pawlenty. I know you are surprised, but I was disappointed to discover that Rep. Garofalo’s email was not about the Governor’s lack of leadership skills. It was not about how Governor Pawlenty spent five months without providing leadership. It did not mention that the legislature held listening sessions to get input on the expected funding cuts at the beginning of the session, while the governor waited until after the session to ask for suggestions from the public on how to unallot. It did not mention that the DFL leadership significantly compromised and asked for more input from the governor on ways to get an agreement done, while the Governor ignored the legislature and passed the buck in the press. It did not mention that the Governor would rather borrow money on credit to allow for a better leader in the future to solve the problems of today for him.
To Rep. Garofalo, all the leadership problems are on the DFL side. Obviously they did not possess enough leadership skills to recklessly cut spending on education and healthcare more. There definitely was not enough leadership to cut more local funding so that property taxes could be raised a little higher. Maybe they should have worked a little harder to provide some leadership in increasing one of the nation’s already highest average public college tuition costs. There probably should have been more leadership on how to get the tax increase on the rich rebranded to be a fee or some other buzz word to hide that the dear leader might raise taxes.
At least everything is OK now. (That was written sarcastically.) Rep. Garofalo is “thankful” that the governor is going to solve the problem for the leadership challenged legislature. Rep. Garofalo does not understand that a real leader would have engaged the legislature to find a solution instead of waiting for the legislature to solve the problem for him. He does not understand that a leader would be willing to compromise and put aside his own personal ambitions for the good of the state. He does not understand that a true leader thinks of long term growth, not short term results. He does not understand that a real leader would bite the bullet to solve a problem without using gimmicks and wordplay to push that problem off into the future so another leader could solve it.
The concept of leadership is a hard thing to understand for followers. You know, maybe Rep. Pat Garofalo needs to step up and take the lead. Since he is so thankful that the governor is going to do a better job than the legislature, my idea is that maybe he should cut expenses on his own, and step down from his useless position. We can fill the position in the next election with somebody who wants to do the job, but in the meantime he can save the tax payers a little money. Really, why should we pay his salary if he isn’t needed? Maybe he could recruit Tom Emmer and Mark Buesgens too.
Upcoming Notable Events
DFL CD2 Central Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Jun 9 6:30 p.m.
Savage Library Meeting Room
Savage Library Meeting Room
13090 Alabama Ave S
(next to Savage USPO and City Hall).
mnpACT! Speaker Event: Candidates for Governor in 2010 Series
Friday, Jun 12 7:00 p.m.
Open Circle Church
2400 Highland Drive, Burnsville
An evening with Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner and former State Senator Steve Kelley. Both Susan Gaertner and Steve Kelley will speak and answer questions about their candidacies for Governor of Minnesota and their visions for our state.
I will try to be at both, say hi.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
2010 DFL Gubernatorial Rankings
It is interesting how popular the 2010 gubernatorial race is when you consider we are a year away from a DFL endorsement, and several more months before a primary winner is declared. A testament to the popularity is the poll on the right sidebar of this blog. I have had a few polls up on the blog in the past, and think it was lucky to have double digit responses on one of them. A week into this gubernatorial poll, and there have already been (as of writing this post) over 30 votes.
My poll is a close match to the MN Progressive Project May Power Rankings that were posted today. Dayton and Entenza have a solid lead, and the rest are kind of bunched up. Personally, I agree with the MN Progressive Project rankings. I think Dayton and Entenza are the candidates to beat in the current field, but I think Rybak would move to the top of the list if he entered the race. So I have come up with my own rankings if all potential candidates compete. Not based on my choice, but based on how I think they will do at the caucuses, and ultimately in the endorsement process. I didn’t want to spend a paragraph analyzing each candidate, mainly because I don’t know enough about some of them to do it, but I have included a couple words for what I think are the pros and cons of each candidate:
- Rybak – Pro: Response to Bridge Collapse/T-Paw – Con: His socks/slightly goofy
- Dayton – Pro: Senator – Con: Closing his senate office
- Entenza – Pro: Strong high powered DFL support – Con: United Health Care/ Hatch Spying
- Marty – Pro: Healthcare/Environment – Con: Has shown he can’t win already, 1994 lost by 30 points
- Thissen – Pro: New blood – Con: Who is Paul Thissen?
- Coleman – Pro: Strong campaign staff – Con: The RNC
- Gaertner – Pro: Ramsey County Attorney – Con: The RNC
- Kelliher – Pro: 2007-2008 House Majority Leader – Con: 2009 House Majority Leader
- Bakk – Pro: Seems Tough – Con: Name Recognition Mainly in North
- Kelley – Pro: Old School DFL Name Recognition – Con: Is he becomming a perennial candidate?
Since there is interest, take a minute and check out where the candidates are speaking on their websites. We are getting close to the point where candidates start regularly showing up at meetings.
Upcoming Meetings:
2nd Congressional District Central Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 6:30 pm
Savage Library Meeting Room
13090 Alabama Ave S, Savage
(next to Savage USPO and City Hall)
Senate District 36 Get Together Potluck
followed by the Central Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 16, 2009
Rambling River Center, 413 3rd Street, Farmington.
Potluck starts at 6:00 pm. Anybody interested is welcome.
Friday, May 22, 2009
mnpACT Speaker Event: Mark Dayton - Recap
When Mark Dayton walked into Open Circle Church in Burnsville a couple minutes after 7:00 pm, he walked over to me, reached his hand out, said “hi” and introduced himself as “Mark Dayton.” There were about 20 people there at the time, but the crowd would grow to more than 30 before his presentation was done.
Mark Dayton does not look like the typical candidate. While some candidates wear business shirt and tie, with sleeves rolled up to look casual, Mark Dayton came to a speech wearing tan pants, a short sleeved, mostly purple plaid shirt, that didn’t really fit all that well, and oddly, a royal blue t-shirt underneath it. He looked casual and comfortable, but not that fake casual look politicians like Tim Pawlenty try to pull off to look like a common man.
Despite the non-politician appearance, Sen. Dayton came to speak as part of mnpACT!’s ongoing series featuring candidates for governor. He gave a very good speech, stressing that he knows how government works, doesn’t work, and how it should work. He talked about health care. The day before, he had a root canal, and didn’t find out his insurance wouldn’t cover it until he was at the dentist with a mouth full of Novocain. People find that out all the time with their healthcare. They run up a $30,000 bill for a medical emergency, and don’t find out until after the fact that their insurance won’t cover it. Dayton advocated for single payer healthcare. And stressed how immoral it is to not provide efficient healthcare for people, rather than for healthcare for profits.
Speaking of healthcare, a heavily lobbied for industry in St. Paul, a question came up about the unnaturally high number of lobbyists in Minnesota. Mark Dayton pointed out that after dealing with Washington lobbyists, he would have no problem dealing with them at the Capitol.
Dayton answered questions about is decision to close his office for a time in Washington, discussed ESL ideas, and commented that the wealthiest Minnesotans can afford a tax increase.
In the end, Mark Dayton gave a great presentation. His facial expressions sometimes throw me off, I don’t believe he is, but his eyes and smile sometimes make him seem uncomfortable. I don’t think he is uncomfortable, I just think those are his mannerism, unfortunately, some people find his smile a little creepy or his eyes worried or unsure about things. That isn’t going to change, that is who he is. As I said in a previous post, I really think he cares about people and is interested in people. This appearance didn’t change that. I would have liked him to speak longer in a speech format instead of cutting it short to take questions. As is often the case, I get thrown, and even annoyed by some of the crowd’s ramblings during the question and answer periods at events like this. The energy of a great candidate presentation, often gets bogged down during these parts. I am not saying some great points and questions were not contributed, I just think that period let’s a little air out of the tire.
After staying a little late Mark Dayton rushed out to visit his father who had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day. I made note that he left in a shiny, black Ford Explorer with an E85 sticker on it. Probably not an important detail, but I like to add little things like that.
Mark Dayton’s quote of the night:
“The path this state is on now (under Pawlenty) I might have to move to a nice progressive state like Mississippi to retire.”
The June event will feature Steve Kelley and Susan Gaertner on June 12th at Open Circle Church in Burnsville, 7:00 pm. Check out the mnpACT! Website for more information.
Mark Dayton does not look like the typical candidate. While some candidates wear business shirt and tie, with sleeves rolled up to look casual, Mark Dayton came to a speech wearing tan pants, a short sleeved, mostly purple plaid shirt, that didn’t really fit all that well, and oddly, a royal blue t-shirt underneath it. He looked casual and comfortable, but not that fake casual look politicians like Tim Pawlenty try to pull off to look like a common man.
Despite the non-politician appearance, Sen. Dayton came to speak as part of mnpACT!’s ongoing series featuring candidates for governor. He gave a very good speech, stressing that he knows how government works, doesn’t work, and how it should work. He talked about health care. The day before, he had a root canal, and didn’t find out his insurance wouldn’t cover it until he was at the dentist with a mouth full of Novocain. People find that out all the time with their healthcare. They run up a $30,000 bill for a medical emergency, and don’t find out until after the fact that their insurance won’t cover it. Dayton advocated for single payer healthcare. And stressed how immoral it is to not provide efficient healthcare for people, rather than for healthcare for profits.
Speaking of healthcare, a heavily lobbied for industry in St. Paul, a question came up about the unnaturally high number of lobbyists in Minnesota. Mark Dayton pointed out that after dealing with Washington lobbyists, he would have no problem dealing with them at the Capitol.
Dayton answered questions about is decision to close his office for a time in Washington, discussed ESL ideas, and commented that the wealthiest Minnesotans can afford a tax increase.
In the end, Mark Dayton gave a great presentation. His facial expressions sometimes throw me off, I don’t believe he is, but his eyes and smile sometimes make him seem uncomfortable. I don’t think he is uncomfortable, I just think those are his mannerism, unfortunately, some people find his smile a little creepy or his eyes worried or unsure about things. That isn’t going to change, that is who he is. As I said in a previous post, I really think he cares about people and is interested in people. This appearance didn’t change that. I would have liked him to speak longer in a speech format instead of cutting it short to take questions. As is often the case, I get thrown, and even annoyed by some of the crowd’s ramblings during the question and answer periods at events like this. The energy of a great candidate presentation, often gets bogged down during these parts. I am not saying some great points and questions were not contributed, I just think that period let’s a little air out of the tire.
After staying a little late Mark Dayton rushed out to visit his father who had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day. I made note that he left in a shiny, black Ford Explorer with an E85 sticker on it. Probably not an important detail, but I like to add little things like that.
Mark Dayton’s quote of the night:
“The path this state is on now (under Pawlenty) I might have to move to a nice progressive state like Mississippi to retire.”
The June event will feature Steve Kelley and Susan Gaertner on June 12th at Open Circle Church in Burnsville, 7:00 pm. Check out the mnpACT! Website for more information.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
John Kline Doesn't Shoot Straight
Our fair congressman John Kline participated in the 2009 Congressional Shoot Out last week. The annual Congressional Shoot Out is a sporting clays, skeet and trap shooting contest held in Maryland pitting teams of congressional Democrats versus congressional Republicans. Despite his numerous appearances everywhere recently, I don’t think Dick Cheney was invited. Our do nothing congressman, and his GOP team lost to the Democratic team. Leading the way for the Democrats was western Minnesota (CD7) Congressman Collin Peterson, who won the overall individual shooting competition.
It must be pretty difficult to find a team of Democrats who know how to shoot guns. After all, everybody knows the Democratic Party hates guns. I keep hearing from Republicans how the Democrats are going to take away all our guns and ammunition. Maybe the Dems should run candidates (a la the Republicans) against those gun-toting Democrats. That way we will have candidates who will be true to the Democratic Party Platform of requiring hunters to use rubber bands and paper clips, when negotiation with the hunted animal does not work first.
I joke, but it does not surprise me that John Kline didn’t win anything this year. He has had a really hard time shooting straight recently.
It must be pretty difficult to find a team of Democrats who know how to shoot guns. After all, everybody knows the Democratic Party hates guns. I keep hearing from Republicans how the Democrats are going to take away all our guns and ammunition. Maybe the Dems should run candidates (a la the Republicans) against those gun-toting Democrats. That way we will have candidates who will be true to the Democratic Party Platform of requiring hunters to use rubber bands and paper clips, when negotiation with the hunted animal does not work first.
I joke, but it does not surprise me that John Kline didn’t win anything this year. He has had a really hard time shooting straight recently.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Rep. Pat Garofalo: Keep the government out of my bedroom
Representative Pat Garofalo sends out an email newsletter every now and again called The Inside Scoop. If you live in 36B and do not get it, click to sign up on his legislative page.
His notes generally seem pretty common-sense, even though his voting record may not. Well this week, without really thinking I assume, he veered out of the right lane and off the right wing hypocritical extremist edge.
You might have read in the paper about the legislation he proposed that would prevent law enforcement from forcing internet service providers to block online gambling websites. His reasoning is, and I quote:
“The Department of Public Safety has to have better things to do with their time than to go after a college kid in his dorm room or some guy sitting in his basement spending a couple of hours playing online poker"
Is it just me, or did I miss the part where the Dept. of Public Safety set up a sting to catch the kids playing poker?
It seems pretty easy to me. Gambling in this form is against the law in Minnesota. That’s right, I said against the law. It is against the law to buy pot from Mexico too. Do we just ignore the package coming up from Mexico because even though it is illegal, it is a private package, and anyway, marijuana doesn't really harm anything, why impact the college kids, the government should be going after real drugs like cocaine and crack, right?
Oh yeah, it is ILLEGAL!!!
But what really blows my mind isn't his lack of reasoning regarding his quote, It is a comment in his email newsletter, The Inside Scoop. Rep. Garofalo said:
“Controlling what web sites people visit on their own personal computer is NOT a proper function of government.”
Who cares if it is illegal. I assume it is peachy-keen with Rep. Garofalo for people, as long as they are on their own personal computer, to view child pornography websites. According to that statement, he can’t argue against it. As long as the site is based outside of the U.S., Danish perverts can set up websites of graphic child pornography, and he is fine with it. Don’t cut into the pervert’s personal enjoyment on his home computer. Who cares if it is illegal. Certainly don’t have the ISPs block the sites. After all, people have rights…
His notes generally seem pretty common-sense, even though his voting record may not. Well this week, without really thinking I assume, he veered out of the right lane and off the right wing hypocritical extremist edge.
You might have read in the paper about the legislation he proposed that would prevent law enforcement from forcing internet service providers to block online gambling websites. His reasoning is, and I quote:
“The Department of Public Safety has to have better things to do with their time than to go after a college kid in his dorm room or some guy sitting in his basement spending a couple of hours playing online poker"
Is it just me, or did I miss the part where the Dept. of Public Safety set up a sting to catch the kids playing poker?
It seems pretty easy to me. Gambling in this form is against the law in Minnesota. That’s right, I said against the law. It is against the law to buy pot from Mexico too. Do we just ignore the package coming up from Mexico because even though it is illegal, it is a private package, and anyway, marijuana doesn't really harm anything, why impact the college kids, the government should be going after real drugs like cocaine and crack, right?
Oh yeah, it is ILLEGAL!!!
But what really blows my mind isn't his lack of reasoning regarding his quote, It is a comment in his email newsletter, The Inside Scoop. Rep. Garofalo said:
“Controlling what web sites people visit on their own personal computer is NOT a proper function of government.”
Who cares if it is illegal. I assume it is peachy-keen with Rep. Garofalo for people, as long as they are on their own personal computer, to view child pornography websites. According to that statement, he can’t argue against it. As long as the site is based outside of the U.S., Danish perverts can set up websites of graphic child pornography, and he is fine with it. Don’t cut into the pervert’s personal enjoyment on his home computer. Who cares if it is illegal. Certainly don’t have the ISPs block the sites. After all, people have rights…
Monday, May 04, 2009
mnpACT: Kline's Bottom Line Protection is Corporate, Not Consumer
May 3rd posting on mnpACT by Dave Mindeman
Kline's Bottom Line Protection is Corporate, Not Consumer
Posted: Sunday, 03 May 2009 18:25
by Dave Mindeman
Congressman John Kline says he is concerned about the pocketbooks of the average American family. He says he is worried about those increased expenses that will hit your budget. He talks a good game, but often acts a bad one.
In yet another questionable opinion piece in the Star Tribune, Congressman Kline rails against the proposed cap and trade program...or as he calls it, the "Energy Tax".
A year ago, he says, he was demanding meaningful relief at the gas pumps -- he says that we are still waiting. In the meantime, gas prices have been cut in half...not by a good energy policy, but rather by bad economic policy by the previous administration.
Now, Congressman Kline believes that somehow, "cap and trade" will soon ruin the family budget.... even though he seems to agree that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and move to alternative energies. He even says he is for conservation.... except when actually doing it is proposed.
You have to wonder what kind of "crystal ball" Kline is depending upon for his pronouncements. Which brings us to another Kline vote "for the average family". His vote against the credit card bill. Kline was one of only 70 US House Reps who voted against this bill. A bill that "would restrict credit card practices and eliminate sudden retroactive hikes in interest rates and late fees."
Now, since the economic downturn has forced more and more consumers to "bridge" their budgets with credit cards, why would John Kline side with the banks and credit card lenders? Is that helping the average American's pocketbook? Not a chance.
Kline's solutions always side with corporations....yet, he claims to be looking out for the "average Joe".
There is nothing average about current credit card hikes. But then Kline is more worried about the corporate bottom line then your line of credit.
Kline's Bottom Line Protection is Corporate, Not Consumer
Posted: Sunday, 03 May 2009 18:25
by Dave Mindeman
Congressman John Kline says he is concerned about the pocketbooks of the average American family. He says he is worried about those increased expenses that will hit your budget. He talks a good game, but often acts a bad one.
In yet another questionable opinion piece in the Star Tribune, Congressman Kline rails against the proposed cap and trade program...or as he calls it, the "Energy Tax".
A year ago, he says, he was demanding meaningful relief at the gas pumps -- he says that we are still waiting. In the meantime, gas prices have been cut in half...not by a good energy policy, but rather by bad economic policy by the previous administration.
Now, Congressman Kline believes that somehow, "cap and trade" will soon ruin the family budget.... even though he seems to agree that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and move to alternative energies. He even says he is for conservation.... except when actually doing it is proposed.
You have to wonder what kind of "crystal ball" Kline is depending upon for his pronouncements. Which brings us to another Kline vote "for the average family". His vote against the credit card bill. Kline was one of only 70 US House Reps who voted against this bill. A bill that "would restrict credit card practices and eliminate sudden retroactive hikes in interest rates and late fees."
Now, since the economic downturn has forced more and more consumers to "bridge" their budgets with credit cards, why would John Kline side with the banks and credit card lenders? Is that helping the average American's pocketbook? Not a chance.
Kline's solutions always side with corporations....yet, he claims to be looking out for the "average Joe".
There is nothing average about current credit card hikes. But then Kline is more worried about the corporate bottom line then your line of credit.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The DFL Graylist
I am leaning toward supporting Mark Dayton for governor. That may not sound crazy, unless you are a GOPer, but I probably need to explain why it is a little crazy. I have my own DFL blacklist, and Mark Dayton is on it, or at least was. My blacklist is of DFL candidates I refuse to vote for. In the past, even the recent past, I have professed I would not vote for Dayton, so I may need to eat my words. Minus one, whom I will leave off citing future potential interaction with, and the potential that he could read this, the rest of the list is:
John Marty – I actually can’t recall why he made the list, it happened when he ran for governor in 1994, (I can hold a grudge) but he reinforced his place by a particularly whiney outburst regarding the Twins stadium a while back. I do appreciate his work on health care and environmental issues, but I think he comes off as whiney and wimpy. To me he is not cut out to be a candidate for statewide office.
Sandy Pappas – In June 1999, Sandy Pappas was on Almanac defending Sara Jane Olson (Kathleen Soliah). Olson had been a fugitive on the run from the FBI accused of attempting to kill police officers with pipe bombs a couple decades earlier. Pappas felt that Olson had rehabilitated herself, after all, she was a wonderful actress, mother, and Pappas even mentioned a gourmet cook. Absurd! Olson is a criminal! Blacklist!
Skip Humphrey – I just didn’t trust him. I mentioned I can hold a grudge right? Did I tell you it can be a baseless grudge?
Then there is Mark Dayton. In 1998, Mark Dayton ran for governor. He did not do very well in the DFL primary, against fellow blacklister Skip Humphrey. At the time, Dayton was not on the blacklist. Then in 2000, there seemed to be a lack of recognizable candidates to run against Rod Grams for Senate, so at the last minute, Dayton threw his hat in the ring. Outspending his opponents, he went on to win the primary and the senate election. I felt like he just wanted to be elected, and was a bit of an opportunist. I didn’t like it. He supported great things, but didn’t seem to lead on anything, although he was overshadowed by Paul Wellstone. Then in 2004, he became “crazy.” Fearing a terrorist attack, he closed his capitol office. It wasn’t that he closed his office, but he had such a hard time communicating his reasons in a reasonable way. I think his reasons were legitimate, but his inability to communicate, allowing the whole “crazy” episode to get out of hand convinced me he was not suited to office.
So why am I taking him off the list? There are a couple reasons. The first being a pragmatic reason. Although I like Paul Thissen, the odds on favorites based on name and money are Dayton and Entenza. If it came down to Dayton and Entenza, I would lean toward Dayton fairly heavily. I think John Marty and Steve Kelley have proven they cannot win, so I can’t imagine DFLers giving them another chance. I think Bakk, Thissen and Gaertner just don’t have the statewide recognition to compete with Dayton and Entenza, or Marty and Kelley for that matter. Secondly, I think Mark Dayton really does care. There are plenty of candidates who are candidates for personal reasons, maybe I should say egotistical reasons. I don’t think that is the case with Dayton. I’m sure he does have a certain personality that is required to want this sort of job, but I don’t think he makes decisions or acts on issues for prestige or to get re-elected. He is casual, fishes, wears wrinkly pants sometimes, no tie, he is really down to earth. The more I read from and about the candidates, the more I like him. It does bother me a little that he isn’t a great communicator, but I think I can live with that. I am not saying he can beat Pawlenty, or even Laura Brod, but I didn't think he could beat Rod Grams either. Of the candidates in so far, he is near the top of my list.
Maybe I should call it a graylist…
John Marty – I actually can’t recall why he made the list, it happened when he ran for governor in 1994, (I can hold a grudge) but he reinforced his place by a particularly whiney outburst regarding the Twins stadium a while back. I do appreciate his work on health care and environmental issues, but I think he comes off as whiney and wimpy. To me he is not cut out to be a candidate for statewide office.
Sandy Pappas – In June 1999, Sandy Pappas was on Almanac defending Sara Jane Olson (Kathleen Soliah). Olson had been a fugitive on the run from the FBI accused of attempting to kill police officers with pipe bombs a couple decades earlier. Pappas felt that Olson had rehabilitated herself, after all, she was a wonderful actress, mother, and Pappas even mentioned a gourmet cook. Absurd! Olson is a criminal! Blacklist!
Skip Humphrey – I just didn’t trust him. I mentioned I can hold a grudge right? Did I tell you it can be a baseless grudge?
Then there is Mark Dayton. In 1998, Mark Dayton ran for governor. He did not do very well in the DFL primary, against fellow blacklister Skip Humphrey. At the time, Dayton was not on the blacklist. Then in 2000, there seemed to be a lack of recognizable candidates to run against Rod Grams for Senate, so at the last minute, Dayton threw his hat in the ring. Outspending his opponents, he went on to win the primary and the senate election. I felt like he just wanted to be elected, and was a bit of an opportunist. I didn’t like it. He supported great things, but didn’t seem to lead on anything, although he was overshadowed by Paul Wellstone. Then in 2004, he became “crazy.” Fearing a terrorist attack, he closed his capitol office. It wasn’t that he closed his office, but he had such a hard time communicating his reasons in a reasonable way. I think his reasons were legitimate, but his inability to communicate, allowing the whole “crazy” episode to get out of hand convinced me he was not suited to office.
So why am I taking him off the list? There are a couple reasons. The first being a pragmatic reason. Although I like Paul Thissen, the odds on favorites based on name and money are Dayton and Entenza. If it came down to Dayton and Entenza, I would lean toward Dayton fairly heavily. I think John Marty and Steve Kelley have proven they cannot win, so I can’t imagine DFLers giving them another chance. I think Bakk, Thissen and Gaertner just don’t have the statewide recognition to compete with Dayton and Entenza, or Marty and Kelley for that matter. Secondly, I think Mark Dayton really does care. There are plenty of candidates who are candidates for personal reasons, maybe I should say egotistical reasons. I don’t think that is the case with Dayton. I’m sure he does have a certain personality that is required to want this sort of job, but I don’t think he makes decisions or acts on issues for prestige or to get re-elected. He is casual, fishes, wears wrinkly pants sometimes, no tie, he is really down to earth. The more I read from and about the candidates, the more I like him. It does bother me a little that he isn’t a great communicator, but I think I can live with that. I am not saying he can beat Pawlenty, or even Laura Brod, but I didn't think he could beat Rod Grams either. Of the candidates in so far, he is near the top of my list.
Maybe I should call it a graylist…
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Grandstanding On The School Board?
I finally watched the April 13th Farmington School Board meeting. Member Tim Burke has more than three-and-a-half years left in his term, and I am already sick of him. I understand what his goals are, but I think he is being overbearing, and his tone seems a little whiney. (Whiney really bugs me.) I’ve heard the adjective “grandstander” thrown out to describe him. Maybe. He is certainly prepared for the meetings, and he defiantly understands Robert’s Rules, but he doesn’t seem to always understand the consequences of his policy proposals. Is that grandstanding? He obviously wants to cut spending, and he wants faster and more detailed district action, but at what cost? He acts concerned about the taxpayers in one instance, while turning around and proposing a policy (he only seems to care about) that would create more work for the school district staff. I might be wrong, but more work for little reason seems like a waste of tax payer dollars. Could be grandstanding…
I guess those of us who want school board members that promote education, rather than quibble about little board policy issues constantly, can only he hope he decides to quit like he did with the planning commission.
The next Farmington School Board Meeting is Monday April 27th at 5:00 in the Farmington High School Little Theater. Of course they can all be viewed online at the ISD192 website.
I guess those of us who want school board members that promote education, rather than quibble about little board policy issues constantly, can only he hope he decides to quit like he did with the planning commission.
The next Farmington School Board Meeting is Monday April 27th at 5:00 in the Farmington High School Little Theater. Of course they can all be viewed online at the ISD192 website.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Who Needs State Hatcheries?
Did anybody else see the State is considering closing the State Muskie and Walleye hatcheries? In general I dislike it when we contemplate the idea that private industry can do something better than the government simply because it is private industry. Profits and reduced expenses are fine, but not when it comes to my health, wellbeing or safety. But tiger muskie fingerlings have nothing to do with any of that, so go ahead and make it a state contract. I of course do feel that Walleye are good for our community and our wellbeing, in fact I hope to catch a couple next month, to make them good, you know, good as in dredged in flour and crushed potato chips, then fried to a golden, good, brown. So go ahead and shut down the state hatchery, just don’t turn around, show me the success and money savings of fish hatcheries, and tell me we can do the same thing with healthcare, fire departments and environmental protection.
Friday, April 03, 2009
More Phy Ed
I recently read an editorial in the Rochester Post Bulletin about a bill authored by Rep. Kim Norton of Rochester. The bill would require high school students to take one semester of Physical Education. I was shocked that kids don’t need to take Phy Ed in high school. I’m in my late 30’s, and I thought it was odd that when I was in high school we only took one semester of Phy Ed in our second year of high school.
My two older sons attended North Trail Elementary School in Farmington. North Trail students have Phy Ed everyday. It is my understanding that North Trail is the only elementary school in the district to have daily Phy Ed. North Trail Elementary School also has the highest test scores in the district in Math, Science and Writing according to the Department of Education.
Is it odd to think there is a correlation? A 2006 Michigan State University Study published in the August issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that students who took part in more vigorous physical activities did approximately 10 percent better in core classes such as Math, Science, English and Social Studies. Obviously, as an accountant, I am by no means an expert, but it makes sense that kids who get to exert some energy during the day have minds cleared and ready to learn. Representative Pat Garofalo supports this bill for the state, but I urge the school district, dealing with two middle schools and a high school that are not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress according to the Minnesota Department of Education Report Cards to consider following North Trail’s example, by making daily gym a requirement. I don’t think it is absurd to consider that for the middle schools either. I hope others will commend Representative Garofalo for his support of the bill, and even urge him to expand the bill to include more Phy Ed in school. I also hope others will join me in urging the school district to expand Phy Ed in our schools.
This is the response I got when I emailed Rep. Garofalo:
Thanks for the email Steve. I am a supporter of this bill and havevoted for it in the past. I will be voting for it again this session. You can count on my support for this. Thanks!
Rep. Pat Garofalo
District 36B
221 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-1069
1-888-667-3337
Saturday, March 28, 2009
John Kline in the news?
I keep fairly current with political news, and it just occurred to me that I hardly ever read anything about John Kline. I sure see and hear a lot (even in CD2) about Michelle Bachmann, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz and James Oberstar. I occasionally read about Betty McCollum, and recently more about Erik Paulsen, but I seldom see anything about John Kline. We all know he tries to avoid his constituents, at least constituents who do not agree with him. When I hear he attended an event in the district, it is usually after the event happened, and unlike congress members like Tim Walz and Keith Ellison who have upcoming events listed right on their website, John Kline tries to maintain his distance from “the rabble.” I think I posted this a couple years ago that I called John Kline’s office and asked what Congressman Kline’s campaign schedule was so I could try to attend an event he would be at, and maybe even ask him a question. I was told there was a calendar listed on his website, and when I said I was looking on his website, and couldn’t find anything, she said it was on the website, thanked me and took another call. For the record, there was nothing on either his campaign website or his congressional website.
Anyway, I have realized that is his goal. He hardly ever misses a vote, I think he missed his first vote last year, pretty good considering he is now in his forth term, but that means he is not back here ever. He likes Washington, and wants to stay there. He doesn’t want to help his district, he became against earmarks when the Democrats took control of the house, right when the district needed money for the Hastings bridge. So if he stays out of the news, votes on everything, following the party line, he can come back here a couple weekends a year and say: “I never miss a vote. Ronald Reagan. I am against earmarks. I carried the ‘nuclear football.’ Conservative values. I’m a veteran.” He will get elected in a conservative district, and nobody will really know what he does. Brilliant!
Two after-notes, one negative, and one partially positive, a little: 1) John Kline’s voting record is so contrary to my viewpoint, both in his unwillingness to vote for what is good for Minnesota and CD2, and his over-the-top, practically fundamentalist voting record going along with his party, that it makes it hard for me to look at anything he does objectively, when it is so important to me for people to have independence, and common-sense thinking apart from the maddening crowd, or maddening splinter group. 2) John Kline has done some really great things for individuals in our district, getting visas approved that had been denied by homeland security, helping causes and aiding individuals with illnesses, but I wish I did not feel so cynical about him, and maybe it is really a couple of members of his staff I have interacted with, that I feel like they have some kind of a blacklist of DFL voters that they scan before the offer any assistance. I mean is it really that hard to believe there are lists like that?
Anyway, I have realized that is his goal. He hardly ever misses a vote, I think he missed his first vote last year, pretty good considering he is now in his forth term, but that means he is not back here ever. He likes Washington, and wants to stay there. He doesn’t want to help his district, he became against earmarks when the Democrats took control of the house, right when the district needed money for the Hastings bridge. So if he stays out of the news, votes on everything, following the party line, he can come back here a couple weekends a year and say: “I never miss a vote. Ronald Reagan. I am against earmarks. I carried the ‘nuclear football.’ Conservative values. I’m a veteran.” He will get elected in a conservative district, and nobody will really know what he does. Brilliant!
Two after-notes, one negative, and one partially positive, a little: 1) John Kline’s voting record is so contrary to my viewpoint, both in his unwillingness to vote for what is good for Minnesota and CD2, and his over-the-top, practically fundamentalist voting record going along with his party, that it makes it hard for me to look at anything he does objectively, when it is so important to me for people to have independence, and common-sense thinking apart from the maddening crowd, or maddening splinter group. 2) John Kline has done some really great things for individuals in our district, getting visas approved that had been denied by homeland security, helping causes and aiding individuals with illnesses, but I wish I did not feel so cynical about him, and maybe it is really a couple of members of his staff I have interacted with, that I feel like they have some kind of a blacklist of DFL voters that they scan before the offer any assistance. I mean is it really that hard to believe there are lists like that?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Naming Rights
The following is an article from Finance & Commerce:
St. Cloud lets residents name new bridge
Will it be the Granite City Crossing? Unity Bridge? Or how about Swisshelm?People in St. Cloud are pondering 10 possible names for the new bridge being built in place of the DeSoto Bridge. The old bridge was demolished after inspectors found that four gusset plates were bending.The Swisshelm name would honor Jane Grey Swisshelm, a journalist and abolitionist who once had her printing press type dumped into the Mississippi River. One nominator suggested the McKelvy Bridge, to honor a judge and former prosecutor whose home was torn down to make room for the DeSoto bridge.Re-using the Desoto name is also one of the choices.Residents will vote for their favorites until April 3, then the city council will choose from the top two or three names. The new bridge, whatever its name, is expected to be done in November.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Joe Repya is Right
The following is a blog by LTC Joe Repya on The Eagle’s Nest Blog. I think he is overreacting a little, the MNGOP will stabilize, just like the DFL did, but his point about vicious attacks because a member of the party has a different opinion is important for us all to work against. No matter what party we belong to, we need to work towards making our cities, states and country a better place. We have different opinions on how to do this, but it does not mean anybody is wrong.
March 16, 2009
Further Proof of the Destruction of the Minnesota GOP!
If anyone needs further proof of the destruction of the Minnesota GOP all you had to do was attend O'Gara's in Saint Paul last week and listen to the Republican Party Candidate Forum that was held. Although I wasn't there I'm told by many that Deputy Chair Dorothy Fleming was booed while speaking.
This is an indication of how low the MN GOP has fallen over the last 4 to 6 years. In today's MN GOP if someone said anything that the current leadership or their sanctioned candidates don't like they are fair game for public rudeness by their paid thugs. Sadly, even their sanctioned Deputy, "thug blogger" Michael (Darth) Brodkorb falls in that category.
It is interesting the Brodkorb would rile against Dorothy Fleming for taking a salary as Deputy when just two years ago as Ron Carey's Campaign Manager he constantly attacked my position for offering to take half the salary of Carey. Back then Brodkorb felt Carey's exorbitant salary was just fine and my willingness to take half was a campaign stunt. Back then it was pointed out that people are only worth what they are paid and that people willing to get half the pay, will only put half the effort into the job. Now Tony Sutton and Micael Brodkorb say they wont take any salary. Well I'll remind everyone that Ron Carey was elected in 2005 saying the same thing.
I have served my life dedicated to being honest, fair and respectable to others. Maybe it was my parents or the military that conditioned me that way. I have never seen a angrier or vicious group then those who run the MN GOP today. Proof of this anger and despicable behavior was seen two years ago when Michael Brodkorb attacked Wally the Beer Man out side of the convention hall during the election for Party Chair. Wally's provocation was using a hand cart he found against a wall to move some bottles of water.
Witnesses said Brodkorb ran into the parking lot and yelled at Wally, "That's my cart" and wrestled out of Wally's hand spilling bottles of water all over the parking lot. Classy act, attacking a 70+ year old man over a hand cart. An off duty policeman said had he seen this in his jurisdiction he would have arrested Brodkorb. A third year law school student who also saw the incident stated he felt an assault had taken place. Brodkorb cowardly retreated when my wife walked up to him and dressed him down for his stupid thuggish actions.
This is the type of angry, mean spirited behavior the individual that now wants to be Deputy of the Party is capable of. It is people and actions like Michael Brodkorb's that has cased good Republican's away from the party. Brodkorb help destroy Senate District 38 over the last 4 years with his angry outbursts and miss treatment of volunteers.
For the first time since 1998, my wife and I purposely did not attend SD 38's weekend BPOU State Central delegate election. We refuse to be part of any organization run by people that are so demoniacally partisan that they treat their own so badly. This is why I'm ashamed of the so called leaders of Minnesota Republican Party.
March 16, 2009
Further Proof of the Destruction of the Minnesota GOP!
If anyone needs further proof of the destruction of the Minnesota GOP all you had to do was attend O'Gara's in Saint Paul last week and listen to the Republican Party Candidate Forum that was held. Although I wasn't there I'm told by many that Deputy Chair Dorothy Fleming was booed while speaking.
This is an indication of how low the MN GOP has fallen over the last 4 to 6 years. In today's MN GOP if someone said anything that the current leadership or their sanctioned candidates don't like they are fair game for public rudeness by their paid thugs. Sadly, even their sanctioned Deputy, "thug blogger" Michael (Darth) Brodkorb falls in that category.
It is interesting the Brodkorb would rile against Dorothy Fleming for taking a salary as Deputy when just two years ago as Ron Carey's Campaign Manager he constantly attacked my position for offering to take half the salary of Carey. Back then Brodkorb felt Carey's exorbitant salary was just fine and my willingness to take half was a campaign stunt. Back then it was pointed out that people are only worth what they are paid and that people willing to get half the pay, will only put half the effort into the job. Now Tony Sutton and Micael Brodkorb say they wont take any salary. Well I'll remind everyone that Ron Carey was elected in 2005 saying the same thing.
I have served my life dedicated to being honest, fair and respectable to others. Maybe it was my parents or the military that conditioned me that way. I have never seen a angrier or vicious group then those who run the MN GOP today. Proof of this anger and despicable behavior was seen two years ago when Michael Brodkorb attacked Wally the Beer Man out side of the convention hall during the election for Party Chair. Wally's provocation was using a hand cart he found against a wall to move some bottles of water.
Witnesses said Brodkorb ran into the parking lot and yelled at Wally, "That's my cart" and wrestled out of Wally's hand spilling bottles of water all over the parking lot. Classy act, attacking a 70+ year old man over a hand cart. An off duty policeman said had he seen this in his jurisdiction he would have arrested Brodkorb. A third year law school student who also saw the incident stated he felt an assault had taken place. Brodkorb cowardly retreated when my wife walked up to him and dressed him down for his stupid thuggish actions.
This is the type of angry, mean spirited behavior the individual that now wants to be Deputy of the Party is capable of. It is people and actions like Michael Brodkorb's that has cased good Republican's away from the party. Brodkorb help destroy Senate District 38 over the last 4 years with his angry outbursts and miss treatment of volunteers.
For the first time since 1998, my wife and I purposely did not attend SD 38's weekend BPOU State Central delegate election. We refuse to be part of any organization run by people that are so demoniacally partisan that they treat their own so badly. This is why I'm ashamed of the so called leaders of Minnesota Republican Party.
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