MINNESOTA HOUSE
The cases for Erhardt, Staunton and Masin
If I could cast only one vote on Nov. 4, it would be for Ron Erhardt, Independent House candidate for District 41A.
Ron is intelligent, well-informed, farsighted and fair, exercising common sense and fiscal responsibility. And he gets things done!
Ron has served with distinction in the Minnesota House for 18 years. He has supported the environment, the arts, the University of Minnesota and small business, and was largely responsible for the passage of the 2008 Transportation Bill.
Most important, for women and for all advocates of women's health, Ron has been a steadfast supporter of reproductive choice and health.
I'm a Democrat, but never vote a "straight" ticket. I have always voted for Ron; I urge my friends and neighbors in 41A to reelect him.
MILDRED S. HANSON, M.D., EDINA
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I am disappointed the Star Tribune did not endorse Kevin Staunton for House District 41A. It did decide that Staunton was qualified and then accused him of agism. I am 86 and have seen no evidence that he discriminates on the basis of age.
What is needed is a change from the past, and fresh ideas. Staunton is focused on the economy, health care, and support for education with emphasis on early childhood and K-12 education.
You state that the incumbent, Ron Erhardt, will caucus with the majority party (DFL) and will claim a committee chairmanship if reelected. My understanding is that representatives cannot claim a chairmanship and a representative not of the major party has little power and is unlikely to become chair of a committee.
Finally, you state that Erhardt can be "prickly and outspoken" and essentially excuse his boorish behavior, which was displayed again at the Debate Minnesota event a few days ago. He was intemperate, called an opponent a liar, and used an expletive. My district deserves better behavior from its representative.
WILBUR L. LAYTON, EDINA
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The Star Tribune sure missed the mark in its pick for House District 38A. Residents in Eagan and Burnsville are lucky to have Rep. Sandra Masin working for them at the State Capitol.
Knowing that actions speak louder than words, Masin quietly reached across party lines to end partisan gridlock at the Legislature. Her commitment to finding common-sense solutions to difficult challenges resulted in bipartisan passage of a long-overdue transportation bill, additional funding for our schools and nation-leading renewable energy policy. With an eye to the future, she worked to improve Minnesota's technology infrastructure, jump-starting efforts to bring ultra-high-speed broadband service and better telecommunications access to every corner of the state.
A firm advocate for working families and small businesses, Sandy voted for a bill that would have significantly lowered property taxes for 95 percent of Minnesotans. The House Republican caucus opposed it and the governor vetoed it, and there is no reason to think her challenger wouldn't do the same.
Sandy is endorsed by Education Minnesota, two environmental groups, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officer Association, the Minnesota Nurses Association, more than 10 employee groups and five women's groups.
We don't need someone to fight for big corporations and the richest Minnesotans. We need someone who will fight for us. Clearly, that person is Sandra Masin.
PAUL HOFFINGER, EAGAN
TRUE CHANGE FOR AMERICA
Only found in former Georgia congressman
The only true difference between John McCain and Barack Obama is their style of delivery. Both opted to eviscerate our Bill of Rights with their votes on the Patriot Act and FISA. Both have voted to continue funding our occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan, bailing out big business and deficit spending.
Libertarian Bob Barr has vision for America that is not beholden to special interests, that is fiscally responsible and respects the rights of its citizens. Bringing our troops home and protecting our borders would be a high priority. Electing Barr is the change our country really needs.
BEN OLSON III, WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.
COUNTY NEEDS MOLENAAR
A hard-working steward of resources
I have known Hennepin County Board candidate Joan Molenaar (District 7) for more than eight years, and have found her to be tireless in helping her community.
Molenaar knows how to network in helping people get what they need while maintaining fiscal responsibility. She has worked with nonprofit agencies as chair or president of various groups. She served for eight years on the Champlin City Council and many other agencies, fighting for fairness and services for people who live in the area while maintaining prudent management of resources.
MARY MORIARTY, MAPLE GROVE
THE SECOND DISTRICT
Kline's earmarks stand could be dangerous
When John Kline rants about earmarks, it's evident that he does not read what some of those earmarks do. His district suffers from lack of infrastructure updating due to his no-earmarks pledge.
When he sneered about a fruit fly earmark in his TV ad, he apparently didn't know that fruit flies are vehicles for research relevant to human disabilities. They are the foundation of modern genetics and enable us to discover so much of what we know about heredity, genome structure and congenital disorders. Anyone who has suffered directly or indirectly from inherited illness should think carefully when voting for Kline.
RUTH JACKSON, DEEPHAVEN
