[Winona Online Democracy] It is pretty clear that the only two regular commentators I know on this forum, Paul, my former West Burns Valley neighbor; and, Phil, my city planning profession colleague, view the 2004 legislative session differently. Paul, you have at least one other forum member here that shares your perspective.
I am not up to speed on the education (or were they political?) issues surrounding the Yecke debacle, but the other two appointees targeted by the DFL for confirmation battles (Carol Molnau and Annette Meeks) would have been the victims of political "hatchet jobs" had they not squeaked through the confirmation process. Meeks has had the fortitude to question the policies and functions of the Metropolitan Council Board to which she was appointed. Good for her, those policies and functions have needed questioning for decades! Carol Molnau has raised the ire of (mostly) political/social liberals by suggesting that the endless taxpayer dollars that have been poured into public transit (now serving - at steep public capital and operating subsidies - all of 75,000 of the 4 million+ Minnesotans) might be better spent on the highways that serve the rest of us. And, she thinks that perhaps Greater Minnesota (like Winona) could use an enhanced share of those dollars as well. I agree with her on both counts. Having witnessed a couple of the Senate committee hearings and several house floor sessions in person, about the only positive observation I can make of the session was the humorous antics of Rep. Rukavenna (DFL, "Da Range"). I do not agree with most of his positions, but he certainly is entertaining! My spin. Chuck Dillerud Champlin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Online Democracy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 4:38 PM Subject: FW: [Winona] Too Damned Quiet > [Winona Online Democracy] > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- The beauty of democracy is that change is designed to be slow, stability is the status quo, it requires give and take but for those who ride the fast lane, progress must be change, change is always good and success is winning more than losing. Democracy has won and is reinforced. Now we can all rest again because the session is over. And with Yecke gone complacency, non accountability and the dummying down of students can continue! Paul Double -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Sebo Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 4:10 PM What do you all (this is southern Minnesota) think of the end of the legislative sesssion? How critical is the timing for the Pasteur money? Will a special session pass a bonding bill (it is my understanding that any bonding bill would include Pasteur)? There was enough in that senate bill for Winona that Bob Kierlin broke ranks and voted with the DFL. The commercial harbor money is also very significant, but I doubt we'll ever see the Shakespeare Festival money, unless the city match is enough to persuade. No vote on gay marriage in the Senate. Would they hold one during a special session? No way...that's my opinion, anyway. Senate Democrats know what they have to do on this one. Was Cherie Pearson Yecke burnt at the stake? So let's talk about the session. Was it as mean-spirited and partisan as some are saying? Were the DFL'ers being jerks? Or was it the GOP being SOB's? :-) Bob Sebo Winona (a repeat poster...convicted forensically) _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > _______________________________________________ > This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy > All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. > No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. > To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit > http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona > Any problems or suggestions can be directed to > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at > http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
