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They had their chance
St. Paul Pioneer Press: October 29th
Your Legislature endorsements in Eagan-Burnsville noted the slim 24-vote
margin in the state Senate race in 2002. Unfortunately, you didn't mention
the school class sizes and burgeoning property taxes, which the incumbents
elected that year have helped to bring to the south metro area.
Those veteran legislators have had their chance at setting Minnesota's
policies, and I'm not happy with the results. It's someone else's turn this
year. For the state Senate, I'm supporting Jim Carlson, who, although no
relative, is endorsed by Arne Carlson and Walter Mondale, and for the state
House, Mike Obermueller, standing for public schools, and Sandra Masin,
committed to true fiscal conservation, not debt for our children.
PAUL HOFFINGER
Eagan
How odd
St. Paul Pioneer Press: October 29th
How odd. The Pioneer Press endorsed Mike McGinn for Senate District 38
primarily because of "his wisdom on matters of criminal justice." This is a
representative who voted to allow those convicted of sex offenses,
intoxication and other crimes to carry concealed weapons. He also blamed the
Democrats for closing down government, suggested we only have a Legislature
that meets every other year and believes we should only have the best
education "we can afford." He's quite divisive.
Opposing McGinn, Jim Carlson (who the Press characterized as equally
thoughtful), is a strong supporter of education, job growth, and fiscal
responsibility. Instead of being divisive, which the Pioneer Press found
problematic in other endorsements, Carlson works to bring people together.
He also opposed the legislation to allow criminals to carry guns. Looks like
the Pioneer Press shot itself in the foot on this one.
ROBERT SHUMER
Eagan
Supports Jim Carlson
Eagan This Week: October 28th
To the editor:
News of school levy referendums in Thisweek Sept. 30 brings to mind the
possibility of increases in property taxes. While most of us want to
decrease class sizes below the unworkable levels they have risen to after
several years of state education cuts followed by an insufficient increase
in funding last year, we regret the probable increase in property taxes
which most hurts those on fixed incomes.
That's why more of us are supporting thoughtful candidates for the
Legislature like Jim Carlson, who is running for the state Senate in
Eagan-Burnsville's District 38 against incumbent Mike McGinn. Jim Carlson is
committed to our state excelling in areas of a well-educated work force.
When the incumbent vote to flat fund our state's strongest business asset,
Jim voiced his support for investment in our most profitable resource, our
state's brain power. That's a central principle for his campaign and for our
state's economy. Jim is joined in that commitment by people like Art
Rolnick, chief researcher at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, who says we
get a 12 percent return each year on that kind of investment. Also
supportive of the idea is former Gov. Arne Carlson, a Republican, who is not
related to Jim, who has endorsed him over the Republican incumbent.
Republicans and Democrats alike support Jim Carlson, a well-informed voice
for a return to the traditional values which serve our state best.
Pam Carlson
Eagan
Letters in support of Jim Carlson for Senate District 38 were also received
from Amy Lemieux of Eagan and Larry Koenck of Eagan.
Supports Jim Carlson
Eagan This Week: September 29th
To the editor:
I am writing to support the candidacy of Jim Carlson for the Senate District 38 representing Eagan and Burnsville. I think that Jim will bring to the office a careful eye for the public good.
One of the reasons our national and state leadership has failed us is the carelessness of letting slogans dictate policy. While slogans are catchy and persuasive, they often neglect the nuances of public policy and create a polarized environment. One of the most short-sighted slogans is "no new taxes."
The June 2006 Atlantic Monthly revealed a counterintuitive result of the singular drive to cut taxes at the national level: bigger government. This analysis is not from a "tax and spend" liberal, but rather from the head of the Cato Institute, who was once one of President Reagan’s top economic advisers. When we don’t pay as we go, our government presents us an apparent bargain, and it spends and grows faster.
We have endured four years under Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Highway projects have stalled. Tuition hikes are squeezing young people out of higher education. Frantic for funding, environmental and transportation groups propose constitutional amendments to preserve their piece of the state budget. New and higher fees for activities in public schools start to diminish the meaning of "public" and make raising money the "homework" of our children.
This happens when we are seduced by the sweet call of "no new taxes." It’s time to accept that the good we seek from government costs money. Get superior public education on track through healthy funding combined with sensible policies to improve student performance. Shun the simplistic pledge of "no new taxes;" instead, demand that those who spend our money spend it wisely.
Jim Carlson will reject policy by slogan. He will seek a more accountable government. His background in business will lead him to be fiscally responsible. His experience as a problem solver will strengthen his hand. He will think creatively to adopt solutions that move beyond rhetoric.
I will vote for Jim Carlson, the DFL candidate for state Senate, and I hope that you will too.
Jon Felde
Eagan
Support Jim Carlson
Eagan Sun Current: October 5th
To the editor:
The idea that government, whether municipal, county or state, can co-exist and work well with businesses is inherently appealing (Sun Current, Sept. 21). Where I find difficult disconnects are with office holders who believe the best way for government to resolve problems is to "do nothing" (harmful first).
While I fully subscribe to the Hippocratic oath and conservative medicine, with a view to avoid over-prescribing a patient, the metaphor breaks down at the level of citizens, taxes and government.
At a candidate forum Sept. 20, on various issues, I heard a version of the Hippocratic oath cited. Certainly we should not keep too much of the people’s money in government treasury, still there are systems in our society with acute problems. Among them are education, where too many classrooms have more than 30 students; transportation, where too many highways and bridges need work in Dakota County; and health care, where too many small employers and other citizens just have no access to coverage.
The reason I think we need a change at the state Legislature this year is because too many incumbents have the idea the best way to solve these problems is to do nothing, period. I support Jim Carlson for state senator in Senate District 38. He at least is admitting there are these problems challenging us. He wants to increase investment in education, transportation and access to health care in innovative, sensible ways.
Paul Hoffinger
Eagan
DFL Candidates
Eagan Sun Current: October 5th
To the editor:
I hope all the residents of Burnsville and Eagan will tune into Burnsville/Eagan cable TV to view the recent forum in which our local Democratic candidates discussed issues with the incumbent Republicans.
Mike Obermuelller, Sandy Masin and Jim Carlson provided clear and refreshing alternatives, a positive path forward that focuses on the issues that really matter to Minnesotans, and a return to budgetary honesty and discipline.
Check it out, then meet Mike, Jim and Sandy. I know you'll be impressed and ready to return to common sense and competence.
Jim Johnson
Eagan
Vote for Jim Carlson
Eagan This Week: September 23rd
To the editor:
In the Sept. 9 letter, Neal Black Mike Mc Ginn’s Campaign treasurer, misleads the citizens of Eagan into believing that Jim Carlson is a radical simply because Jim has been endorsed by Take Action Minnesota, a progressive organization that has endorsed no less than 54 other candidates throughout Minnesota in connection with the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
Black attempts to smear Jim by calling him a "tax and spend liberal," when the fact is that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, when endorsing Jim, Gov. Arne Carlson said: "Minnesota needs bright and talented voices in the state Legislature that can effectively restore financial excellence and allow us to grant our children the best educational opportunities. I highly recommend Jim Carlson (no relation) to you."
Governor Carlson - a two-term Republican governor - chose to endorse Jim, a DFLer, over McGinn, a member of his own political party.
Clearly, individuals and organizations from all across the political spectrum recognize that Jim is the best choice in Senate District 38.
Jim is a fresh face with innovative ideas for making our community and our state an even better place to live. He is truly a strong voice and the right choice to represent us in St. Paul. Please join me in voting for Jim Carlson on Nov. 7.
Betty Roth
Eagan
Principles
Eagan This Week: September 23rd
To the editor:
Neal Black suggested that Jim Carlson received an endorsement because of promises made for massive spending proposals. This does not agree with the facts. It is irresponsible to declare "massive spending proposals" without providing or meaningful content. Jim believes in the education of our citizens, affordable health care and improved transportation solutions. These values do not imply massive spending unless you don’t believe in education, health and transportation for our citizens.
Jim Carlson was endorsed for the principles he stands for and not for promises made. Jim believes in responsible spending with regard to tax revenues. I trust Jim Carlson will make informed decisions based on careful review and the interests of his constituents.
The future of Minnesota depends on its people and its infrastructure.
Mr. Carlson will be work for these special interests and we will all be better off because of it when he is elected on Nov. 7.
Gary Meyer
Eagan
I'm not impressed
Eagan ThisWeek: September 16th
To the editor:
I was trying to be a good voter and find out a little about our current
state legislators. I looked at their Web sites to see how they stood on
particular issues. To my amazement, two legislators, Lynn Wardlow and Mike
McGinn, had some real surprises. It was like I was in a time warp. Their
information was out of date. It was as though they hadn't updated their
information since the last time they ran in 2004 or 2002.
Here is what I found on the McGinn Web site as of August 30, 2006. "We must
also focus on high standards... The Profile of Learning offers little to
prepare kids for excellence and should be abandoned. Schools should have
more local control with parent involvement in the curriculum and budgeting."
And should be abandoned? Doesn't he know the Profiles of Learning was
abandoned a long time ago? Where has he been?
Perhaps he answered the question in another part of his Web site. In 2003
and 2004 he cites lots of press releases, around 14 per year. In 2005, he
lists three. Nothing past September 13, 2005, where he discussed future
transportation issues. Did he disappear? Did he do nothing that was
newsworthy? I sure want a full-time state senator, not one who periodically
represents our district, like every other year.
And Mr. Wardlow had this on his Web site on Aug. 30, 2006, 66 days before
the election reporting that "Jim Carlson said he was going to raise taxes."
Jim Carlson, the man running for state senate against Mike McGinn? Then I
checked, Mr. Wardlow is running against Mike Obermueller in 38B. Why would
Wardlow have information about Carlson? I guess because he hadn't updated
his Web site and was still running against his previous opponent.
I'm sure these are small oversights, and they will correct them soon, but is
says something about the quality of their work. What else don't they pay
attention to? If they were trying to impress me as a voter, it didn't work.
Erin Howell
Eagan
Jim Carlson gets my vote
Eagan ThisWeek: September 16th
To the editor:
It was an interesting letter last week from Neal Black, who is the treasurer
of Mike McGinn's campaign for state Senate.
Black took aim at Jim Carlson, a moderate Democrat who is well-positioned to
take away McGinn's seat in November. Black's acrimonious comments made me
curious enough to review McGinn's support in this election cycle and the
last since Black apparently was positioning his Republican candidate as the
heart and soul of moderation.
Interesting, then, that one of McGinn's principal donors also supports far
right-wingers Mark Kennedy, John Kline and - ready for this? - Katherine
Harris. Another McGinn supporter also helped finance Kline plus Gil Gutnecht
and radical right-winger Michele Bachmann. It's public record at
http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us/ and
http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/disclosure_data_search.shtml.
They say we are known by the company we keep. McGinn appears to be a nice
guy. But at least some of his campaign funding is coming from the
way-far-radical right. That doesn't fit well with Eagan.
I supported Jim Carlson in 2004 and now I am doubly determined to support
him in 2006.
Barbara J. Miller
Eagan
Burned out politcally
Eagan Sun Current: August 10th
To the editor:
I'm burned out with the political rhetoric. Some letters I've seen seem to
imply the other guy (or gal) is so "bad" he'll eat your children for
breakfast. Realistically, I admire anyone who runs for office.
I like Senate District 38 DFL candidate Jim Carlson's Web site. It talks
about his background and what he thinks should be done in the Legislature.
That's the tone I want to see in the letters- not sinking to the level of
fighting, but talking about issues and ideas and perhaps compare/contrast
without the bitter tone.
Let's face it, whomever you support, the opposition is not the devil, rather
a person with different ideas of how our government should work for us.
Jim's got a good handle on the issues, and they have to deal with getting
our roads unclogged, our children in reasonable class sizes, and stopping
the upward property tax spiral. It's hard to "take it" when someone writes
a nasty letter against your favorite candidate. i think taking the high
road is the better way to go. Maybe in the short term, you don't win
everything, but in the long term you can go to bed with a clear conscience.
Robin Ruegg
Eagan
Sainted
St. Paul Pioneer Press: July 29th
Sainted:
The 10 Eagan gardeners who opened up their beautiful gardens for tour July
15 in the first-ever Eagan Hidden Gardens Tour, a benefit for Jim Carlson's
campaign for Senate. Wow! What a lovely mix of gardens- everything from a
poolside oasis with hundreds and hundreds of colorful blooming annuals to a
garden featuring an old copper church steeple to a g-scale railroad garden
to a tremendous hosta garden with the largest magnolia tree I've ever seen!
Steve Buck, Jim Neaghbour, Tom Grupa, Tom Born, Donna and Fred O'Harrow, Bud
Lutz, Chris and Mark Figenshaw, Becky Lystig, Beth Pederson, Nell McClung,
Christine Jakubowski- you all have amazing gardens! Thank you for letting us
visit!
Pam Carlson
Eagan
Low-key way to raise funds
Eagan This Week: July 22nd
To the editor:
Much applause goes to the Eagan citizens who opened up their way cool gardens for tours on an incredibly hot day this past weekend. In a 5-mile radius, I saw stunning woodland, butterfly and cottage gardens, not to mention a 6-foot church steeple, tumbling waterfalls and a bamboo deer chaser from Thailand.
In a political climate where campaigns can often be obnoxious, we can be proud that District 38 Senate candidate Jim Carlson found a delightful, low-key way to not only raise funds but also celebrate the beauty of the city we call home.
Colleen Kaney
Eagan
Doesn't deter tour
Eagan Sun Current: July 20th
To the editor:
Heat climbing to 100 degrees didn't cool the enthusiasm of participants in Eagan's Hidden Gardens of Eagan tour July 15. Garden lovers visited 10 local gardens within a five- mile radius at this event, benefiting Jim Carlson's campaign for Senate District 38.
A huge thanks to the green thumbed residents for opening their gorgeous gardens for the rest of us to see and be inspired by. Wow. Last night I dreamed of luscious hosta beds, waterfalls trickling over carefully placed rocks, garden statuary; and beautiful colored baskets surrounding the backyard pool. This morning reality hit- my yard is far from any of those open the tour. Thank you for providing an escape into your reality.
Pam Carlson
Eagan
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