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BARRETT IS CHANGE
Letters to the Editor
Vote Barrett
Bob Barrett firmly believes we need to get back to having
responsible government.
Case in point: Defined pension plans. It would be great if
everyone could retire with a fix retirement plan, but who can
question the affordability... of doing so, especially in these
recessionary times?
Bob is also for repealing the state law that fines school
districts $25 per pupil when teachers and their unions do not
agree on a contract by Jan. 15 every two years.
These are just a couple of issues Bob feels strongly about.
Please vote for Bob Barrett for state representative, House 17B.
Jim Fregeauf
...TO THE EDITOR:
The last 100 years we have been victimized by a people-eating
monster. This monster has been growing slowly right beside us,
but until the last 2 years most o...f us have not been able to
see it, as busy as we are raising our kids, making ends meet and
living our daily lives. That people-eating monster is
government. Government seeks to own you.
They are in control of our schools and what our children are
being taught. They are buying private land at unprecedented
rates, preparing for a time, soon, when our economy will be
based upon the value of land and not money, which they are
rapidly seeking to devalue by printing more and selling our debt
to foreign powers. Public sector (government) employment has
skyrocketed since 2009.
Typical government employees make 64 percent more than private
sector employees, largely because they have been unionized. They
do not have to take pay cuts or lose benefits when the economy
is ailing, because they are paid by tax dollars. They will
always pay their own salaries and benefits as long as there are
tax revenues to support them.
They are eating us alive. Nov. 2 vote for conservative
candidates who stand for smaller government, lower taxes, fewer
federal restrictions and mandates, school choice; all of which
will kill off the people-eating blob. Vote Kurt Daudt, Bob
Barrett, Sean Nienow, Chip Cravaack, Tom Emmer.
Dan Lansing
North Branch
9/15/10
Reagan: 9/11
To the Editor:
This week, all across America, people remembered the attacks of
9/11 and demonstrated that our country is very much alive and
rooted in the foundation upon which it was built. This was
especially true in Chisago County where residents from around
the area attended the 4th Annual Reagan Day Dinner. The dinner
was not only a time of celebration for the life of our former
President Ronald Reagan, but also a time of reflection as we
remembered the tragic losses of 9/11.
President Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one
generation away from becoming extinct.” The patriotism and
determination showed by the attendees of the Reagan Day Dinner
demonstrated what exists all over our country; that our love for
God, our families and this country has never been stronger.
In less than seven weeks the voters will go to the polls and
decide which direction our country is headed. The question that
remains is whether we elect candidates who follow in the steps
of Reagan and support conservative values and limited
government, or do we elect candidates who follow our current
president and support an agenda of larger government and less
freedom and opportunity?
If Ronald Reagan’s legacy has taught us anything, it is that we
need to elect individuals who will honor the constitution and
protect the freedoms for which so many have made the ultimate
sacrifice. At the Reagan Day Dinner, we heard from Legislative
candidates Bob Barrett, Bob Dettmer and Sean Nienow;
Congressional candidate Chip Cravaack; Judicial candidate Chris
Penwell; and State candidates Dan Severson, Chris Barden, Pat
Anderson and Tom Emmer. These individuals share the same belief
that America’s best days are still ahead and that conservative
principles are what it will take to turn this country around.
Darrel A. Trulson
Chisago City
9/8/10
People need jobs, not welfare
To the Editor:
Someone once said if your neighbor loses his job that’s a
recession. If you lose your job it’s a depression. August job
reports revealed the private sector cut 10,000 jobs in August.
No wonder people are getting depressed.
You might think having that government job protects you from our
current economic woes. Think again. Minnesota currently has $12
– 15 billion dollars in government pension liabilities and a $6
billion budget deficit projected for next year.
Here is the fact. If the private sector is not thriving and
growing strong, revenues to the government go down. The
government then has to raise taxes on the current tax base or
create an environment that results in an increase of private
sector wealth. Lowering taxes and regulations on businesses so
they can prosper means more businesses hiring and paying more to
employees. When government adds spending less of the people’s
money to the equation you get an economy that booms.
Minnesota needs legislators who understand this and have the
guts to fight the special interests and the proposals that make
us feel good about spending other people’s money. Send Bob
Barrett to the Minnesota Legislature. Minnesotans need good
paying jobs, not more welfare programs.
Stacey Williams
North Branch
9/8/10
Vote for Barrett
To the Editor:
People my age (20) are not the most politically involved. We are
busy working, going to school and trying to have a life too. But
this year I have seen more people out of work that have always
had a job and it worries me. When I get done with school is
there going to be any jobs? I look at my pay stub and see all
the money going to taxes and yet I read that Minnesota is
projecting almost $6 billion in budget deficits. When I don’t
have any money left I stop spending. Hello, Minnesota
Legislature, that’s basic money management.
I decided to read up on it. The Minnesota Taxpayer’s Association
had a lot of educational information and showed we pay high
taxes in Minnesota. The Taxpayers League had a scorecard of
legislators voting records. I’m voting for the candidates who
will work to lower taxes and reduce government spending. I’m
voting for Bob Barrett this year. Voting for Democrats who keep
spending other people’s money and raising taxes is an epic fail.
They’re spending money we haven’t even earned yet. Minnesota
needs guys like Barrett because we can’t keep spending money we
don’t have.
Maranda Lentz
North Branch
Barrett is solidly conservative
To the Editor:
Some people are pro life and some are pro choice, however very
few want to be forced to pay for other people’s abortions.
Unfortunately, with the recent passage of President Obama’s
national health care plan, every taxpayer will. Obamacare is the
largest expansion of Roe vs. Wade (the Supreme Court ruling that
forced states to legalize abortion) in history.
Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in America
received over $650,000,000 in federal dollars during the last
seven years. Under Omamacare, the pool of money from which
Planned Parenthood will get a substantial amount, increases to
$7 billion; earmarked for Community Health Centers for primary
health care, which specifically includes gynecological and
obstetrics care, without restrictions on the use of money for
abortion. Is it any wonder Planned Parenthood is building a huge
abortion facility in St. Paul?
Thirty-three states are suing the federal government over the
bill and Minnesota needs to do the same and reclaim our states
rights as stated in the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
We need legislators who understand what the constitutional right
to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness means. In House
District 17B the best candidate to accomplish this is Bob
Barrett. Barrett’s opponent, the DFL candidate, is solidly pro
choice, accepting PAC money from an exclusively pro choice PAC,
(Women Winning).
The DFL party walks in lock step with the Obama administration
and counting on them to do what is right for Minnesotans will
only get us more of what we currently have, a projected state
deficit of over five billion dollars, unemployment in Chisago
County over 11 percent and a federal take over of about one
sixth of the U. S. economy, the entire health care industry.
District 17B needs to be represented by a solid constitutional
conservative.
Vote for Bob Barrett.
Deborah Thompson
Rush City
8/4/10
Vote for Bob Barrett
To the Editor:
I think people in America, in the state of Minnesota, in Chisago
County and in District 17B are sick to death of politicians and
the way they conduct themselves.
Government officials on all levels seem to feel “entitled” to a
career in politics. To be elected has become a career in itself,
with high compensation and benefits. It is no wonder they do not
want to leave office at any cost, including ignoring what we,
who elected them, believe they should do. Politicians are
supposed to be public servants. To our Founders, elected
officials considered it an honor and a privilege to be elected
to serve, and originally they were only compensated when
absolutely necessary. When their term(s) were up and the people
elected someone else, they went back to their private lives,
businesses, families. That is the model of public service and
election by the people our country was founded on. In their
incredible wisdom our Founders knew that to offer more than a
bare minimum as payment for being elected would only invite
corruption.
This election year there are those at the federal, state, county
and local levels who are expecting to be returned to office;
their “career” as they have come to consider it. I say let’s
throw out personal agendas and political ambitions in District
17B and send the candidate unanimously elected at the caucus (in
which anyone can participate) Bob Barrett, forward to the Nov. 2
general election. Bob has chosen to leave his private life and
job for a time to serve those who want a change. Vote for Bob
Barrett Aug. 10. Vote for politics not as usual.
Rebecca Lansing
North Branch
Supporting Barrett
To the Editor:
Four of us sought the Republican Endorsement for State
Representative and all four of us pledged to abide by the
endorsing process. Bob Barrett won the endorsement.
Since that day I have talked to family, friends, church members
and supporters of Bob. Everyone spoke highly of Bob. I have also
had numerous conversations with Bob. I was impressed with his
ability to remember facts and figures and his knowledge of
current issues. He has done service to our community through
mentoring and being a member of the Chisago Lakes School
District Finance Committee to name a few. Bob has earned my
respect and my support. Bob Barrett is a man I will be proud to
call my State Representative. I am asking you to join me and
vote for Bob Barrett on Aug. 10 in the primary election.
Don Taylor
Chisago City
Barrett will get us back in black
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
TO THE EDITOR:
The state of Minnesota had a budget surplus four years ago,
however in the last two liberal controlled legislatures, they
managed to spend the surplus and now we are facing a 5.2 billion
dollar budget deficit.
Raising taxes is a bad idea when the economy is slow. We need
legislators who will know where to cut the budget and where to
give the taxpayers relief from the burden that paying high taxes
is bearing on their household and business budgets.
We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different
results. We need authentic principled finance experts who have
the experience to work out economic solutions and the discipline
to make tough choices when special interests are pressuring them
to cave.
Minnesota needs leaders who know that it is easy to be
compassionate when you are spending other peoples’ money. We
can’t solve all of mankind’s problems with a state program. In
fact, when the people’s money is left to the people, they are
quite generous in helping each other out. Charities run by
private sector groups are more efficient and effective.
Minnesota will prosper when its government is fiscally
responsible and when its private sector is profiting from
business. Bob Barrett is the candidate for State Representative
for House District 17B. Bob knows the fiscal principles needed
to turn Minnesota’s budget around and get us back in the black.
Vote for Bob Barrett Nov. 2.
Connie Thorp
North Branch
Regaining solid foundations
Wednesday, 01 September 2010
To the editor:
With the recent political climate I’ve been noticing that it
seems United States twenty-something’s has a problem. A large
majority of us go to the polls without prior knowledge of who
they’re voting in, if indeed, we go at all. Just when we’re
reaching the age to start caring about government, it appears as
if we don’t; unless we’ve been politically inspired, that is.
The global community today is traveling at a faster pace than
ever before. We live in a world of IDK, I-Spy, I-phone, and
internet. This generation is being over stimulated almost as
fast as it seems the values of this country are declining.
That’s not to say one should lose all hope, however. We can
still regain solid foundations right here in Minnesota by smart
voting choices.
Local individuals are standing up for cutting taxes to expand
growth in the private job sector and legislation that puts kids
first when it comes to the education discussion, as opposed to
letting them fall to bureaucratic rules and regulations.
Citizens in surrounding communities feel the gift of life isn’t
something to be messed around with. Bob Barrett is just a person
wanting your vote for 17B state rep. this Fall. I urge you to
take a look at his Web site at www.vote4bob.com and familiarize
yourself with his views. Bob is a smart vote to bring positive
change. Please get to know Bob Barrett and find your way to the
polls this November.
Kellyanne Wofford
Harris
Need legislators who understand
Monday, 30 August 2010
To the editor:
Some people are pro life and some are pro choice, however very
few want to be forced to pay for other people’s abortions.
Unfortunately, with the recent passage of President Obama’s
national health care plan, every taxpayer will. Obamacare is the
largest expansion of Roe vs. Wade (the Supreme Court ruling that
forced states to legalize abortion) in history.
Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in America
received over $650,000,000 in federal dollars during the last
seven years. Under Obamacare, the pool of money from which
Planned Parenthood will get a substantial amount, increases to
$7 billion; earmarked for Community Health Centers for primary
health care, which specifically includes gynecological and
obstetrics care, without restrictions on the use of money for
abortion. Is it any wonder Planned Parenthood is building a huge
abortion facility in St. Paul?
Thirty three states are suing the federal government over the
bill and Minnesota needs to do the same and reclaim our state’s
rights as stated in the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
We need legislators who understand what the constitutional right
to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness means. In House
District 17B the best candidate to accomplish this is Bob
Barrett. Barrett’s opponent, the DFL candidate, is solidly pro
choice, accepting PAC money from an exclusively pro choice PAC,
(Women Winning).
The DFL party walks in lock step with the Obama administration
and counting on them to do what is right for Minnesotans will
only get us more of what we currently have, a projected state
deficit of over five billion dollars, unemployment in Chisago
County over 11 percent and a federal take over of about one
sixth of the U. S. economy, the entire health care industry.
District 17B needs to be represented by a solid constitutional
conservative. Vote for Bob Barrett.
Deborah Thompson
Rush City
Vote for conservative candidates
Monday, 30 August 2010
To the editor:
The Constitution of the United States is the heritage and
responsibility of every American citizen. Our Constitution is a
document of negative rights; it defines in clear terms what the
federal government cannot do to us; her states and her citizens.
Clearly, then, it does not guarantee any citizen’s right to
material goods – housing, education, food, clothing, jobs or
healthcare, which would require states to take the resources
from other citizens to pay for them. Our Founders understood
that any central government would seek to expand itself and take
ever more power from the states and the people, and crafted this
document, unique in human history, to protect us from tyranny.
The federal government’s only purpose is to protect us from
enemies, foreign and domestic.
Over the last century, however, liberal/progressive thought has
twisted many peoples’ minds into believing the federal
government exists to help them and provide for them in any and
all areas of their lives. This simply is not the case.
America was founded on individual liberty, limited government
and unlimited leeway within the law to either succeed or fail,
whether you are an individual or a business. To allow any
governmental body to choose who succeeds or fails either in life
or in business is socialism, and ends in tyranny. America is at
a crossroads this election year. A multitude of our freedoms
have been gobbled up and more are on the plates of our greedy
ruling party, the Democrats and President Obama. In this
election 2010 we will decide: do we choose to take back our
God-given liberties and become responsible for our own lives as
free people, or do we continue “slouching towards Gomorrah” and
become wards of the state.
We must sweep any and all Democrats and moderate Republicans out
of office this November. Whether they are moderate or leftist
they all share the view that you cannot make it on your own and
need their help. They want power. They want to own you. Are you
going to let them? Remember in November. Conservative candidates
in our area we must elect are John vonLange mayor, Adam Anderson
City Council, Bob Barrett Mn House, Sean Nienow MN Senate, Chip
Cravaack US House and Tom Emmer Governor.
With these men we will go a long way toward taking our city, our
state and our nation back.
Rebecca Lansing
North Branch
Believes Barrett is the man
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
To the editor:
What’s the monster in our nation, state and county today? I
believe it is the economic disaster which has grown to gigantic
proportions under the Obama administration, and has trickled
down to Chisago County which has 11.5 percent unemployment.
The problem is fundamental. High taxes and burdensome
regulations are a disincentive to businesses. When the cost of
doing business is so much lower in states like the Dakota’s, why
would a business choose to come here?
The result of slow business growth is higher property taxes on
home owners and existing Minnesota businesses.
It never works when the state tries to spend its way out of
debt. Minnesota needs leaders who will implement a workable
model; cut taxes across the board, cut spending at the state
level, reduce regulations to encourage businesses to come here.
Create a positive business climate and the companies and jobs
will come.
Revenues will go up in the private sector first, and tax
revenues will increase as the economy grows. This is what former
President Reagan did and the economy boomed. This is what Bob
Barrett will do in the Minnesota State House.
Bob Barrett, candidate for the MN House seat in District 17B is
a solid fiscal conservative. Bob’s profession for 20 years has
involved working in finance and budgeting. Bob believes we must
reduce the burden of government on people and make liberty and
free market principles the primary concern of government. By
allowing free markets to prevail and getting government out of
the way, Bob believes we can go a long way to making our county
and our state strong again.
I strongly believe Bob is the man for Chisago County to turn the
steady decline of business and jobs around. Vote for Bob in the
primary election Aug. 10.
Daniel Lansing
North Branch
Honesty and Loyalty
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
To The Editor:
I had the privilege of being able to participate in the
Republican Caucus for district 17B this past spring. At the
conclusion of the convention Bob Barrett was voted the
Republican nominee. Since the convention, Mayor Sheldon Anderson
has challenged Barrett’s endorsement by bringing the issue to
Primary.
Barrett was elected unanimously by all delegates at the
convention, Anderson included. The Primary however is open to
any and all people regardless of their political affiliation.
As Anderson was unable to secure the endorsement from Republican
voters; it would now appear that he is trying to gain the
endorsement by using Democrats and Independents as a voting
source. How interesting, the first message this political
hopeful gives to the constituents of his own party is that he is
more than willing to ignore their wishes for his own personal
gain. To me that sounds like a Republican in name only.
Mayor Anderson, if you wanted Democrats to vote for you then why
did you run for the Republican endorsement? Democrats and
Republicans alike can agree that honesty and loyalty are
bipartisan values. Our state needs political leaders who we can
trust to do the right thing. The time is now, ladies and
gentlemen, for us to set the standard for who we elect.
Do we let our politicians manipulate us for their own gain, or
do we hold them accountable for their actions and decisions? I
for one am tired of the same ‘ol song and dance.
Joshua R. Goudge
2nd Lieutenant, ARNG
Wyoming
He says his candidate understands budgets
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
To the editor:
North Branch Public Schools’ superintendent and school board
have worked very hard with their budgets over the last few
years. They have had to get by with less than 60 percent of the
operating funds and levies per pupil that Minneapolis school
districts receive.
While those districts are able to have important but unnecessary
things, North Branch has scaled back education to only four days
a week.
Funding inequity is a huge problem for Minnesota schools and
grossly unfair to our students in Chisago County. Our state
constitution requires a uniform system in which all students are
guaranteed the same level of opportunity.
Many school districts, including North Branch this year, are
pushing for bond issues with the message that it is “for the
kids.” However, I don’t think that throwing more money at this
problem will fix what is wrong with the public education system.
There is a candidate running for office this year in our
District 17B who wants to change the way the education system
works. He is Bob Barrett. He has two teenage daughters in the
Chisago Lakes schools.
I have been following what he has to say about the issues, and I
have gone to his Web site, vote4bob.com. What he says makes a
lot of sense to me. Bob points out something I did not know;
that Minnesota state law forces school districts to settle
teacher contracts by Jan. 15 of any bargaining year, or be
penalized $25 per student on their state aid. This year over 200
of Minnesota’s districts were forced to agree to settlements
with teachers and administrators costing them hundreds of
millions of extra dollars at a time when the state is offering
no new funding, and is in an enormous budget deficit situation
itself. So what are school districts to do? They come to us, the
taxpayer for more funding.
Barrett also points out that a tenured employee can bump a newer
and in some cases better teacher out of his or her job when
staff has to be cut. This is so wrong. Just like in any other
line of work, the best person for the job should have the job.
Bob believes that budgets must be prioritized so that we spend
scarce resources on the most important things instead of the
least important things. He is a financial professional with over
20 years of experience and works with budgets as part of his job
at Hazelden.
Governments and schools have to live within their means, just
like families do.
For too long the state government has “kicked the can down the
road” as Bob says. The state can’t balance their budget so they
kick it on down to counties, cities and schools to come up with
the cash to operate. They then have to turn to taxpayers.
The only solution that will fix the problem is say “no” to
unnecessary spending and to work for funding equity at the state
level. Bob Barrett is the man with the experience in finance to
do that. He also believes funding should follow a student, no
matter where he/she is educated. I’m all for that.
I really think a leader like Bob Barrett will see to it that
budgets are balanced and district/union relationships are
reformed. After all, schools are supposed to be about education
and kids, aren’t they?
James Lentz
Stacy
Barrett is breath of fresh air
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
To the editor:
In an age where our government’s fiscal responsibility seems to
have gone by the wayside, I would like to bring to light a
breath of fresh air in this upcoming political season.
Bob Barrett is running for the 17B seat in Minnesota State
House. While both St. Paul and Washington are all spending money
that we simply do not have, Bob’s background in finance and
accounting and as someone who has worked in the private sector
is someone that we need in St. Paul.
His common sense and understanding of difficult economic issues,
and his understanding that you cannot “spend your way to
prosperity” will be a welcome change in St. Paul.
We must stop spending our children’s and grandchildren’s money.
We need a fiscal overhaul in St. Paul and Bob Barrett is the
breath of fresh air that we need to get reform started and bring
strong fiscal discipline to the state budget.
Daryl Doehr
Wyoming
Put talent where it belongs
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
To the editor:
As any experienced business executive can attest to, critical to
a successful, sustainable organization is putting individuals
with the right talents and training in positions that utilize
their skills to maximize results.
Both economic prosperity and downturn need the control, logic
and common sense of business-minded individuals who understand
the concepts and basics of business, finance and economics.
Individuals with experience in managing capital resources that
understand our resources are limited and must be invested wisely
for both short term and long term gain.
As a trained, educated, certified finance and business
professional, Bob Barrett is just the kind of individual we need
involved in our government. With years of financial and business
experience, I believe Bob can help bring back the basics missing
in our government today, that being 1) fiscal responsibility 2)
managing resources 3) common sense in spending and most
importantly 4) business strategy that is lacking in both our
state and federal governments.
As voting citizens, we have the power to put qualified
candidates in the position we need them in. Let’s stop sending
career politicians and unqualified candidates that give great
speeches to congress, and replace them with individuals with
qualified business experience and integrity to run our
government as a responsible, sustainable organization. Bob
Barrett has the talent and passion we need - let’s put him to
use where we need him.
Marlys Dunne, CFO
Lindstrom
Grateful to have Barrett in church
Wednesday, 07 July 2010
To the editor:
For six years Bob Barrett has served as treasurer of Living
Branch Lutheran Church. While he has faithfully written checks
and presented monthly reports, he has also prepared the annual
budget. This is a thankless but important job that requires
vision and the ability to provide a reality check that
congregations sometimes lack. His financial leadership has
guided the church through challenging times.
Bob’s intelligence and vision are valuable assets in our
congregation’s ministry. But people who know Bob also see a man
with a servant’s heart.
I remember one Sunday afternoon years ago, when a stranger
walked into the church after the service. I was ready to give
him a few encouraging words and send him on his way, but Bob
joined the conversation and offered to help.
I was surprised at the time, but I’m not now. I’ve come to
realize that this is the real Bob Barrett.
He has a compassionate heart toward the needy. We have a fund at
church for those with special financial need. Bob is always
encouraging the church council: “Let’s use it! It’s there to
help people Let’s help.”
I’ve seen Bob at work in my congregation. I wish there were more
Bob Barretts at Living Branch. We’re grateful for the one we
have. I think the people of Minnesota would be grateful to have
Bob Barrett serve as state representative.
Pastor Steve Ferber
Living Branch Lutheran Church
Barrett will bring about change
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
To the editor:
I am not one to actively support or participate in the campaigns
of our elected officials but I am compelled in this upcoming
election to voice my support for Bob Barrett.
I have been a colleague of Bob’s for more than a decade. Over
that time I have come to respect him and his openness, his
honesty (even if it hurts) and willingness to directly address
the issues that others shy away from.
He listens, questions, understands and then does the work
necessary to quickly identify and implement a solution. He
expects the same from those around him. I do not see Bob as
being just another; “tow the party line” politician.
In my experience he has never been one to bow to pressures that
go against what he believes is right. For these reasons I
support him in his bid for election in Minnesota House District
17B.
I fully expect that he will not change, but will instead bring
about the change we need in our state government, which has been
conducting too much “business as usual” for too long.
Bill Shogren
Wyoming, Minn.
Does not remember comments the way letter writer did
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
To the editor:
This past week a letter to the editor appeared in the paper
portraying Bob Barrett, Republican endorsed candidate for MN
House District 17B as another moderate who will compromise with
the liberals in the legislature.
I disagree. I was at the forum mentioned in the letter and I
must say I do not remember the comment mentioned.
Honestly, to make a point of one comment as the writer of the
letter did seems pretty frivolous to me. I did take copious
notes at the forum of all the candidates’ responses and Bob
Barrett seems to me most definitely not a man who would
compromise on principle.
I was impressed by his softspoken manner and unwavering
commitment to solid constitutional conservative principles. My
belief is that he stands for lower taxes, sharply reduced
spending and shrinking the size of government. With his
accounting and finance training he proposes to audit state
contracts for waste and examine state budgets and programs to
eliminate the unaffordable and unnecessary.
When the money is gone, the spending has to stop. These are
sound, uncompromising and most definitely non-liberal views. In
his closing statements at the forum he spoke of balancing the
budget, reforming and reducing education and welfare funding,
removal of sanctuary cities which shelter illegals, and reducing
business taxation and regulation so businesses are free to grow,
hire more employees, and cause our economy to grow. Yup, sounds
like conservative leadership to me!
Rebecca Lansing
North Branch
Change Pensions
The projected $5 billion state budget deficit is very serious
and will require the legislature to have the skills to solve
complex financial problems and the courage to stand up to
special interests.
One reason why our state is in financial trouble is because
state government has not done what private sector companies have
done which is say no to expenses which are no longer affordable
such as defined benefit retirement plans.
Many, many years ago the private sector moved away from these
plans and instead moved to “defined contribution” plans which
allow expenses to be managed more effectively.
A defined benefit plan is a pension plan under which an employee
receives a set monthly amount upon retirement, guaranteed for
life of which the employer is responsible for the continual
funding of this plan in perpetuity.
A defined contribution plan (401K) is a retirement program where
an employer promises certain contributions to a participant’s
account during employment.
The employer’s only obligation is to fund the plan each year.
A study by the National Center for Policy Analysis shows that
the public employee pensions (a large majority of which are
defined benefit plans) are under funded by an estimated $3.1
trillion. This is a major reason why government gets bigger and
bigger.
Examples like this are why we need lawmakers with the courage to
take on those who oppose government reforms that include saying
no to unaffordable public sector pension plans.
Lawmakers need to do what is right for the taxpayer, not buckle
under pressure from special interests.
Chisago County has a candidate with the courage and the
understanding necessary to tackle these problems. Bob Barrett is
exactly the kind of principled, courageous voice we need to make
tough decisions and say no to wasteful spending.
Jim Lentz
Stacy
Wednesday, 04 August 2010
Financial Pro
Bob Barrett, candidate for the Minnesota House seat in District
17B is a solid fiscal conservative. Bob’s profession for 20
years has involved working in finance and budgeting.
Bob believes we must reduce the burden of government on people
and make liberty and free market principles the primary concern
of government. By allowing free markets to prevail and getting
government out of the way, Bob believes we can go a long way to
making our county and our state strong again.
I strongly believe Bob is the man for Chisago County to turn the
steady decline of business and jobs around. There is only one
other financial professional in the House of Representatives.
Don’t we need at least one more?
Vote for Bob in the primary election Aug. 10.
Daniel Lansing
North Branch
Vote Barrett
The Chisago County Republican Party held an endorsing convention
for House Seat 17B on April 17. Four candidates were seeking our
endorsement. Each candidate stated their case to the 200
delegates and all pledged to abide by the endorsing process,
which included a promise not to create a primary challenge
against the endorsed candidate.
On the fourth ballot Bob Barrett won endorsement by a unanimous
vote of the delegates while also gaining the support of the
other three candidates seeking endorsement. Since his
endorsement Bob and his team have been working to win election
and help solve the problems that our state faces.
On Aug. 10 there will be a primary election. One of the
candidates who pledged to support Bob after failing to win the
endorsement filed to run in the primary. This is a critical test
of our resolve to support our unanimously endorsed candidate,
Bob Barrett. A vote for Barrett will make a loud statement
against the actions and behaviors that made this primary
election necessary.
I know we are not used to voting in primaries in Chisago County,
but your vote for Bob on Aug. 10 is absolutely critical! So
please mark your calendars today and tell all your friends and
neighbors to do the same. We need your support on Aug. 10 to
continue our momentum towards victory in November.
James Stein
Shafer
Moral Integrity
Can’t we all just get along? That phrase, made famous after the
Rodney King case in California is often used by liberals to
demonize those who don’t go along with the liberal agenda. In
Washington and in Minnesota, getting along with liberals means
you cave in to their ideas.
It happens from time to time in history when the principles upon
which our great country was founded must be fought for with
nothing short of victory as the goal. For many Americans today,
that time is now.
In the race for House District 17B, the person who has these
qualities is Bob Barrett. Career politicians need not apply!
Trying to get along with those pushing a liberal/progressive
agenda, which sadly, for the last 40 years or more has been the
Democrat Party, has resulted in a slowly declining America.
Liberalism in all its forms has been tried and proven to fail.
It must now be defeated and a return to capitalism and personal
responsibility is paramount.
Bob Barrett has the moral integrity and the skills to bring
about this much needed reform.
Michele Lentz
Stacy
I find myself increasingly dismayed by the tone of the
challenger in the upcoming Republican primary for the 17B House
race. I am a delegate from Lindstrom, and have worked hard on
party issues for a number of years.
I am also on the county executive board that was thrown under
the bus by the primary challenger after he lost the endorsement.
There have been so many misrepresentations and false allegations
and so much backpedaling by this person that it leaves one’s
head spinning.
It is unfortunate that so many of the 40,000 voters this
challenger claims to want to represent will be left not knowing
what is truth and what is fiction by the time the primary rolls
around.
We held several forums where all the candidates were present to
answer questions about their stand on the issues. They spoke at
two county conventions where they had the opportunity to gain or
lose delegate support based on the information they provided.
After four rounds of voting, Bob Barrett won the endorsement.
I have heard Barrett tell many voters that he wants to go to St.
Paul to make our lives better in Chisago County. And I believe
him.
The other guy’s only contribution is to now say that Bob Barrett
should withdraw from the primary. I believe we’ve all had enough
of candidates who run based on sound bites and negative
campaigning disguised as news. I want someone who will go to St.
Paul and be able to put down their crayons long enough to
remember why they were sent there and what they promised to do.
Chisago County needs to turn out in force and vote for Bob
Barrett on Aug. 10.
Tammy Kerr
Lindstrom
Comparison Clear
This is in response to a life-long democrat supporting Sheldon
Anderson for state representative. As one of the delegates that
endorsed Bob Barrett, let me say Anderson’s connection as a
democratic campaign manager for Bill Finney was an issue. Just
Googling Anderson and Finney’s name together brings anyone to
ask more puzzling and disturbing questions.
Regarding property rights, Anderson hasn’t mentioned how Wyoming
is going to be facing lawsuits by landowners related to the
Xccent project. Has Anderson told of how he let two development
opportunities fall through? One of these companies is now doing
very well in Cedar Lake WI instead of Wyoming. Regarding money
management, Wyoming has been in a mess due to not budgeting for
TIF bonds under Anderson.
Barrett is a well articulated man and not a three-term incumbent
mayor looking to jump up the list of public offices. Barrett has
a degree in accounting, passed the CPA exam, and has 20 years of
private financial experience. Isn’t it about time we had someone
with actual budgeting experience at the capitol?
Barrett showed the Republican candidate forum audience that
Anderson attended his literature related to this office run in
the DFL. That literature espoused the same issues any Republican
literature has now. Cut spending and taxes and quit planting
money trees in the yards of those who aren’t motivated to cut
their own grass.
The comparison is clear. Vote Barrett on Aug. 10.
Jim Dudley
Wyoming
Not A Moderate
In June a letter to the editor appeared in area newspapers
portraying Bob Barrett, Republican endorsed candidate for House
District 17B as another moderate who will compromise with the
liberals in the legislature. I disagree.
I was at a forum in April in North Branch which was mentioned in
that letter and I I do not remember Bob making any comment
regarding “compromising with the liberals.” To make a such a
point of one comment as the writer of the letter did seems
frivolous to me. I did take copious notes of all the candidates’
responses and Bob Barrett seems to me most definitely not a man
who would compromise on principle.
I was impressed by his softspoken manner and unwavering
commitment to solid constitutional conservative principles. My
belief is he stands for lower taxes, sharply reduced spending
and shrinking the size of government.
With his accounting and finance training he proposes to audit
state contracts for waste and examine state budgets and programs
to eliminate the unaffordable and unnecessary.
When the money is gone, the spending has to stop. These sound
like sound, uncompromising and most definitely non-liberal views
to me.
In his closing statements at the forum he spoke of balancing the
budget, reforming and reducing education and welfare funding,
removal of sanctuary cities which shelter illegals, and reducing
business taxation and regulation so businesses are free to grow,
hire more employees, and cause our economy to grow.
Yup, sounds like conservative leadership to me! I say Bob
Barrett Aug. 10 in the primary, and Nov. 2 in the general
election!
Rebecca Lansing
North Branch
Barrett’s Beliefs
Here are some important facts to know about Bob Barrett and he
will bring to House 17B.
He believes business taxes are too high and must be reduced to
promote jobs.
The state budget deficit is projected to grow to almost $6
billion. He believed government spending has to be cut to reduce
the deficit and promote private sector growth.
He believes government has an obligation to become more
efficient and prudent in their use of taxpayer money.
He is not a newcomer to financial problems. He has over 20 years
experience in budgeting and finance and has been active in
working with children as a mentor and referee.
This is a win-win situation. We get an experienced person and
someone dedicated to children and community. Vote for Bob
Barrett for 17B state representative.
Jim Fregeau
To the Editor:
It sure is hard to get ahead in this state. I studied hard in
school, got good grades, went on to college and then got
married. My husband is in the Army Reserves and we both work
full time. Every time I look at my pay stub I get mad. I am
paying Social Security taxes that I will never see. I am paying
federal and state taxes that leave me with not much left to live
on. Something has got to be done to lower the taxes in this
state. I looked at t e Minnesota Legislative Library website and
the Democrats have been controlling our legislature for the past
20 years or more. I just read in the paper last week that we are
the 6th highest state in income taxes and Minnesota ranks way
down there at 43rd in terms of being favorable to businesses.
That sure makes it discouraging to think that my husband and I
are going to get ahead any time soon if the same people keep
going back to the state legislature. It is time for some real
leaders who will lower taxes so businesses and the rest of us
can actually benefit from our hard work. I am not foolish enough
to think that just any politician will do the right thing
either. I am sooo tired of politicians who say one thing and do
another. You can’t trust their words. You have to look at their
actions. This year I am voting for Bob Barrett in the primary
and the general election. Bob has the accounting experience to
deal with the mess 20 plus years of Democrat policies have
caused in Minnesota. Bob has a proven track record of being who
he says he is. Bob doesn’t have a history of promoting the
campaigns of liberal democrats like the other guy. Bob can be
trusted. He gets my vote.
Carly Rosa
Dear Friends,
It hardly seems possible that it has been four years since I
served Chisago County as your State Representative for District
17B. A life experience for which I will forever be thankful to
the residents of Chisago County who placed me in the Minnesota
House of Representatives to speak on their behalf. However;
during these past four years I have witnessed the Democrat Party
controlled Minnesota Legislature make a mess of our state’s
finances.
When I took office in 2003, Minnesota had a huge budget deficit
($4.5
billion) that we successfully fixed. When I left office in 2006,
Minnesota had a $2 billion budget surplus plus an additional $1
billion in cash reserves for emergencies. Now the Democrat
controlled legislature has spent all of that $3 billion surplus
and plus they have given the taxpayers of Minnesota a projected
$5.8 billion dollar budget deficit. How do they expect us to pay
for that? This tax and spend nonsense has gone on long enough.
We must elect people who understand the financial process and
have the courage to say “NO’ to tax increases and entitlements
that ultimately hurt the people of Chisago County. It is for
this reason that I whole-heartedly support Bob Barrett as your
State Representative.
Bob not only has the financial background to bring real
leadership to the St. Paul house, but also the personal
integrity to reach out to the people of Chisago County and be
their voice for positive change.
Now I know that there have been a few rumors circulating the
past couple of weeks about Bob’s financial background. I just
want to set the record straight once and for all that Bob passed
the CPA exam in 1991 but chose not to renew his license. Let me
repeat that, he chose to not renew his license. His executive
duties at Hazelden did not require an active CPA certification
and so he simply did not renew it. To presume that Bob
misrepresented himself is absolutely false. He never said that
he is currently a CPA; only that he passed the exam and has a
strong financial background. I personally know of a few people
who have made the same decision of not renewing their CPA
license.
Bob is truly a gracious person who rises above this senseless
criticism.
This is the level of statesmanship we need from our elected
officials.
I have observed and participated in the political endorsing
process as a candidate and as a common citizen delegate and for
this election year Bob Barrett is the best choice for Chisago
County. Therefore please join me on August 10th and elect Bob
Barrett as the Republican Candidate for State Representative.
Respectfully,
Pete Nelson
Former State Representative, District 17B
“The Sting”, Paul Newman & Robert Redford. Great movie in which
2 con men devise a plan to get even with a mob boss who killed a
friend of theirs. A “sting” requires a “mark”, the target of the
sting, and an impeccable “con” which builds the total confidence
of the mark until the moment of the sting, when the mark finds
out he has been “had”. Get this. America has been subject to the
elaborate building of a sting for the last 100 years by a very
organized and deadly serious group of grifters and con artists –
the progressives. They have finally managed to maneuver
themselves into being elected as our current ruling government.
And who is the “mark”? It is you and it is me. Progressives have
gradually taught us we cannot have the American Dream by our own
hard work, perseverance through adversity, being charitable
toward each other and building character as our own most
precious possession. Those values are what made America what she
is, and were paid for dearly by patriots from our founding until
today. Progressives have instead beaten us down, put us into
boxes labeled by race, gender and other gradations and subtly
taught us to mistrust and hate; envying what our neighbor has
and believing we have our “right” to take it so that we are
“equal”.
This is SO not America. On November 2 VOTE. Vote for solid
conservative patriots who stand for something; who stand for us.
Among them is Bob Barrett, candidate for MN House District 17B.
Don't be “had” any longer.
Loren Yerks
8676 375 Street
North Branch, MN 55056
651-237-1155 |
