02/02/2013 - January 2013 Bob Barrett on Mentoring
02/02/2013 - Jan 2013 A Dad's Heartfelt Message
02/02/2013 - Bob Barrett Personal Update Jan 2013
02/02/2013 - Bob Barrett Jan 2013 Education Update
02/02/2013 - Bob Barrett Jan 2013 Capitol Update
10/23/2012 - Barrett Final Stretch Message to Volunteers
10/22/2012 - Barrett on Education
10/21/2012 - Barrett on Safe Communities
10/20/2012 - Barrett on Too Much Spending
10/19/2012 - Barrett on Subsidized Rail
08/17/2012 - MN Chamber PAC Endorsement
Bob -
Congratulations on your endorsement by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund PAC!
Attached please find correspondence from David Olson relating to the endorsement and a press release for your use. (click here to view the correspondence from David Olson)
Public announcement of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund PAC endorsements will be made Monday afternoon.
Please contact me with any questions.
Best,
Amy
Amy S. Walstien
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
08/16/2012 - NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award
Bob,
We recently completed the NFIB two-year legislative voting record and we are pleased to announce that you will be receiving the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award for your strong support for small business. You will be receiving a certificate award and a press release announcing this in the near future. We just wanted to let you know ahead of time for purposes of possibly placing it in literature or other campaign material.
Thanks for all your support for small business!
Mike Hickey
08/04/2012 - 2012 Summer Parades
08/03/2012 - Stacy Daze Parade
06/19/2012 - Mid Summers Day Parade
10/22/2010 - Pay Rates... Who Got Stimulated?
The following charts show clearly why government "solutions" to the economy have not helped the private sector but has only caused bigger government.
10/21/2010 - Letters to the Editor - Citizen Endorsements of Bob Barrett
Residents of Chisago Country show their support for Bob Barrett in Letters to the Editor of the local papers and Citizen Endorsements
To those who say that Minnesota state government has tightened their belt to the point of discomfort, I ask you to watch this video and then elect people on Nov 2, (Sean Nienow and myself for example) who will expose and eliminate this waste.
MoneyGram International, Inc. is moving it's corporate headquarters from Minnesota (#43 in the Tax Foundation's study of best states for business) to Texas (ranked #11). The company currently employs 470 people at it's St. Louis Park location. When will elected officials realize that the environment they help create through high taxes and high regulation does matter to private sector companies and their employees?
Below is a Business Tax Comparison (with link to web site) that shows the disparity between just two types of business tax in various regional cities for business income of $1,000,000.
Tax on Mpls company $150,738
Tax on Milwaukee company $115,172
Tax on Sioux Falls company $31,151
Some politicians running for office don't believe (or aren't aware) that the taxes businesses pay impact both a company's bottom line and the choices they make as business owners to;
expand their business(including hiring more people)
move their business to an environement more business friendly or
stay in business based on high costs and an inability to compete with companies who can sell competing product less expensively
Attached is a link to a comparison of two types of taxes paid by busineses in cities in the upper midwest based on $1 million in taxable revenue. The differences are startling, don't you think?
09/09/2010 - America's Best Days - 68% Favor Smaller Government, Lower Taxes
As I talk to people at their homes and businesses while campaigning for state rep, I often ask the question, "What do you expect from government?" The results of this poll from Rasmussen strongly support what I have been hearing all spring, summer and now fall from Chisago County citizens.
08/30/2010 - Battle Looms Over Huge Costs of Public Pensions
If the NY Times reports on the danger of escalating pension costs for public sector workers, you know it must be a really big deal!! Minnesota is one of many states who are extremely under funded which means that our kids and our grandchildren will have to pay for our overspending.
08/26/2010 - Candidates debate how to tame state pension plan
Defined Benefit Pension plans are no friend of the Minnesota taxpayer. While it would be very nice if we could all retire with a fixed retirement plan from our employer, the fact is, the state just can't afford these plans any longer. These are tough times and it is time we stop asking the taxpayer to pay for a benefit that they themselves can't get from their employer.
08/19/2010 - Most Americans Not Willing To Pay Higher Taxes For Public Employees, Entitlement Programs
Most Americans would not pay higher taxes for specific public services in their states, but they are more supportive of paying for education and staffing law enforcement than supporting state employees and entitlement programs.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Adults shows that only 19% would be willing to pay higher taxes to avoid layoffs of state employees. Sixty-nine percent (69%) say they would not be willing to pay more in taxes for this reason. Another 11% are undecided...
08/16/2010 - Federal workers earning double their private counterparts
An example of government (in this case the federal goverment) not understanding the burden they are placing on taxpayers by being oblvious to the poor economic conditions and high unemployment that plague the private sector in this country.
07/29/2010 - Bob Barrett candidate essay as published in the July 26 edition of the North Branch Post Review newspaper Voter's Guide.
I am Bob Barrett and it is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the Republican endorsed candidate for State Representative in District 17B and ask for your vote on August 10, a little more than one week away.
On April 17 I won the unanimous endorsement of my party over 3 currently elected public officials. This honor was given to me, a private citizen, by almost 200 convention delegates after hearing my message that “politics as usual” has to stop.
“Politics as usual” has to stop because;
• Our country has run out of money yet we keep printing more.
• Our state has run out of money and we keep raising taxes and wanting to raise them even more if not for the vetoes and threats of veto by our current governor.
• Our property taxes keep going up even when our property values keep going down.
• Businesses are having trouble making a profit and even staying in business and government regulations keep increasing.
• Families are having trouble making ends meet and state government keeps taking more and more of the family income.
• The family farm in Minnesota is becoming extinct and the legislature is helping to make this happen through “Green Acres” tax increases.
• Minnesota public school districts are having trouble balancing their budgets and the state of Minnesota is not doing them any favors by fining districts $25 per student if they can’t convince the teacher’s union to sign a contract with them by the state mandated January 15 deadline.
Politics as usual also has to stop because too many politicians put their own self interests ahead of the interests of their constituents. Politics should be about the desire and the ability to do good for the people of the community based on a foundation of personal values, beliefs and life experiences. We need leaders who understand this and will not waver from it even when the smooth road turns rocky.
Issues
Regarding Minnesota’s business climate, it is completely unacceptable that Minnesota continues to lose business to low tax/low regulation South Dakota. This has been going on since the early 1980’s and needs to stop before we run out of businesses to export. We need to lower property taxes in Minnesota for all small businesses.
Regarding education, it is completely unacceptable that the three Chisago County Public School Districts receive funding that is 30-40% lower than many other districts in Minnesota. We need funding equity and it won’t happen unless we have representatives who will fight for it at the capitol.
Our founding fathers, in the Declaration of Independence, said “we hold these truths to be self evident…” Unfortunately, in our country and state, many of these “truths” are no longer “self evident”, including the right to life. It is completely unacceptable that public funding is used to pay for abortions in Minnesota. I will respect life at all stages from conception through natural death.
Background
My qualifications include a 15 year career at the Hazelden Foundation where I am currently Executive Director in charge of Market Research and Marketing Analysis.
Many of you know me as a long time youth baseball umpire and basketball and football referee where I have had the opportunity to be a positive influence on the lives of thousands of Chisago County kids.
I earned a degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1989 and have over 20 years experience working in the following areas; finance, accounting, budgeting, analysis, and management.
My wife, Judi, and I have two teenage daughters, Elizabeth and Hannah who attend Chisago Lakes High School. We live in Franconia Township.
We are active members of Living Branch Lutheran Church (LCMS) in North Branch where I have been treasurer for over 5 years and our two daughters are Sunday school teachers. We all volunteer at Living Branch’s annual Community Kid’s Carnival held each September in Central Park in North Branch.
Judi just completed her graduate level classes in Special Education.
I am a student mentor at Chisago Lakes High School and serve on the Chisago Lake School District’s Community Finance Committee.
Please vote for me, Bob Barrett, on August 10.
07/28/2010 - Companies hold record $837B in cash, yet won't hire workers
Interesting article (see attached) which states the obvious that the economy cannot turn the corner until businesses gain confidence that the worst is past us.
It is my belief that this will not happen until the state and federal levels of government earn the confidence of the private sector that, going forward, they will not use businesses as;
A) an ATM machine for bigger government and
B) a pawn in the Cap and Trade/high regulation ideology that a vocal minority want enacted in our state and country
THANK YOU – FOR SERVING! - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
07/14/2010 - Funny if this wasn't so True!
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true. Be sure to read all the way to the end;
Tax his land, Tax his bed, Tax the table at which he's fed.
Tax his tractor, Tax his mule and teach him taxes are the rule.
Tax his work, Tax his pay, He works for peanuts Anyway!
Tax his cow, Tax his goat, Tax his pants, Tax his coat.
Tax his ties, Tax his shirt, Tax his work, Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink, Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars, Tax his beers if he cries Tax his tears.
Tax his car, Tax his gas, Find other ways to tax his ass.
Tax all he has. Then let him know that you won't be done until he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers; then tax him more, tax him until he's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin, tax his grave, tax the sod in which he's laid...
Put these words upon his tomb, taxes drove me to my doom...' When he's gone, do not relax its time to apply the inheritance tax.
Sales Tax
School Tax
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Excise Taxes
Property Tax
Cigarette Tax
Medicare Tax
Inventory Tax
Real Estate Tax
Well Permit Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Inheritance Tax
Road Usage Tax
CDL license Tax
Dog License Tax
State Income Tax
Food License Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Social Security Tax
Service Charge Tax
Fishing License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Building Permit Tax
IRS Interest Charges
Hunting License Tax
Marriage License Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Property Tax
Accounts Receivable Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Utility Taxes Vehicle License Registration Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
Our government wants your money and this article shows how it takes your money.
This came from: The Right Wing Revolution Newsletter
July 14, 2010 Volume 1 Number 26
07/13/2010 - Chisago County passes social host ordinance
Chisago County passes social host ordinance
By Johanna Puelston
CHISAGO COUNTY— A group of concerned parents, students and educators came out to voice their support for passing a social host ordinance in Chisago County at a public hearing on July 7.
The board of commissioners heard first from Dr. Joseph Lee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Hazelden, who shared information about the health risks associated with underage drinking. Because the brain does not stop developing until the age of 25, alcohol abuse among teens is very detrimental.
“If this ordinance prevents one kid from becoming addicted to alcohol, it is well worth it,” said Dr. Lee.
Al Vrudny, a student at Chisago Lakes High School, brought letters supporting the ordinance from the principal of his school, as well as from administrators in North Branch and Rush City. His classmate Patrick McCarthy clarified what the ordinance will cover. He said it will not interfere with religious observances that include alcohol, nor is it intended to be a trap to punish parents that truly have no idea about youth drinking on their property.
Parents in favor of the social host ordinance also spoke. Julie McCarthy, a mother and educator, encouraged the commissioners to vote yes. “This is an opportunity we need to take – the stakes are high,” she said. Mick Vrudny wondered why someone wouldn’t want the ordinance in their county because he felt it will help curtail underage drinking parties.
Tom Koplitz and Melissa Vrudny from the Community Partnership with Youth and Families both spoke about the ordinance being one more tool in an arsenal to help with the rampant problem of underage drinking in Chisago County. Vrudny said that cities with social host ordinances in place have found it to reduce underage drinking parties, and that the predominant offenders are not parents, but 21-23 year old adults.
Bob Barrett, Republican candidate for state representative, was in favor of the measure. He said, “We need to do everything in our power to prevent underage drinking.”
No one spoke against the proposed ordinance, which would make it unlawful to provide an environment where underage drinking is taking place. If parents allow alcohol to be consumed in their home by underage drinkers, the penalty for misdemeanor violations could be assessed.
Currently state law states it is unlawful to provide alcohol to someone under age 21, but it does not give penalties to parents who permit minors to drink in their homes.
Commissioner George McMahon moved to approve the ordinance and said, “It’s good to be a leader.” He wants to see Chisago County lead the state in dealing with underage drinking.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ben Montzka, and further discussion took place amongst the board and the assembled residents.
Commissioner Lora Walker was concerned that the ordinance would be viewed as the county parenting parents and felt that it would be better to leave such laws in the hands of the state.
Montzka hoped that this ordinance, if passed, would help prevent future alcoholics. Sheriff Todd Rivard was in attendance and Montzka asked him if he supported the ordinance. Rivard said that he did.
The question was called and the social host ordinance was passed unanimously. Applause filled the board room and Montzka and McMahon thanked all the individuals that put so much work into developing the ordinance and lobbying for the passage of it. The new ordinance will take effect Aug. 6.
07/02/2010 - Green Acres issue plays large in farm country
A state tax break designed to preserve agricultural land is now generating some heat on the campaign trail.
Lawmakers in 2008 made changes to the Green Acres program after a Legislative Auditor's report found that a substantial amount of land in the program wasn't being used for farming. The changes created a designation called "rural vacant land" for parcels such as sloughs and woodlands on farms, and denied such land any right of participation in Green Acres benefits. The 2008 legislation also lengthened the "clawback" provision (the portion of benefits received that farmers who leave the program must pay back) from three to seven years.
Lawmakers have modified some of the 2008 reforms. But in districts that rely heavily on the program, such as those in central Minnesota, challengers are accusing incumbents of making matters worse for farmers.
Bob Barrett, the endorsed Republican running in the open District 17B, wants to repeal the Legislature's changes to Green Acres.
The people who live in the country who are farmers know this issue from top to bottom and are mad, Barrett said.
Barrett, who is an executive at the Hazelden Foundation, said residents made him aware of the Green Acres issue early in his candidacy. Part of the problem, according to Barrett, is that the changes created different property tax classifications for productive agricultural land and nonproductive land. Barrett said he bristles at the term nonproductive and notes that property taxes have increased as a result of the changes.
I would say repeal the thing and then start over, Barrett said. If we need to reassess the program we'll look at that. But now it's worse than what it was.
The issue puts incumbents in an awkward spot.
Sen. Lisa Fobbe, DFL-Zimmerman, who is running for a second term in District 16 a very tough area for DFLers passed legislation that extended the deadline for property owners to withdraw from the program. On her campaign website, she devotes two bullet points to Green Acres, noting that she supported a full repeal of the Green Acres changes, and touting the legislation she passed to lessen impact on those affected by large property tax increases. To read the entire posting click here
06/21/2010 - Board of Directors of Lakes Life Care Center
I met with the Board of Directors of Lakes Life Care Center and toured their facility at 840 W. Broadway Forest Lake, MN and we discussed how important it is for those young people who have unplanned pregnancies to know that they have an alternative to abortion. The staff at Lakes Life Care Center are passionate about helping young people make the right decisions for their babies. You can learn more about this wonderful and much needed organization by visiting their website - click here
06/20/2010 - The North Branch Parade
The North Branch Parade was a smashing success! We had over 50 volunteers and had such a fun time together. It was a great day. The weather was warm but sunny and we met so many wonderful people. North Branch is a great city!! View pictures - click here
06/14/2010 - Prenatal Partners For Life Annual Dinner
I attended the Prenatal Partners For Life Annual Dinner and was able to sit next to former Senator Rick Santorum (the evenings keynote speaker) during dinner. The story he shared of the birth of his child was very touching and did not leave a dry eye in the building. For more information about PPFL and the good work they do, please visit their web site at - click here
05/18/2010 - Wyoming Area Business Association
I attended the Wyoming Area Business Association meeting today along with my DFL opponent for state rep. It was a great meeting in which the huge tax burden businesses face dominated the talk. I mentioned that the yearly budget deficits we have experienced has legislatures more concerned about propping up government than with the message these deficits are telling us which is that government is now too big and needs to be re-sized.
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