Community education, ECFE programs valued -- Posted Online 8/31/04
During the 2002 Legislative session, Community Education and particularly Early Childhood Education (ECFE) lost significant funding, in addition to having its per capita tax levy reduced. Go To Column
No-smoking bans in the hands of businesses -- Posted Online 8/17/04
Now the ban-smoking pleas are coming to suburban community city councils.
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Obesity is a major health problem with our kids -- Posted Online 8/4/04
At the State Department of Health, strategies are being developed and put on line to enable communities and particularly school districts to attack the problem of overweight kids. Go To Column
Historic sites in state are wanted by the citizens -- Posted Online 7/20/04
Six of seven historic sites in Minnesota have survived after nearly being shut down last year by the Minnesota Historical Society. Go To Column
Having select teams at young ages in question -- Posted Online 7/20/04
A medical doctor from Edina questions if having select, traveling sports teams for 7,8,9, and 10-year-olds is fair to physically under-developed kids who either get cut or are relegated to in-house leagues. Go To Column
Legislators must be told to protect nursing homes -- Posted Online 7/2/04
Nursing homes in Minnesota are in a vice slowly being squeezed by actions of the Minnesota Legislature and the costs of caring for the elderly.
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Out-of-school time for kids should be a concern -- Posted Online 7/2/04
Communities soon will be alerted to a growing concern on how children are using their out-of-school time. Most community leaders do not realize the seriousness of idle out-of-school time and its consequences. Go To Column
University of Minnesota needs more state support -- Posted Online 7/2/04
If a state bonding bill is not passed in a special session of the Minnesota Legislature, the University of Minnesota building and repair projects will suffer. Go To Column
Local service organizations enhance welfare of veterans -- Posted Online 7/2/04
Strong American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) posts and their auxiliaries are valuable for enhancing the welfare of veterans, promoting patriotism and enriching the lives in their local communities. Go To Column
Youths need support of their local communities -- Posted Online 7/2/04
Any community that believes it does not have a problem with young people drinking and smoking cigarettes and marijuana has its head in the sand. Go To Column
Special session needed in order to finish work -- Posted Online 5/21/04
While critics contend a special session of the Minnesota Legislature should not be called, too much is at stake in the bonding bill not to call it. Go To Column
Rights of all individuals, of all creeds, or all nationalities must be preserved -- Posted Online 5/21/04
The horrible photos of Iraqi prisoners being humiliated and tortured, in the words of President George Bush, "make us sick to our stomachs." Go To Column
Legislature must fund zoo or state might lose it -- Posted Online 5/21/04
If the Minnesota Legislature can find funds for other attractions, it ought to fund a facility it now owns, namely the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Go To Column
Motorists must urge yes vote on Northstar rail -- Posted Online 5/5/04
Suburban and outstate communities sometimes get little respect at the Minnesota Legislature. Go To Column
Parents can keep their kids off drugs, alcohol -- Posted Online 5/5/04
Parents are nervous around prom time because they fear their youngsters could get involved with drugs and alcohol after the prom is over. Go To Column
St. Francis High School dress code on right track -- Posted Online 4/12/04
The fashion trends and what is appropriate attire for high school students, particularly in the spring, are always challenging to school administrators.
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Lindsay Whalen a true example of sports' value -- Posted Online 4/2/04
Lindsay Whalen, the All American basketball player for the University of Minnesota, is a winner on and off the court and that's what makes her so special. Go To Column
Legislature should play ball with Gov. Pawlenty -- Posted Online 4/2/04
Governor Tim Pawlenty has decided to step up to the plate and lead the Minnesota Legislature to building new stadiums for professional baseball and football teams. Go To Column
Special education costs must be addressed -- Posted Online 3/23/04
During this election year, one issue, the local cost of subsidizing special education in our schools, must be addressed. Go To Column
Local officials need flexibility in making tough decisions -- Posted Online 3/9/04
During these difficult times when money is tight, local officials need flexibility to make tough decisions.
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Parents must stop school boards from raising fees -- Posted Online 3/9/04
It's time for parents to pay attention and stop school boards from raising any more activity and athletic fees for high school students.
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Metropolitan Council isn't broken, needs no fixing -- Posted Online 3/9/04
The Metropolitan Council is under attack by a conservative think tank group. It is nothing new because this council has been defending itself ever since it was started in the 1960s.
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Levy limits set to expire -- Posted Online 2/9/04
There's a sneaking suspicion at city halls across Minnesota that the 2004 Legislature will reimpose municipal levy limits that are set to expire in 2005.
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Political train appears headed in right direction -- Posted Online 2/9/04
Governor Tim Pawlenty, acting more and more like a statesmen and an emerging national figure, not only supports commuter rail but said last week he will lead the effort to get legislative approval for $37.5 million to get it going;
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All stadium proposals should be given a chance -- Posted Online 1/12/04
The battle is under way to land the future stadiums for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Team and the Minnesota Vikings Football Team.
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Looking at the top region stories for the year 2003 -- Posted Online 1/5/04
The year 2003 and its economic woes had its up and downs, with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty calling a lot of the budgetary shots. Here's a look at some of the region's top stories. Go To Column
Start of new year is good time to make resolutions -- Posted Online 1/5/04
The start of a new year is a good time to make some resolutions about strengthening your communities. Go To Column
What gift are you giving to your community? -- Posted Online 1/5/04
While you are making out your gift list, what have you decided to give to your community?
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Same value for girls hockey seems to be at Ridder Arena -- Posted Online 12/15/03
Girls High School hockey has come a long way since 1995 when the state tournament was played in Aldrich Arena in White Bear Lake. Go To Column
State legislators should protect Minnesota Zoo -- Posted Online 12/15/03
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, which attracts an average of a million visitors a year is facing a difficult time, due primarily to the economy and the Minnesota Legislature's reduction in state operating and bonding funds. Go To Column
Give your high school seniors a scholarship -- Posted Online 12/15/03
If you're wondering what your community can give your high school seniors for Christmas, how about a post-high school scholarship? Go To Column
The political stars are aligned to pass .08 law -- Posted Online 12/15/03
The political stars are aligned finally to pass a bill that would lower the drunk driving standard from .10 to .08. Go To Column
Suburban legislative power block has done little for the electorate -- Posted Online 12/15/03
Suburban communities are losing confidence in their state legislators who are in a position to promote and pass a suburban agenda, which is driven by rapid growth. Go To Column
School boards should have authority to build -- Posted Online 12/15/03
For years the Minnesota Legislature has insisted that voters have to approve bond issues to build and repair public school buildings.
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Let truancy work its way through the court system -- Posted Online 12/15/03
At first, Governor Tim Pawlenty's suggestion to suspend drivers license privileges of those who are truant or drop out of school seems like a good idea. Go To Column
Bullying is an issue that plagues many schools -- Posted Online 12/15/03
The whole issue of handling bullying in the school house is tied in with keeping schools safe. Go To Column
Community will be safer if we keep kids in school -- Posted Online 10/14/03
When students skip school, they could be opening the door to becoming a juvenile delinquent and to a life of crime. Even more important, the student could end up not getting a basic education and a high school diploma.
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Sports team successes strengthen stadium talk -- Posted Online 10/14/03
The value of sports is in the spotlight this week, with all the professional teams and university teams off to a fast start. Go To Column
Local residents need to pay attention to local units of government -- Posted Online 9/17/03
Now that the smoke has cleared from the last legislative session, there's some good news and bad news for property taxpayers.
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Legislators see people feel pain of no new tax increases -- Posted Online 9/17/03
Across the suburban landscape, city councils, county boards and school boards are wrestling with severe budgeting problems, thanks to a big loss of state aid. While the public is only beginning to feel the effects this year, next year's ability to deliver basic services will be even worse.
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High School students must prepare for college -- Posted Online 9/17/03
As the school year starts, parents and high school administrators need to take more interest in what courses their high school students are taking and in the college entrance requirements.
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All school districts should crack down on bullying -- Posted Online 8/21/03
Bullying of a student by other students continues to be a problem in elementary and middle schools.
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Cancer Relays for Life bring people together -- Posted Online 8/21/03
Cancer Relays for Life have become the most important fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. Go To Column
Focus must be shifted on those kids who need help -- Posted Online 7/24/03
Most traditional schools in the Twin Cities suburbs are not on the list of under-performing schools released by the Minnesota Education Department. Go To Column
Counties must protect local extension offices -- Posted Online 7/24/03
Loss of state aid to the Extension Division of the University of Minnesota and to Minnesota counties is threatening some popular programs, including 4-H clubs and Master Gardeners. Go To Column
Look for merged services in metropolitan region -- Posted Online 7/24/03
Reduction of funds to cities and counties is causing some new thinking about how much government should there be in this metropolitan region. Go To Column
Legislature earns good grade funding education -- Posted Online 7/24/03
The Minnesota Legislature earned a B grade in funding the K-12 public education.
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Parents must rise up and challenge school boards -- Posted Online 6/26/03
Parents, it is time to rise up and challenge school boards that are either eliminating co-curricular activities or charging higher fees for them. These school boards are being brain washed into believing that the only good dollar spent for education is the one to lower class sizes.
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Communities celebrate scholarship of students -- Posted Online 6/10/03
This is the time to celebrate scholarship in our communities. Go To Column
Showdown begins between winners and losers of state budget creation -- Posted Online 6/5/03
The tug of war between the winners and the losers in the showdown over the state's budget is about to begin. Go To Column
Schools must continue to keep students safe -- Posted Online 5/21/03
When the Columbine, Colorado High School massacre happened four years ago, public schools sprang into action to prevent future bullying of students, because the shooters in that tragedy had been taunted by fellow students.
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Reverse referendum bad policy for local governments in state -- Posted Online 5/21/03
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and the House Republicans would be wise to take the reverse referendum out of their budget proposals, because it is bad policy for local governments. A reverse referendum would only cause mischief and confusion in an already complicated local property tax world. Go To Column
Gov. Pawlenty holds key to Northstar's future -- Posted Online 4/18/03
Governor Tim Pawlenty holds the key to putting commuter rail on the tracks along the Highway 10 corridor from Rice through St. Cloud and to downtown Minneapolis. He has yet to be convinced that moving commuters on existing rails is cost effective, but the facts are telling him the train is coming.
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Minnesotans seem to agree with Pawlenty plan -- Posted Online 4/18/03
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty feels very confident as he steers the ship of state through choppy economic waters. Go To Column
$1.1 billion in human services cuts to have effect -- Posted Online 4/18/03
Former Minnesota Governor Elmer Andersen drew applause recently when he pronounced that taxes are the way Minnesotans join hands to get things done. Go To Column
Parents, teachers should review revised standards -- Posted Online 4/18/03
Parents and teachers still will have some time to react to a set of revised standards on math and language arts that will determine what students must learn in Minnesota to comply with the Federal No Child Left Behind law. Go To Column
During times of money shortage, racino tempting -- Posted Online 3/24/03
During these times of state revenue shortage the temptation to net $75 million from a racino is tempting.
Go To Column
Early childhood program advocates must speak up -- Posted Online 3/24/03
An early childhood family education program (ECFE) in public schools is being threatened by a 30 percent revenue cutback during the 2004/05 school year. Go To Column
Public must be involved in ranking public services -- Posted Online 3/24/03
Local community and county leaders are faced with a major budget revamp to provide services, thanks to a pending harsh reduction of state aids. Go To Column
Appropriate dress style needed in our schools -- Posted Online 3/24/03
n most Twin Cities high schools, the style of clothing worn by the boys and the girls is becoming more revealing and tantalizing. While this is not a new problem, the new styles are a challenge to school officials and staffs, who are trying to enforce a dress code. Go To Column
Minneapolis mayor on wrong track regarding control of communications -- Posted Online 3/24/03
Most community officials would prefer less emphasis on the negative and more on the positive actions in city halls, school systems and county systems. Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak is trying to centralize and control communications in Minneapolis City Hall to put a good spin on bad news. Go To Column
Local policymakers have no choice but to cut expenses or raise taxes -- Posted Online 2/12/03
Suburban governments are bracing themselves for expected reductions in state aids, due to a $4.5 billion state deficit forecast for the next two years.
Go To Column
Public has right to know who is on honor rolls -- Posted Online 2/12/03
For years school people have been preaching the need to give students positive reenforcement to build up their self-esteem. Go To Column
Communities benefit by having an ambassador -- Posted Online 2/12/03
Community leaders are on a mission to make their residents feel proud of where they live.
Go To Column
Governor Pawlenty must remember fiscal lessons -- Posted Online 1/14/03
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is off to an impressive start.
Go To Column
Make resolutions to strengthen communities -- Posted Online 1/3/03
The start of a new year is a good time to make some resolutions about strengthening your communities.
Go To Column
Local government will see a lean 2003 -- Posted Online 12/27/02
With conservatives in control of most city councils, county boards and school boards, look for a lean 2003.
Go To Column
Defibrillators would be great gifts for Santa and his communities -- Posted Online 12/27/02
I'm writing to tell you about communities in this Twin Cities Metropolitan Area who are giving their residents the gift of life. Go To Column
Budget cutting to have impact on area schools -- Posted Online 12/27/02
There is a somber message for school boards in a survey conducted by Decision Resources, following the property tax levy elections.
Go To Column
Ventura came across as villain in government, too -- Posted Online 12/9/02
Soon Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura will climb out of the political wrestling ring where he has grappled with legislators, critics and the media for four years. Go To Column
Boosting activities fees will hurt some students -- Posted Online 12/2/02
As school districts continue to boost fees to play ball, they may be hurting the students who most need team activities.
Go To Column
Every community should help their people in need -- Posted Online 11/22/02
With a declining economy and a looming $3 billion state budget deficit, concern is mounting for programs that help the needy in all communities. Go To Column
It's time for Gov.-elect Pawlenty to get on board -- Posted Online 11/22/02
Proponents of commuter and light rail are hoping their plans to solve part of the traffic congestion will not be de-railed. Go To Column
Voters respond to promise of no new taxes -- Posted Online 11/22/02
The problems of Minnesota and the suburbs, in particular, will be addressed by a Republican governor and suburban Republican legislators. How this suburban Republican power flexes this muscle remains to be seen.
Go To Column
Community education programs spark learning -- Posted Online 11/22/02
What began as an idea to keep open Minnesota school facilities for the community during after-school hours, has mushroomed into the most successful community education program in the nation. Go To Column
Time has come to study teachers' right to strike -- Posted Online 11/22/02
The time has come to examine the need for the teachers right to strike.
Go To Column
Local planning through regional help is important -- Posted Online 11/22/02
Most communities in the seven-county area respect the Metropolitan Council, while outside that ring, residents in growing counties hope it never comes their way.
Go To Column
Minnesota Twins are key part of state quality of life -- Posted Online 11/22/02
Despite all kinds of roadblocks, the Minnesota Twins are the American League Central Division Champions. Go To Column
Parents must get involved in school board elections -- Posted Online 9/23/02
Much is being publicized this week about the effect of budget cuts on programs for students.
Go To Column
Communities should make areas heart-safe -- Posted Online 9/23/02
Minutes, even seconds are critical as someone is having a cardiac arrest, when the heart is having an electrical malfunction that makes it unable to pump blood through the body. Go To Column
Only we can tell, in our hearts, if 9/11 changed us -- Posted Online 9/9/02
Sept. 11 or 9/11, as it is known, while so important in our history, doesn't have a name, or a slogan.
Go To Column
State should share costs of mandated programs -- Posted Online 8/16/02
Unfunded mandated programs result in counties having to tax their only revenue source, the property tax.
Go To Column
Thanks to community leaders, identity is built -- Posted Online 8/6/02
Community leaders are on a mission to build identity, spirit and pride in their towns.
Go To Column
Northstar rail supporters must examine candidates -- Posted Online 8/6/02
The Northstar Commuter rail program is still on track, and that's good news for the growing number who believe rail is an important part of relieving traffic congestion along the Highway 10 corridor.
Suburban legislators can have impact on education -- Posted Online 7/19/02
Suburban residents will have more power in the next legislative session. The question is how will it be used?
Go To Column
Signing no-new-taxes pledges not a good idea -- Posted Online 7/19/02
Legislators who sign no-new-taxes pledges before they go into a legislative session have some questions to answer.
Ventura's decision not to run is a mixed blessing -- Posted Online 7/2/02
Jesse Ventura's decision not to run again for Governor of Minnesota is a mixed blessing for the residents of the state.
Go To Column
Suburban residents must ask tough transportation questions -- Posted Online 7/2/02
During this past session, the Minnesota Legislature failed to provide the package of dollars to build and rebuild a needed highway and transportation system. Go To Column
Community identity depends on the arts -- Posted Online 7/2/02
As communities seek their identity and try to strengthen their citizens' sense of community, more are planning to have the arts as an important component.
Go To Column
Congratulations grads, continue learning, giving -- Posted Online 7/2/02
This is the time when communities celebrate scholarship. It is a time to salute the students who studied and worked hard to become the top members of their class. Go To Column
Donating funds to D-Day Memorial is appropriate -- Posted Online 7/2/02
Outside Bedford, Va., is a monument honoring all those who died and participated in Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944 ñ D-Day.
Go To Column
Minnesota Supreme Court decision on Open Meeting Law is victory for the people -- Posted Online 7/2/02
A recent ruling of the Minnesota Supreme Court sends a message to all office holders who believe in using the attorney-client privilege to conduct secret meetings. Go To Column
Policy development will help restore trust in Catholic Church -- Posted Online 7/2/02
Catholics in the Dioceses of St. Paul and Minneapolis and of St. Cloud understandably are unsettled over allegations of sexual abuse by priests and even by bishops. Go To Column
Closing of Governor's Residence shows government in disarray -- Posted Online 5/7/02
The closing of the Governor's Residence on Summit Avenue is another example of Minnesota government in disarray. Go To Column
Gratitude owed to our volunteer, paid firefighter -- Posted Online 5/7/02
One of the most amazing accomplishments in suburban communities is the volunteer fire department.
Go To Column
Suburban agendas should not be anti-urban -- Posted Online 5/7/02
In defining an agenda for the suburban communities, it's important that it not become an anti-urban one. Such an agenda is being discussed because of the growing voter power in suburban and exurban communities. Go To Column
Teachers' work to rule tactic is a cry for help -- Posted Online 5/7/02
Salary and benefit negotiations are heating up in school districts throughout the metropolitan area. Go To Column
Politics definitely reflects suburban issue agendas -- Posted Online 4/2/02
Much is being written and said about the impending change in suburban politics, particularly at the state legislative level. With political power about to shift more to the suburbs where 48 percent of the state's population dwells, efforts should be underway to elect candidates who will pass a suburban agenda.
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Users tax may be only way to save the Twins -- Posted Online 3/18/02
A sports stadium bill has to pass this legislative session, or Minnesota will lose the Minnesota Twins and eventually the Minnesota Vikings.
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Community obligation is one of feeding the hungry -- Posted Online 3/18/02
One basic obligation of a successful community is to feed the hungry.
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Parents should show concern about finding more dollars for funding of special education -- Posted Online 3/18/02
School districts are cutting operating budgets in part to subsidize the cost of educating children with disabilities.
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Mighty Books funding from state makes sense -- Posted Online 2/28/02
A well-maintained library containing an up-to-date, extensive collection of books is one of the hallmarks of an enlightened and successful community.
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Commuter rail hanging in balance with legislators -- Posted Online 2/19/02
The Northstar Corridor rail plan makes sense as an alternate way of moving people because it uses existing railroad tracks for high-speed, high-technical trains to travel along the St. Cloud to Minneapolis corridor where growth is rapid. The Northstar line will end at a station just behind the Target Center where passengers can transfer to the Light Rail train that will take them to the airport and the Mall of America.
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Build a stadium or face the loss of the Twins -- Posted Online 2/19/02
The threatened contraction of the Minnesota Twins has left the state with a clear message: build a new baseball stadium or lose the Twins. Go To Column
Ask communities what they think of school co-curricular activities -- Posted Online 2/19/02
School boards are targeting high school athletic budgets more to make a point than to save money. Go To Column
School districts must come up with strategies to solve financial crunch -- Posted Online 1/15/02
School districts across the Metropolitan area are struggling to cut the operating budgets in view of failed excess levy referendums.
Go To Column
At Christmas, thoughts focus on manger, NYC -- Posted Online 12/17/01
This Christmas Eve, our thoughts and prayers will focus on the Manger scene in Bethlehem and on Ground Zero in New York City.
Go To Column
Budget cutting to have impact on area schools -- Posted Online 12/17/01
There is a somber message for school boards in a survey conducted by Decision Resources, following the property tax levy elections.
Go To Column
Strict attendance policies needed at senior highs -- Posted Online 12/17/01
Across the state in senior high schools too many students are skipping school and their classes. As a result they fail classes and do not graduate.
Go To Column
Chambers like to partner with local communities -- Posted Online 12/17/01
The merger of the Bloomington Area Chamber of Commerce with the Minneapolis Area Chamber of Commerce raises questions about the future of the 40 suburban chambers of commerce in the seven-county metropolitan area. Go To Column
At time of Thanksgiving, we all feel a bit more vulnerable -- Posted Online 11/21/01
This will be a more somber and prayerful Thanksgiving for most Americans.
Go To Column
Minnesotans place higher priority on other things than baseball -- Posted Online 11/21/01
The voters through their elected representatives determine what kind of state it wants Minnesota to be. Minnesotans place a higher priority on education, health care, the environment, the need for affordable housing, and building tourism than having a professional baseball team.
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Pledge of Allegiance should be daily routine -- Posted Online 11/21/01
The question of requiring the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms is being raised in school board meeting rooms.
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Governor should tone down his dispute with the news media -- Posted Online 10/23/01
Governor Jesse Ventura has become a state leader and a national figure, because of his leadership and accomplishments communicated by the local, state and national media.
Go To Column
School boards should be wise and accountable with funds -- Posted Online 10/23/01
Independent school districts have launched property tax levy campaigns because they have no other recourse under state law to raise funds. Go To Column
Suburban communities forced to ask for help -- Posted Online 10/4/01
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is cautioning property taxpayers not to be so quick to approve school referendums and property tax increases by cities. Go To Column
A resolve stirs within us to preserve our freedom -- Posted Online 10/4/01
This week a resolve stirs within all of us to do something to preserve our freedom and to protect our country and our world.
Go To Column
Old Glory has reason to be proud and to be angry -- Posted Online 9/18/01
Monday under heavy, gray skies, the American Flag at half staff hung quietly, limply and sadly in our Town Squares, in mourning for the country it represents.
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Rep. Sondra Erickson deserves Indians' respect -- Posted Online 9/4/01
State Representative Sondra Erickson, a Republican from Princeton, intends to be a constructive member of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) to which she has been appointed, even though she says she was not notified of the first meeting Aug. 3.
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Korey Stringer's death is warning to all athletes -- Posted Online 9/4/01
The tragic death of Minnesota Viking football player Korey Stringer is a warning to all who conduct athletic practices in heat and humidity. Go To Column
More restaurants should make places smoke free -- Posted Online 8/3/01
Evidence is mounting that second-hand cigarette smoke is a danger to people's health. As a result, more restaurant owners are making their establishments smoke free.
Go To Column
Regional solutions may be answer to urban sprawl conditions -- Posted Online 7/30/01
Because of the concern over growth in the Twin Cities region, which is resulting in congested highways, crowded schools, a loss of open space to housing developers and a condition called urban sprawl, more officials are focusing on regional solutions.
It makes more sense to appropriate library funds -- Posted Online 7/19/01
If it makes sense to use state funds for matching grants to help build and remodel community ice arenas, it makes even more sense to appropriate state funds for new or remodeled community libraries.
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Tri-partisan government seems not to be working -- Posted Online 6/22/01
Tri-partisan state government appears not to be working.
Go To Column
Metro Council's latest efforts make sense -- Posted Online 6/22/01
The Metropolitan Council is preparing a new "Smart Growth" development plan that could have a major impact on the future of the Twin Cities seven-county area and bordering counties.
Go To Column
Many Americans troubled about capital punishment -- Posted Online 6/11/01
Many Americans went about their business with troubled hearts Monday, bothered by the execution of Timothy McVeigh for bombing and killing 168 Americans. Go To Column
Ventura, Legislature need to step up to the plate to build Twins park -- Posted Online 6/11/01
The Minnesota Twins have captured the hearts of Minnesotans, if the not the Minnesota Legislature.
Go To Column
Increasing extra curricular fees is not an acceptable option -- Posted Online 6/5/01
School boardsâ decisions to increase fees for studentsâ extra curricular activities calls into question their value judgment of the importance of these activities.
Go To Column
Seat belt, photo cop bills cause some controversy -- Posted Online 5/29/01
Two measures causing controversy in the Minnesota Legislature this session are the priority seat belt and photo cop plans.
Go To Column
People ought to have fair legislative representation -- Posted Online 5/21/01
Suburbs, particulary in the outer rings, have problems due to growth, unlike urban centers which deal with redevelopment issues. Go To Column
Federal government must keep promise to fund special education
-- Posted Online 5/14/01
Funding federal and state mandated programs for students with special needs is more in the spotlight, because about $250 million comes from Minnesotaâs school districtâs operating funds each year to subsidize special education. Go To Column
Growing school districts must be given special consideration
-- Posted Online 4/27/01
Despite the higher number of suburban legislators, growing school districts do not have the clout in the Minnesota Legislature when it comes to getting extra increases in school aid.
Legislators need to step up to the plate on Twins stadium -- Posted Online 4/19/01
The decisions on preserving Major League baseball are well into the final innings. Itâs come down to the political considerations on a bill that many believe would pass once the public understands it.
Go To Column
As far as redistricting, suburban clout is needed -- Posted Online 4/13/01
One of the most important duties of this legislature will be to redistrict the legislative and congressional seats, according to the new census.
Go To Column
Suburban legislators must help hurting school districts -- Posted Online 4/13/01
Suburban legislators should use their dominant presence in the Minnesota Legislature to obtain badly needed basic K-12 education funding for suburban school districts that are hurting.
Go To Column
Enjoy that tournament moment -- Posted Online 3/20/01
State high school sports tournaments bring all generations of a community together to celebrate the athletic accomplishments of its young men and women. Go To Column
University of Minnesota celebrates 150th birthday -- Posted Online 3/20/01
The University of Minnesota is celebrating its 150th birthday this week, and we are all invited to the party.
Go To Column
Some educational reforms may be on way -- Posted Online 2/26/01
If suburban school districts expect a veto-proof K-12 funding bill with more money than the governor has recommended, they'd better be prepared to accept some educational reforms right away. Go To Column
Governor's budget for education is an insult -- Posted Online 2/14/01
At a time when the Legislature and the governor are talking about unprecedented surpluses and tax rebates, the governorâs budget for K-12 education is an insult.
Go To Column
Red-light running motorists are dangerous -- Posted Online 2/9/01
Red-light running motorists are continuing to endanger the lives of pedestrians and law-abiding motorists.
Gov. Ventura needs to post some tax reforms -- Posted Online 1/29/01
Governor Jesse Venturaâs future as a reformer will depend heavily on how much of his legislative program gets enacted this year.
Go To Column
A sip of soda pop can be harmful to local students -- Posted Online 1/29/01
Allowing high school students to sip soda pop in schools is questionable and to do it in class is inexcuseable, say the dentists of Minnesota.
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