Eden Prairie News - Elections - Comments

Mr Ron Case: Isn't this

bigfoot — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:03:24 -0500

Mr Ron Case: Isn't this your second rant in three weeks that includes "When I was on the city council ... blah, blah, blah." I'd like to point out that "was" is the operative word because the voters decided to remove you. There were no hanging chads involved, it was simply the will of the people.

I understand your need to still feel wanted and a part of city hall. Maybe the current council would let you still serve in some capacity. You could greet those attending council meetings, or provide refreshments. We could have a special name for you, "Helper Ron", "Rad-cool Ron", "Ron the Gopher" ... just some ideas, it would be a hit with the kids.

Regarding the Sjostrand property: I read the Star Tribune story on that this week and nothing they report supports your version of what has taken place. Specifically they didn't credit you for doing "blah, blah, blah." They didn't even mention your name - you're old news.

Going back to your rant about airport expansion, I think you've contradicted yourself with wanting to save an old barn that is directly across the street from an airport that you claim produces noise pollution, water pollution, and airport. You threw in "carcinogenic" as well for dramatic effect - but I don't think noise can cause cancer, even in laboratory mice.

What would happen if this "historic" barn was no longer used for commercial purposes (i.e storing boats and RVs) and instead was used to house horsies, cows, and chickens. If saved as a historical property this likely could be the case. Do you want to be responsible for horsies that are forced to endure all that noise or inhale toxic fumes?

You also complain that the city took the Sjostrand property off the tax rolls. When I think farms or barns being removed from the tax base, I think of you, Mr. "Take of it off the Tax Roll Ron", I think of you.

By all means Ron, keep the letters coming in. Each and every one is a further validation of the 2006 election results.

I called the Madia Campaign,

twoputttommy — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:46:25 -0500

I called the Madia Campaign, and they told me that Fred Koppelman never called them. So, by what "right" does Fred Koppelman claim, and I quote:

As a young bachelor, he (Madia) has no understanding of a family budget, family healthcare costs or college expenses.

So, where did Fred Koppelman get that? Well, one can assume he simply made it up. And since Mr. Koppelman sings the praises of "Family Man" Erik "The Hustler" Pauslen, that would be a pretty good assumption.

But, a better question would be: why is the Eden Prairie News letting Mr. Koppelman get away with claiming that a man that was the Student Body President at the University of Minnesota, a man that graduated from a law school, has "no understanding of college costs"?

Clearly, a man that represented the student body to the University's administration, understands the cost of college. Clearly, a man that graduated from law school understands the cost of college.

As for the rest of Mr. Koppelman's letter? I'll just chalk that up to a typical republiCon typically making stuff up.

They've been doing it for years; from Brad "I Believe In Republican Values (except when I don't)" Aho, to Mayor Phil "Depends What Your Definition of 'Is' Is" Young, Erik "The Hustler" Paulsen, to Norm "Smokescreen" Coleman, to George aWol Bush.

The simple fact of the matter is: you cannot take anything an elected republiCon (or, for that matter, a republiCon party official) says at face value.

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a shame. But, what is more of a shame, is the lax standards of The Eden Prairie News.

Why do republiCons tell whoppers, to and on The Eden Prairie News?

Because they can, Ladies and Gentlemen - because they can. And that's even more of a shame.

Here's Syverson's

Karla — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:11:41 -0500

Here's Syverson's speech:

Remarks of JoAnn Syverson
Xcel Energy Center – Saint Paul, MN
June 3, 2008

Good evening, everyone. My name is JoAnn Syverson and I love being a Democrat and I love Barack Obama! I am honored to welcome Senator and Michelle Obama to the Twin Cities on this historic night.

Not only do I admire Senator Obama, but as a communications teacher here at the University of Minnesota, I also enjoy studying him. I see a uniquely talented man who will restore our country and its Presidency to a high level of credibility in the world that we haven’t seen in many years. I see a man who is intelligent, insightful, positive, tolerant, and unwaveringly ethical. These are his personal qualities that will make him a great President, but they are also the qualities that we want the world to attribute to America as a country once again. And Barack Obama will be the President to rebuild our image in the world after debacle of the last eight years with George W. Bush.

I support Barack Obama for our nation’s interests. I look forward to the day when everyone will be able to afford necessary healthcare, receive as much education as they need and want, and live in a cleaner environment. I look forward to a President who will unite the American people for the good of all. We all know the issues and how Barack Obama as our President will greatly benefit our country.

However, I also support Barack Obama for a very personal reason. I am so proud to be here tonight with my husband, daughter-in-law and two of my sons. But on this exciting night, while my head is here with all of you, my heart is half-way around the world in Iraq with my oldest son, Captain Marcus Alexander Syverson IV, who is presently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He proudly serves his country; he doesn’t complain—but his mother worries—and prays a lot. He has served with men who have died in combat - one in particular comes to mind who was going to be leaving Iraq within a few weeks. My heartfelt thoughts are with the families of our brave, fallen soldiers.

Marcus was due to end his Army career this month, but was called to active duty in Iraq a second time and will be there for another fourteen to seventeen months. My son will continue to serve his country until his tour is finished no matter who is elected in November. But every day I ask myself, “Why?” Obama was an early opponent of the Bush Administration's policies on Iraq, and he too asked, “Why?” Unfortunately, not enough politicians were strong or brave enough to join him in asking, “Why?” Senator Obama favors phased re-deployment of our troops with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq. Seems reasonable to me. Any other mothers, fathers and wives out there agree?

Like so many of you, I used to be ambivalent about politics. In fact, at one point, I was even a Republican. One politician was as good as another. But through the years that proved to be wrong. These last eight years, especially, have been a wake-up call to Americans. We need change.

On February 5, over 200,000 Minnesotans turned out to caucus for their preferred Democratic candidate – over 200,000 people that no matter who they caucused for that night, were united in their belief that we deserve better than four more years of the failed policies of George W. Bush.

We believe we deserve better than a politics that divides us. We deserve a candidate that can bring us together and unite us behind a common purpose.

We deserve better than empty promises of change. We deserve a candidate that is not afraid to deliver it.

We deserve a President who will change our country’s image to accurately reflect the true character of America to the world and help us regain our lost credibility.

We deserve a President who will lead our country with politics of hope and humanity!

We deserve Barack Obama.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Michelle Obama and the next President of the United States - Senator Barack Obama!

(Karla Wennerstrom is the editor of the Eden Prairie News. She can be reached at editor@edenprairienews.com.)

Great comment! She would be

Karla — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:04:09 -0500

Great comment! She would be an Alumna of Notable Achievement. Or a winner of an Alumni of Notable Achievement award.
A fellow Latin student?

(Karla Wennerstrom is the editor of the Eden Prairie News. She can be reached at editor@edenprairienews.com.)

Shouldn't Butcher be an

calla120 — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:50:52 -0500

Shouldn't Butcher be an AlumnA of Notable Achievement?

An interesting interview

Karla — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:40:14 -0500

An interesting interview with Madia in "The Rake."
Visit www.rakemag.com for story.

(Karla Wennerstrom is the editor of the Eden Prairie News. She can be reached at editor@edenprairienews.com.)

So, we have an Edina Mayor

twoputttommy — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:06:05 -0500

So, we have an Edina Mayor (who used to be a Republican), a state Senator, and a Iraqi Veteran (who also used to be a Republican) squaring off to see who represents the DFL. After numerous debates, public appearances, and other visible and attendable public events, Captain Madia (a former Republican) is endorsed.

On the GOP side, we have The Annointed One - Erik Paulsen - being picked, presented, and endorsed with no opposition. Oh - and no public events, either.

While the DFL candidates spent time, money, and effort to tell people who they are and what they believe, Erik Paulsen spent his time ducking his record - and the populace - while the GOP (GreedOverPrinciples) party greased the road to the endorsement.

If you liked George W. Bush, you'll love Erik Paulsen.

Here's my slide show of the

Gavin — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:30:03 -0500

Here's my slide show of the same convention. I posted this piece on the CD3 DFL convention, too, on my blog, http://www.gavinsullivan.com

Please recheck your facts.

Democrates For Doug and Jenifer Loon — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:14:50 -0500

Please recheck your facts.

Doug Loon voted for the Transporation Bill as a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee. I am proud of Doug and his courageous stand against Gov Pawlenty's veto.

Furthermore, I appreciate Doug and Jennifer are good people and have served Minnesota well in standing and voting with the Democrat leadership in the House.

Jenifer has been very plain spoken that she is not in favor of the Transporation Bill .... "in its present form".

However, I believe Jenifer does recognize the need for a Transporation Bill that includes Mass Transit and fully understands and will support the need to raise taxes to support this important bill.

I believe that our community well be very well served regardless of whether the DFL candidate Jerry Pitzrick or Jenifer Loon wins the seat.

Follow my link??? I never

Hill — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:39:55 -0500

Follow my link???

I never said that Doug was not with the US Chamber of Commerce – he is! That in itself is separate. But he is also on the Board of Directors for the MN Chamber of Commerce Executives. Everyone listed on that page is. I simply posted the link. If you feel this misinformation, than you should take it up with the MCC and explain it to them that he is not one their Board of Directors for the MN Chamber of Commerce Executives. This is not the same Board that voted, but make no mistake, the MCCE is the same church, different pew. Just click on the MCCE Monthly Column to see the issues they stand behind.
http://www.mnchamber.com/mcce/monthly_column.cfm

I do agree with you that Jennifer is the one who is running and her association with Doug should not be a factor…just as Rev. Wright’s association with Barrack Obama should not be a factor in voting. But apparently Rush and Hannity, to name a few, can’t seem to think as clearly as you and I do. While there is always a chance of someone being influenced by those that are close to you, we should trust that people are who they say they are.

I am a more progressive thinker, and as I said earlier, if Jennifer were to win, I hope she heeds the sound progressive thinking of the MN Chamber of Commerce. I am also glad to hear that she is more progressive with a Mother’s Choice.

But frankly, with the massive turnout we had at the DFL caucus (which dwarfed the GOP turnout), I don’t think you have a prayer of winning. Our candidate, Jerry Pitzrick has a lot of political experience and is a sound thinker. See his letter on the 2008 transportation bill and his announcement for candidacy.

Click Here for Pitzrick's articles in EP News

Gov Pawlenty would have buried us. Thank God the Chamber of Commerce supported it and were able to knock some sense in a hand full of Republicans to vote for the Bill and keep it out of reach from Pawlenty’s veto.

Hill, follow your link and

sundog — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:41:21 -0500

Hill, follow your link and actually read it this time:

Doug Loon
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Midwest Region

U.S. Chamber of Commerce has NOTHING to do with the Minnesota Chamber. NOTHING. He is not part of the body that voted to support this bill. You are spreading misinformation, my friend.

Furthermore, as stated before, Jenifer Loon is the one who is running and she has said several times that she did not support this bill and would have voted against it.

Sundog, Doug is on the

Hill — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:36:28 -0500

Sundog,

Doug is on the Minnesota Chamber Of Commerce Executives 2008 Board Of Directors.

I find your blatent non-disclosure of the facts highly suspect.

http://www.mnchamber.com/mcce/board.cfm

Some factual errors,

sundog — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:32:57 -0500

Some factual errors, Hill:

1. Doug Loon (as mentioned before) is NOT on the state board of directors of the MN Chamber. You can see the list of directors at the Chamber of Commerce website.

2. Ron Erhardt did not get thrown out “standing up for the right thing to do”. He was defeated because virtually all Minnesotans – not just Republicans – believe that it was a mistake to override the Governor’s veto. For example, a recent KSTP/Survey USA poll shows that most Minnesotans are opposed to the gas tax and other taxes in this bill.

While nobody likes to have their money taken from them, it especially hurts when you know that just one year ago the state of Minnesota had a multi billion dollar surplus. Instead of being frugal in the good years, our state representatives squandered that surplus on various pork projects throughout the state in order to give favors to supporters.

Due to the tremendous growth in spending last year, along with a stuttering economy, we find ourselves in a major deficit. This is a problem that could have been avoided if our leadership had planned for the long run. Even the week before the vote on the tax increase, Democrats were not trying to find ways responsibly cut spending. Instead, they were giving away money to every earmark project they could think of. I suppose this was to ensure the need for a tax increase.

Today, we are faced with higher fuel prices, increased unemployment, and a weak dollar. With our economy running on fumes, the DFL proposed the worst solution to the problem. They thought that the best course of action would be to take more money from the working middle class families of Minnesota.

The tax increases that were passed by the Senate and House include a gas tax, a sales tax, and a vehicle registration fee increase. It’s funny, because I thought that the DFL said that they were going to go after the rich. Instead, they proposed increasing taxes where it would hurt the middle class the most. Contractors, couriers, even commuters will be hurt by these increases.

My hope is that Jenifer Loon will be able to talk sense into some of you Democrats to stop voting for more and more tax increases and start doing what is good for our community instead. I think that it is time that we push for a change in leadership in the Minnesota House and Senate.

You Republicans don't know a

Hill — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:08:41 -0500

You Republicans don't know a good thing when you see it. You fire your only half-way decent experienced legislatures like Ron Erhardt for standing up for what they know is the right thing to do.

I applaud people like Doug Loon and the other Board of Directors members of the MN Chamber of Commerce who voted to back the DFL tax bill. I'm glad there are a few who see that we can't live in Fantasyland and not ever raise taxes. Hopefully Doug will be able to talk some sense into his wife if she wins.

Marty Seifert can't keep firing GOP leaders for voting for the best interest of the people...or he will find out that he is not in the best interest of the people and find himself jobless!

Hey George - I don't think

Lance — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:52:52 -0500

Hey George - I don't think you've got it! I checked the MN Chamber's website and Doug Loon is not a member of the Mn Chamber's Board of Directors. In addition Jenifer Loon doesn't support the new tax. She sent a letter to the delegates outlining her opposition to the tax prior to the Govenor's veto.
Jenifer's opponent however, does advertise that she's a member of the EP Chamber of Commerce who is in favor of the gas and transit tax. It seems that you might want to check in with her on transit taxes and affordable housing.