Fellow elected officials, let’s keep it clean. Let’s focus on our ideas.

I recently read with interest state Senate Minority Leader David Hann’s March 7 commentary regarding political cronyism. For as long as the article was, I failed to see one positive suggestion about what he or his party would do differently. And while I disagree with most of his criticisms, he did manage to accentuate one critical point, although I doubt it was his intention. Minnesotans are generally tired of this sort of rhetoric.

Hann went to great lengths to portray the party opposite as nothing less than crooked. I am certain that the average Minnesotan sees through this and that he is playing only to his own base. And I say this because my conversations with folks across our state prove to me that the repeated negative politics is driving people further and further away.

All of us, as elected public officials, need to take a step back and re-evaluate. And I am well aware that it is happening at every level, from local to state to federal offices. The constant bombardment from politicians about how abysmal the “other guy” or the “other party” is has destroyed people’s confidence in government. Not every politician does this, but it is certainly happening enough to generate feelings of disgust.

What has happened to the days when we tried to sell something based on its merit? As a consumer, I want to hear about the positive features of your product, and why it will work best for me. I really don’t care what your opinion is of a competitor’s product. Can we not apply this principle to politics? (more…)

David Hann · Erik Simonson · Rep. Simonson · Sen. Hann

For several weeks now, since I heard an MPR story (Jan. 19) about possible repeal of the medical device tax, I have been struggling to identify the most troubling aspect of Rep. Erik Paulsen’s zealous pursuit of its repeal. Rep. Paulsen has been the most outspoken opponents of the tax and is also the lead author of the U.S. House bill to repeal it — retroactively — back to Dec. 31, 2012. The MPR story led with the sensational fact that due to the retroactive feature, medical device companies would get back $6 billion in taxes already paid. Hearing that was depressing, but then I heard this statement:

“Being able to signify or distinguish between who lost their job because a competitor came up with a better product or their marketing campaign didn’t work as opposed to who lost their job because of some tax increase is a little hard to measure.” (more…)

Erik Paulsen · letter to the editor · medical device tax repeal

There is hardly any reason to doubt that the ECM Publishers Editorial Board has the best intentions when endorsing candidates for office (“Why endorse?  Newspapers have unique access to candidates for an insider’s perspective,” Nov. 13).

I could not agree more that constituents need to be accurately informed about a candidate’s votes and positions at least on key issues.

Having said that, I took exception to the board’s endorsement of Erik Paulsen for Congress in Congressional District 3.

He voted for the largest non-defense spending cut in American history in 2011 and always wants to reign in wasteful spending. Yet, Paulsen is against reducing our  bloated military budget containing numerous wasteful items.  Much of this money could be used to support homeless veterans, which comprise one-third of all homeless in America.

Earlier this year, he voted to gut the nation’s hazardous waste regulations and is against federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions but for offshore drilling.

Regarding health care, Paulsen distorted and misrepresented outcomes of a public option while voting for Paul Ryan’s 2012 budget destroying Medicare and for repealing the Affordable Care Act.

He has voted for dramatic cuts to domestic and international family planning, against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act in 2012 and against fair pay for women.

While the nation grapples with gun violence, he has refused to make his position known on restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns as he is endorsed by the NRA.

Finally, given the low voter turnout, the congressman has yet to state what, if anything, he specifically has done to help prevent unconstitutional, discriminatory practices disenfranchising voters throughout the country.

With all due respect and in light of the above, it seems to me that Sun Current readers deserve further clarification of the board’s endorsement of Congressman Paulsen.

Richard Laybourn
Bloomington Sun-Current, November 19, 2014

cd3 · Congressman Paulsen · Erik Paulsen · Third Congressional District

Eden Prairie is a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. We have great schools, parks and city services that are envied throughout the region and beyond. Our city services and features can be attributed to the leadership and commitment to excellence that our current mayor and City Council members guide. Sherry Butcher Wickstrom has been a wise voice focused on the future sustainability of our city with an eye to innovation. Sherry is effective and brings passion to her decision-making. Kathy Nelson has a long history with listening to the concerns of citizens and finding resolutions to problems. Both Sherry and Kathy deserve your vote.

Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens has earned the respect of so many for her excellence in leadership for our community on so many leading edge issues. Nancy, Sherry and Kathy have a proven history of being wise stewards of our environment and in particular our tax dollars. Without any doubts each deserves your vote on Nov. 4.

And in House District 48B Joan Howe-Pullis has earned my vote to serve our community by listening and representing all people in our community not based on party but on what is right. We need to seek common ground to create better solutions for all. Joan will listen and work hard for everyone.

Our schools must have your Yes votes on both questions, to meet the future educational needs of our students and the future property values of this community.  If these questions do not pass our schools and children will be impacted. Once programs are cut it takes years to restore and remember there is no rewind button for childhood. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” Please vote Yes on both questions.

Carol Bomben
Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, October 30, 2014

HD48B · House District 48B · Joan Howe-Pullis

Yvonne Selcer has always worked hard to represent the people she serves. Vote for Yvonne Selcer, she cares about the people she serves.

Mark Ruud
Minnetonka
Eden Prairie News, October 30, 2014

HD48A · House District 48A · Rep. Selcer · Yvonne Selcer