Albert Lea Discussion Forum » Printable Version of Topic

Forum: Current Events
Topic: Who will run against Robin Brown?
started by: Replicant

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 06 2008,5:07 pm

I wonder if this set off any alarm bells. I ain't saying, I'm just saying, for purposes of discussion.

QUOTE

Hanson said he is involved heavily with his church, Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.

< 21-year-old announces run >

Posted by hmmmnoidea on Feb. 06 2008,10:05 pm

QUOTE

I wonder if this set off any alarm bells

According to the news it should help him or should I say helped one republician presidental canidate

Posted by Wareagle11B on Feb. 06 2008,10:14 pm

Yeah it scares me. The Marin factor scares the bejeezus outta me.

I know his brother from serving in Delta Company here in town. His brother is a good guy so if he is anything like him he would be a good person for that job. Unfortunately he has about the same chance as a snowball in hades of winning.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 07 2008,1:38 am

(Replicant @ Feb. 06 2008,5:07 pm)

QUOTE

I wonder if this set off any alarm bells. I ain't saying, I'm just saying, for purposes of discussion.

Or how about this one, one that set off "alarm bells for me" especially after former and previous Freeborn County Republican Chair Matt Benda decided not to run again against Robin Brown:

"Freeborn County Republican Chairman Mark Rofshus said he was pleased with the higher-than-usual turnout ... Rofshus also announced that Tiny Brandt would take over as chairman for the Freeborn County Republicans for the remainder of the year."

What do you say Replicant, is Rofshus running or not?

Posted by Alfy Packer on Feb. 07 2008,8:07 am

Freeborn County Republicans seem to have failed to recognize that this house district has shifted East, and no longer is just the domain of Freeborn County. I think Benda knows this, and maybe Dorman knew it, so why are Freeborn County Republicans failing to pick up on it?

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 07 2008,9:16 am

(scorenix @ Feb. 07 2008,1:38 am)

QUOTE

What do you say Replicant, is Rofshus running or not?

It certainly opens the door, although I don't have the insider information to say that is why. I guess we will see.

Aside from the fact that he is a Republican, what is alarming about that? Seems like a solid citizen with common sense.

Regarding young Mr. Hanson, I am sure he is a fine young man. However, I am not sure it is wise to adorn yourself with the mantel of a previous candidate who got wupped in the state senate race. Even more surprising that the County Republican co-chairperson (Camille Nelson) made that association.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 07 2008,10:48 am

(Replicant @ Feb. 07 2008,9:16 am)

QUOTE

Aside from the fact that he is a Republican, what is alarming about that? Seems like a solid citizen with common sense.

Oh absolutely, I agree with you he's a solid citizen. And there's nothing "alarming" about it. It set off alarm bells, something it signified.

Now as to Mr. Rofshus, I like the guy, from the very few times we have met. I thought he was an outstanding candidate for County Board in 2004, and I am still stunned he lost to Behrends. And if Rofshus had won the seat, I think things would have been dramatically different, especially when it comes to local property taxes and county spending. The alarm bell, I suppose, is my worry he will pass on the county board seat in 2008, and run for state house.

Like I've said, I've talked with him few times in the past. Wish I had talked more, he seems like someone it would be interesting to talk with.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 07 2008,12:01 pm

Ah, I understand your "alarm". Yes, he'd be a natural candidate for the Behrends seat. Sadly, I don't have any prognostication to offer there either.

It's unfortunate the district 3 (?) race didn't have a different outcome as well.

Any thoughts on who might run there? Not to send this thread off on a tangent.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 07 2008,5:02 pm

(Replicant @ Feb. 07 2008,12:01 pm)

QUOTE

Any thoughts on who might run there? Not to send this thread off on a tangent.

No, but I have heard from several sources that the incumbent, Mr. Nelson, is probably not going to run. Nothing official, but that could make it a wide open race, because otherwise, I would think Mr. Nelson would be odds on favorite to win.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 12 2008,2:39 pm

So now that the Albert Lea 3rd Ward council seat is open, does that mean anything to the house seat race?

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 12 2008,9:34 pm

(Replicant @ Feb. 12 2008,2:39 pm)

QUOTE

So now that the Albert Lea 3rd Ward council seat is open, does that mean anything to the house seat race?

I don't what's happening in Republican circles, so this is an outsider looking in:

(1) Benda announces on the day of the caucus he's not running against Robin Brown (then goes on to complain about her);

(2) Marin's protege (church and campaign) announces he's running against Robin Brown;

(3) Mark Rofshus turns over the reins of Freeborn County Republicans, on caucus night, for the remainder of the year (why not wait until the county convention?). Rofshus ran a very strong county commissioner race, and I still cannot comphrend that Behrends defeated him.

(4) Marin announces he's not running for re-election to city council.

End result? Rofshus also runs against Brown. Marin knows Rofshus is running against Brown (or has a pretty good idea) and he decides to run for county commissioner. Double the money plus health insurance.

Posted by bianca on Feb. 12 2008,10:18 pm

QUOTE

Marin knows Rofshus is running against Brown (or has a pretty good idea) and he decides to run for county commissioner.

May God help us all. :nonono:

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 13 2008,12:13 pm

(scorenix @ Feb. 12 2008,9:34 pm)

QUOTE

...End result? Rofshus also runs against Brown. Marin knows Rofshus is running against Brown (or has a pretty good idea) and he decides to run for county commissioner. Double the money plus health insurance.

Interesting, I hadn't really considered that Marin might be positioning for a county commissioner run. I'd say good luck with that, I believe he was vulnerable running for re-election to the council seat. My perception anyway.

Posted by usmcr on Feb. 13 2008,2:16 pm

Benda complaining about R.Brown having no experience. just how much experience did he have when he was running against her? sounded like sour grapes to me! if he can not take getting whipped & losing graciously i suggest he stick to his learned profession.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 13 2008,2:43 pm

(usmcr @ Feb. 13 2008,2:16 pm)

QUOTE

Benda complaining about R.Benson having no experience. just how much experience did he have when he was running against her? sounded like sour grapes to me! if he can not take getting whipped & losing graciously i suggest he stick to his learned profession.

I assume you mean R. Brown.

Well, compare their resumes, Benda's record of community involvement far outstrips Brown. Before she ran, who had ever heard of her, outside of education circles, or maybe horse-lovers (not that there's anything wrong with that).

She said in her rebuttal that she has "life experience".

Yeah, I guess all those years of taking kids pictures for Wal-Mart would have prepared her for dealing with all the crybabies up at the state legislature. :sarcasm:

I wouldn't say he was "whipped" - the winning margin was quite slim.

Posted by usmcr on Feb. 13 2008,2:50 pm

SOUR GRAPES again! :violin:

she won he lost get over it! :rockon:

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 13 2008,3:06 pm

I have no problem with it. I only posed the question of who will run against her.

Benda's characterization of her as inexperienced is valid. OK, she's got one session uder her belt. Whether she's been effective remains to be seen. I'm sure she's a nice person, but has always seemed as somewhat of a wallflower to me. I think that's the reason for the yellow jacket, to force her to stand out in a crowd.

However, being "nice" doesn't mean being effective, especially in politics. So if you have a problem with that, get over it.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 13 2008,3:26 pm

(Replicant @ Feb. 13 2008,3:06 pm)

QUOTE

Benda's characterization of her as inexperienced is valid.

No, I don't think it was.

Benda's letter to the editor, in tandem with the newspaper article, stated he had decided not to run again for state rep.

Let me turn it around for you. Suppose I had written a letter to the editor, saying I was not running for county commissioner, but have no fear, some good candidates will appear, especially against an inexperienced guy who could not ...

Would that be sour grapes? Yes. Would it be inappropriate? Yes. Did it remove some luster from Benda? Yes. He should have stuck to the I'm-not-running-but-the-Republicans-will-have-good-candidate.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 13 2008,4:46 pm

(scorenix @ Feb. 13 2008,3:26 pm)

QUOTE

(Replicant @ Feb. 13 2008,3:06 pm)

QUOTE

Benda's characterization of her as inexperienced is valid.

No, I don't think it was.

So Benda has no business questioning Brown's experience? How 'bout USMCR in turn questioning Benda's experience?

(usmcr @ Feb. 13 2008,2:16 pm)

QUOTE

just how much experience did he have when he was running against her?

What right does Hillary have in questioning Obama's experience?

Politicians go after each other about who's got more experience like a couple dogs sniffing each other. Sometimes it's quite amusing.

Reminds me of the 1988 vice presidential debate when Lloyd Bentsen looked down his nose at Dan Quayle when Dan pointed out he'd been in the Senate as long as Jack Kennedy had. You couldn't have cut the sarcasm in his voice with a chainsaw..."Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

No, I'm not going to defend Dan Quayle. But clearly they were playing the experience cards against each other then. And Bentsen called Quayle's bluff. Lot of good it did him.

Scorenix, you're still astounded Rofshus lost to Behrends. Same thing here regarding Brown v. Benda.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 13 2008,10:07 pm

(Replicant @ Feb. 13 2008,4:46 pm)

QUOTE

Well, you are comparing apples to oranges. Benda's letter coincided with a newspaper article stating that Benda was not running against Brown in a rematch. It should merely have been: "I've decided not to run, but Republicans will find themselves a very good candidate." Then to launch an attack took the luster off his letter and article. And the reaction in the community and on this forum has shown some disregard to Benda regarding this. The other instances you cite were all candidates running for office (Clinton v. Obama, Bentsen v. Qualye). Remember, Benda was not a candidate.

I'm sure Benda v. Brown shocked you. Republicans had held this seat for over 40 years. And so, like some politicans, it was taken for granted. Even though when you looked at the demographics, this district voted overwhelmingly for Democrats (check the 2004 election, it went something like 55% Kerry). All Robin Brown had to do was deliver the base.

And for that matter, Tim Walz beating Gutkneckt was not all too surprising. The mood was anti-Democrat. John Kerry had won Rochester in 2004. Rochester was changing. But the district supported Bush by something like 53%, so Walz faced a bigger hurdle than Brown.

Still, I felt Benda made a huge mistake when he smugged for the cameras and his band of supporters, when he held the press conference at the dump. Whoever advised him on doing that should not help in 2008. Again, it reversed the perception he was trying to make (kind of like his letter). And Robin Brown went door-to-door to every home in her district. Benda acted above the fray and avoided the personal door-to-door in lieu of mass droppings.

Add in the fact that his views were rather far right wing. He galvanized Democrats with some of the letters to the editors that he wrote over the years. And his views were used against him. It worked.

In the end, Brown ran a more effective campaign than Benda. In a district that votes 55% Democrat for governor and U.S. senate. The power of the incubemency is strong. Look at how Grace Schwab nearly held on in 2002, only to have Sparks win with more than 60% in 2006. There was no incumbent with Benda, but he seemed to think he was a shoo-in.

Finally, demographics are not this area's friend to Republicans. You have to have a candidate that appeals to the mid to left, not far right. Benda was far right. Want a different result? Put up a better candidate who understands this area's demographics.

Posted by gary grobowski on Feb. 13 2008,10:40 pm

Nice attempt at spin. But you can't have it both ways.

You are right that the district leans DFL, using your own number 55% DFL. The seat was open and the race was really really close. So either Matt did a better job and out performed the index or Robin did a bad job and underperformed.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 14 2008,8:01 am

(gary grobowski @ Feb. 13 2008,10:40 pm)

QUOTE

Excellent comeback Gary, you nailed it. However, the end result is, she won. Barely. This time around, she will have incumbency on her side. But as Gil Gutknecht will tell you, that is no guarantee.

It struck me later that USMCR originally referred to Brown as R. Benson. Old age, or has she made that little of an impression that her own supporters can't remember her name? Hmmm.

Maybe I am comparing apples and oranges again. Where is the head judge of the apples to oranges Olympics (Irisheyes) when you need him?

However, in my comparisons to other races I will put it in the broader context of one politician vetting another. Politicians endorsing others, party chairs characterizing the opposing party's candidate. It's all fair in politics.

In this case, it's a brilliant strategy. Benda has nothing to lose in bringing up Brown's experience now. He can take the heat, but has no votes to lose. It has now become an issue, and is being discussed, before she even has a real opponent.

Note that I didn't bring it up. USMCR fell right into the trap that Benda cleverly laid and made it an issue here. :clap:

Posted by Madd Max on Feb. 14 2008,8:28 am

All I see, is here again we have Matt Benda using the power of the press to whine in public. One has to wonder if he had Dan Dorman sitting next to him helping him write his letter to the editor. Just more sour grapes

Posted by usmcr on Feb. 14 2008,8:55 am

Yes! i made a mistake & take full resonability for it. i corrected the mistake a soon as it was brought to my attention. inxperienced - the one who is inexperienced is benda for not knowing how to loose gracefully! neither one of them had any legislative experience yet he choose to fault her after she had defeated him! in my estimation he is still smarting over the defeat. if you feel that making a issue of it here is a big deal, then your sights are set a little to low! i will go on record here & project robin brown to be the winner again, with experience this time. :clap:

Posted by ICU812 on Feb. 14 2008,9:02 am

As far as that race went, whoever had a D behind their name was going to win it.

Posted by MADDOG on Feb. 14 2008,9:20 am

(Madd Max @ Feb. 14 2008,8:28 am)

QUOTE

Ouch! Gotta love that one.

Makes me feel a little better now that my vote didn't go to Benda.

Uh oh, Scorenix is sneaking up behind me, isn't he?

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 14 2008,12:00 pm

(Replicant @ Feb. 14 2008,8:01 am)

QUOTE

However, in my comparisons to other races I will put it in the broader context of one politician vetting another. Politicians endorsing others, party chairs characterizing the opposing party's candidate. It's all fair in politics.

In this case, it's a brilliant strategy. Benda has nothing to lose in bringing up Brown's experience now. He can take the heat, but has no votes to lose. It has now become an issue, and is being discussed, before she even has a real opponent.

USMCR fell right into the trap that Benda cleverly laid and made it an issue here. :clap:

So then Benda's letter to the editor, and the article, really had nothing to do with Benda deciding not to run against Brown, that was merely the excuse to politically posture the Republican party. You give Benda too much credit (much as you did his predecessor).

And that takes the luster off Benda even more. It's sad really. And it wasn't spin before. It's the demographics. Which is why, with incumbency behind her, she will sweep to victory this year.

Unless of course, the whining continues. There's an interesting battle going on in Freeborn County. The Republicans have lost their control, the DFL have gained control. It'll be interesting to watch how they now exert it.

Posted by wildjim on Feb. 14 2008,6:48 pm

That does not make sense. Are you saying if the whinning continues she will lose?

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 14 2008,7:21 pm

(wildjim @ Feb. 14 2008,6:48 pm)

QUOTE

That does not make sense. Are you saying if the whinning continues she will lose?

No, sorry, I didn't finish. If the whining escalates, she'll trounce her opponent. It can motivate a campaign. On caucus night, it surely was brought up more than once. And it did serve to rally.

I don't know who advised Benda to bring DFL literature to the dump and make it a media circus, but it backfired. He marginalized the issue by performing at the landfill. His argument was very effective. The politics of personal destruction. Goes on in both parties. And its sad. If he had had to choose a spot, a backdrop like city hall, the library, or St. Paul would have given credence to his case. I really thought, then, Robin Brown was in the race. Plus, I never had the feeling that Benda took it seriously he could lose the election. Close, maybe, but certainly not lose it. Robin Brown ran a very effective campaign. Momentum, demographics and politics certainly played to Robin Brown's side, being unknown, outside Albert Lea certainly hurt her. It won't this time.

Posted by wildjim on Feb. 14 2008,9:36 pm

I think she will win again but is average at best. If Benda did as bad as you say it should not have been close. Or are you saying Benda lost it and she did not win it?

Did you think they would show up at caucus and praise Benda? Most hard core caucus goers don't see much past the R or the D.

Think about the two letters to the editor this past week. Tom Schlaak for the R's and Dresher for the Dems. I can't even read them anymore.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 14 2008,10:13 pm

(wildjim @ Feb. 14 2008,9:36 pm)

QUOTE

[/quote]

QUOTE

I think she will win again but is average at best. If Benda did as bad as you say it should not have been close. Or are you saying Benda lost it and she did not win it?

I'm just saying I think the "dump speech" hurt him. And I think Robin had to work extra hard to win, and Matt may have taken the race for granted. Within the city, he was known, she wasn't, but she worked to make herself known.

Did you think they would show up at caucus and praise Benda? Most hard core caucus goers don't see much past the R or the D.[QUOTE]

No, I didn't think they would show up at caucus and praise Matt, but then again they did have a reason to show up and talk about him. And while you're right about hard core caucus goers, they are the minority, not the majority.

The better letter written by Matt should have read: xxx decided not to run against Robin Brown. xxx thank those who asked me to seriously consider running. xxx am encouraged, however, that the Republican party will find an excellent candidate to run against Robin Brown. A candidate who will fight for outstate/greater Minnesota, etc., a candidate xxx will support and help elect.

Disclosure: xxx is inserted so that someone doesn't trying copying it and saying maybe scorenix doesn't support Robin Brown.

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 15 2008,12:19 pm

As a response to supposed "whining" all I'm hearing in return are continued calls of "sour grapes". What I want to know is, what makes Robin ~~Benson~~ Brown a better candidate this time around other than being the incumbent. Tell me, tell everyone what exactly she's done or accomplished. To me, broad platitudes just don't cut it, such as these quotes from Brown in Monday's Tribune article:

QUOTE

Brown, a teacher at Albert Lea High School, said she has a year of working at the State Capitol under her belt. She said she is a “professional educator” and possesses a master’s degree. She said she has life experience and shares the values of the district’s voters.

“I have enjoyed the job and felt I have been successful in the job,” Brown said.

QUOTE

She said she was instrumental in helping Democrats move legislation through the Legislature, only to have Gov. Tim Pawlenty veto or rebuke measures. She cited property tax relief in the form of local government aid, a transportation bill that would help local roads, and a budget with more equitable funding of schools.

Lots of claims of experience and action. Am I really to believe a freshman representative carried the legislative ball for her party? I might believe she carried water for Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

I'd sure like someone to back up those claims.

< http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2008/02/11/news/news2.txt >

Posted by Replicant on Feb. 18 2008,2:48 pm

It's so quiet I can hear the crickets chirping, even in mid-February.

< stirs the pot>

Posted by Common Citizen on Feb. 18 2008,5:08 pm

She defends her record with this?

"a year of working at the State Capitol under her belt. She said she is a “professional educator” and possesses a master’s degree. She said she has life experience and shares the values of the district’s voters."

:rofl:

I'm not sure how much a freshman rep can get done...but it didn't sound like much from the article. Are we getting our money's worth? Hey...just asking...

I'm sure there's more than what the paper said...isn't there?

Don't get me wrong. I think she is very nice person.

Posted by hymiebravo on Feb. 18 2008,5:55 pm

QUOTE

She said she has life experience and shares the values of the district’s voters."

Nothing wrong with that. That actually seems like a good thing to me.

Call her up - e-mail her. Let her know what's on your mind.

Posted by Wareagle11B on Feb. 19 2008,10:57 am

(Replicant @ Feb. 15 2008,12:19 pm)

QUOTE

Am I really to believe a freshman representative carried the legislative ball for her party?

Much like the National Democratic party would have people believe that either of the 2 front runners for the Presidential nominantion can carry the National Democratic banner. Neither is experienced.

Clinton has only her experience as a former First Lady in both Arkansas and D.C. Obama has no experience at the national level either. Both are freshmen senators and yet they are the best choice that the Democrats on
the national level can come up with.

I am no fan of McCain either but at least, in this case, he has the knowledge and firsthand experience from his years in D.C. that neither of the top 2 Democrats has.

:soapbox:

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Forum debate.

Posted by justmealmn on Feb. 19 2008,11:18 am

I actually feel like voting for McCain. I met him in the Phillippines at the hospital when he was released from Viet Nam prison.

Posted by scorenix on Feb. 19 2008,11:22 am

(Wareagle11B @ Feb. 19 2008,10:57 am)

QUOTE

Both are freshmen senators and yet they are the best choice that the Democrats on
the national level can come up with.

You should check your facts before comparing Clinton and Obama. Clinton won re-election in 2006.

Posted by hairhertz on Feb. 19 2008,12:50 pm

Ron Paul, he actually favors change. All the others give it lip service. Huckaby appears to be human, unlike the plastic dem candidates. McCain is a bonafide hero, but I don't want to commit to 100 more years of middle east meddling.

HH, a demoralized democrat

Posted by MADDOG on Mar. 10 2008,1:28 pm

Robin Brown's article in the paper today

QUOTE

I authored several bills for our district that have been heard in various House committees over the past two weeks. The progress of each as been promising, and they have been referred on for further consideration. I would like to highlight a few of them here, and will continue to provide updates on their progress as we move forward.

Certainly the most significant bill for the city of Albert Lea is HF2806, my proposal to appropriate funding in the bonding bill for the Edgewater Park project. The bill appropriates $2.5 million for a grant to the city of Albert Lea for flood mitigation and new construction and is crucial to stopping contaminants from leaching into Fountain Lake.
< 3-10-08 article >

and the one from February

QUOTE

I authored several bills for our district that have been heard in various House committees over the past two weeks. The progress of each as been promising, and they have been referred on for further consideration. I would like to highlight a few of them here, and will continue to provide updates on their progress as we move forward.

Certainly the most significant bill for the city of Albert Lea is HF2806, my proposal to appropriate funding in the bonding bill for the Edgewater Park project. The bill appropriates $2.5 million for a grant to the city of Albert Lea for flood mitigation and new construction, and is crucial to stopping contaminants from leeching into Fountain Lake. This project was included in both the House and the Senate bill last session, but was lost when the governor vetoed the entire bonding bill. This session’s bonding bill is our best chance to get the necessary funding that will finally resolve this ongoing problem for the city of Albert Lea. < 2-26-08 >

Although the wording in the rest is slightly different?? Is today's article just foreplay?

Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 24 2008,10:38 am

QUOTE

GOP puts forth candidate for House District 27A
By Sarah Stultz, AlbertLeaTribune.com

Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:14 AM CDT

Albert Lean Erik Larsen is ready to make a difference in Minnesota politics.

If he gets the endorsement from the Republican Party during its nominating convention for the district next week, he will run against incumbent District 27A Rep. Robin Brown, a DFLer, this November.

Now, he works for the National Federation of Independent Business as a field sales representative. He spends his days driving around seven counties in southern Minnesota talking to small business owners.

He majored in business in college and has recently taken up a hobby of studying economics.

Outside of work, Larsen has been a board member and past president of the Bayside Skiers and played Freddy Jones in the “Scooby-Doo” ski shows during the summers of 2005 and 2006.

Other than the ski shows and sales, does anyone know what other experience he has?

Posted by Replicant on Apr. 24 2008,12:30 pm

(Common Citizen @ Feb. 18 2008,5:08 pm)

QUOTE

I just hope he has more life experience as compared to Brown.

Posted by hairhertz on Apr. 25 2008,10:33 pm

(Replicant @ Apr. 24 2008,12:30 pm)

QUOTE

(Common Citizen @ Feb. 18 2008,5:08 pm)

QUOTE

I just hope he has more life experience as compared to Brown.

Maybe Brown can walk & chew gum at the same time. Does that count?

If SHE was a GUY, we'd be up in arms about the poor job our rep has done. UN-pc, so sue me! :flame:

Posted by scorenix on Apr. 25 2008,10:41 pm

(hairhertz @ Apr. 25 2008,10:33 pm)

QUOTE

If SHE was a GUY, we'd be up in arms about the poor job our rep has done. UN-pc, so sue me! :flame:

Not really sure why you're saying she's done a poor job. Please elaborate.

Posted by hairhertz on Apr. 26 2008,12:42 am

I cannot find a single thing that was accomplished by her during her term. Please correct me with a list of her accomplishments.

Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 26 2008,12:02 pm

Umm. The choice is between a poor unaccomplished educator-legislator, or a under employed former brick layer - NFIB representative. Talk about a plethora of great choices.

Posted by scorenix on Apr. 26 2008,12:45 pm

(hairhertz @ Apr. 26 2008,12:42 am)

QUOTE

I cannot find a single thing that was accomplished by her during her term. Please correct me with a list of her accomplishments.

Well, she did get the Edgewater funding. Or is that not an accomplishment?

Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 26 2008,1:53 pm

(scorenix @ Apr. 26 2008,12:45 pm)

QUOTE

(hairhertz @ Apr. 26 2008,12:42 am)

QUOTE

I cannot find a single thing that was accomplished by her during her term. Please correct me with a list of her accomplishments.

Well, she did get the Edgewater funding. Or is that not an accomplishment?

I thought Mayor Erdman was credited for that? :dunno:

Posted by hairhertz on Apr. 26 2008,2:44 pm

Brown was author of the bill for the park clean up. One for Brown.

My impression is that she's not very visible as far as accomplishments go. It's as if she's on the perifery of things. Maybe it is because she's new or that she's not very aggressive/assertive. My impresion is just "Blah."

So I am willing to be open to other's impressions. It's still a few months [feels like years] until the fall election. Educate me.

btw: I'm a democrat. Am I the only one unimpressed

so far with Mrs. Brown?

Posted by Replicant on May 14 2008,12:47 pm

Garage Logic had Grand Meadow Superintendent Joe Brown and his wife, teacher and our state representative Robin Brown in his crosshairs yesterday. Give it a listen...jump ahead to the 24 minute mark.

It's priceless listening.

< http://www.am1500.com/pcast/008050601.mp3 >

Posted by ICU812 on May 14 2008,1:28 pm

Beware it is 37 MB.

I am downloading it now and have to listen. I caught part of it yesterday but had people in the vehicle and conversation screwed me out of listening.

Posted by Botto 82 on May 14 2008,1:38 pm

This was the best part:

QUOTE

So now you're going to take away a golf program at a rural high school

Who are you people kidding?

You want to maintain your funding so you can maintain your diversity coordinators and your three assistant principals and communication specialists and media specialists and self-esteem workshops and school psychologists and lesson plan coordinators and cirriculum and testing coordinators and testing administration coordinators and visual communication system analysts and leadership development managers, professional assistance and review mentors, literary coordinators and bilingual, bicultural and bisexual Spanish teachers!

TRIM SOME OF THAT B.S.!!!

It was almost a Mischke rant. Brilliant!

Posted by Replicant on May 14 2008,3:09 pm

He's talking about Robin Brown again 3 p.m. Wednesday. Tune in...

< http://www.am1500.com/listen.shtml >

He read a statement from her house publicity person clarifying that Brown does not draw her teacher's salary while the legislature is in session. But he still questioned whether she accrues benefits, such as retirement and health insurance. Good question... :dunno:

Posted by scorenix on May 14 2008,5:54 pm

(Replicant @ May 14 2008,12:47 pm)

QUOTE

It's priceless listening.

I didn't think you'd stoop to this Replicant.

I found it a bit demeaning the way and manner they referred to "Super Joe Brown." Take a listen.

And it was a set-up. Does Grand Meadow have the staffing "Garage Logic" claims is leading to staff reductions? And notice how in just about a minute, they have Joe Brown tied to Robin Brown. The spiel about bisexual teachers was meant to inflame. Obviously it worked for some listeners out there.

Replicant, when you went to college, state tuition was $18 a credit. Now its $125. You could come home to Albert Lea for the summer and work for over $10 an hour. Now, you'd be lucky to find $9. It's easy to blame administrators and teacher salaries. And I love hearing from the voucher crowd, as though this is the cure-all to education (remember, Garage Logic advocates that taxes are too high, and voters should reject school district levies - a snippet of which you also hear). Tell a voucher supporter that all schools must be accepting of any student (much like public schools) and all schools must accept the vouchers. You'll see a different reaction.

Posted by Botto 82 on May 14 2008,11:48 pm

I think somebody's confusing an editorial cartoon of a radio show with hard news.

The Joe Brown reference was Rookie channeling Judge Joe Brown, a play on Supt. Brown's name, not a racial slur.

The Joe rant I posted was more Joe's perspective on school administration in general. He works exactly 32 feet from Minneapolis. I imagine you have every made-up-sounding title he listed in metro school districts, save the last, which was only included as an exaggeration, one of the most commonly-used elements of comedy.

But I get his point. As I thought of the list of job titles he recited, I wondered how many of those we have here at 492. I'm betting more than one.

The business of school administration is getting out of control. Think back to what we had in the Admin wing of CHS in '82, Scorenix, and think about what the Admin staff (and payroll) is now versus then.

Money for teachers: Yes. Money for bureaucrats: No.

Posted by Replicant on May 15 2008,9:47 am

Nicely stated Botto.

C'mon Scorenix, just having a little political fun. If Mr. Brown thinks he can take potshots at school funding without someone connecting the dots that lead to the puppetmaster, he's wrong.

Maybe it was a setup. But 'the truth' is that Robin Brown's husband is the Grand Meadow superintendent, and that district is a mess from what I read (not necessarily of his doing, moreso his predecessor). But now he's crying about becoming a "Mississippi with wind chill" and Soucheray isn't letting him get away with it.

Clearly the system is broken. I don't disagree with that fact.

BTW, here's a couple background links. The first is to the article in the Strib in which super Joe Brown was quote:

< http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/18878904.html >

And here is another interesting tidbit found on the Topix.net forum in which the subject of nepotism in government was being discussed. Look who's listed as an example about halfway down in the posts:

< http://www.topix.com/state....eviewed >

Posted by scorenix on May 15 2008,10:30 am

I didn't say racial. I thought it was disrespectful. They don't know the person, and they start the degradation of "super joe brown."

But after all their complaining, guess what? they call Joe Brown and the superintendent is out working at the school track and field event. And they ridicule the superintendent for that as well.

Posted by Replicant on May 15 2008,2:51 pm

(scorenix @ May 14 2008,5:54 pm)

QUOTE

Replicant, when you went to college, state tuition was $18 a credit. Now its $125. You could come home to Albert Lea for the summer and work for over $10 an hour. Now, you'd be lucky to find $9.

What decade was this again? I must be really old. :cool:

Posted by grumpy on May 16 2008,1:02 am

What the Hell good has she done for the Albert Lea/Austin area in her term in the statehouse??? NOTHING!!!!!!!!! All she is, is another "blowhard" that can "speak the speak and walk the walk" I say get her and Poppe out of office ASAP if we want to see any change in how things are going in our districts!!!!

Posted by scorenix on May 16 2008,11:37 am

(grumpy @ May 16 2008,1:02 am)

QUOTE

What the Hell good has she done for the Albert Lea/Austin area in her term in the statehouse??? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

And the Republican propaganda machine rises again. We've seen this over and over again on this website, the cry goes out that Robin hasn't done anything.

She got the Edgewater funding.

She helped push through (and Benda and the Republicans were on record for opposing) the Transportation funding bill. The Star Tribune ran a poll that found 90% of those polled supported increased road and bridge funding. Drive back from Rochester and you'll see why.

And you're Republican candidate will do exactly what?

Posted by ICU812 on May 16 2008,12:04 pm

On the transportation bill I ask this:

Why not use every last dime of tax dollars collected via gas tax, vehicle registration, gas guzzler tax, automobile sales tax, sales tax on car parts, diesel tax, whatever tax trucking companies pay, oversize load tax, and whatever tax related to transportation they charge, put it in one pot and only use it for transportation.

Why not do that instead of raising taxes?

Posted by Botto 82 on May 16 2008,12:28 pm

Because, in the state house and in Austin alike, pork is king.

Posted by Replicant on May 16 2008,4:33 pm

(scorenix @ May 16 2008,11:37 am)

QUOTE

And the Republican propaganda machine rises again. We've seen this over and over again on this website, the cry goes out that Robin hasn't done anything.

She got the Edgewater funding.

Did she? All by herself? Are you genuinely saying that if Joe Brown's wife wasn't our state rep, Part 2 of the Edgewater cleanup funding wouldn't have happened?

So, Sen. Dan Sparks, member of the Senate capital investment committee that in part determines the bonding bill, had no part in it?

Or, Sen. Keith Langseth, chairman of said committee, who in past sessions KILLED Albert Lea's request for the local sales tax, had no part in giving it his blessing?

Or that Gov. Pawlenty, in using his line-item veto pen, found it to be a worthy project, and spared it?

Or, that all the local lobbying on the part of the city, watershed and local citizens had no part in it?

Or that Part 1 of the Edgewater cleanup that Dan Dorman "delivered" before the true cost was realized, had no part in ensuring that the project would be fully funded, finally?

'The Truth' is that the Edgewater funding Part 2 would have happened this year if a 10-day-old dead carp was our state legislator.

I really hope that's all ~~Joe Brown~~ she has to say she 'delivered'. Or her campaign chairman.

And the ~~Republican~~ Democratic propaganda machine rises again.

Posted by scorenix on May 16 2008,8:52 pm

(Replicant @ May 16 2008,4:33 pm)

QUOTE

She got the Edgewater funding.[/quote]
Did she? All by herself? Are you genuinely saying that if Joe Brown's wife wasn't our state rep, Part 2 of the Edgewater cleanup funding wouldn't have happened?

Settle down Replicant. I'm worried you'll have an MI and I'll have to rush over and pound away on your chest (the mouth to mouth thing, though, I'll have to pass).

I responded to the person that said, and I paraphrase here, Robin Brown has done NOTHING.

So I responded and pointed out that she did in fact push the Edgewater funding. No, she wasn't superwoman, and she didn't do it all by herself.

And I'm scratching my head at the Joe Brown comment. The Republicans seem to want to fight Robin Brown by dragging up her husband Joe and saying she's done NOTHING. Simply isn't true, and it was pointed out.

The best the Republicans can offer is: (i) gee, she's done nothing - not true, it's a losing issue, and (ii) she's married to Joe Brown. Then explain your opposition to Joe Brown?

Or how about getting your candidate to talk about the issues? Like, what was it Freeborn County Republican Chairman Tiny Brandt and 1st Congressional candidate, oh I forgot his name, that the said the 2008 election was about marriage between a man and a woman, and right to life.

Meanwhile, people are losing their jobs, their homes, banks are making up the credit losses by raising credit card interest rates, kids are dying over in Iraq, and over 80% of Americans believe the United States is headed in the wrong direction.

:thumbsup:

Yep, Marriage and right to life. The most important issues facing Americans in 2008.

Posted by TheTruth on May 19 2008,4:41 pm

(Replicant @ May 15 2008,9:47 am)

QUOTE

But 'the truth' is that Robin Brown's husband is the Grand Meadow superintendent, and that district is a mess from what I read (not necessarily of his doing, moreso his predecessor).

'The Truth' about what Grand Meadow has to offer:
< full article >

QUOTE

all Grand Meadow students in grades eight through 12 who qualify will receive a used laptop computer!

Posted by Replicant on May 19 2008,5:02 pm

(scorenix @ May 16 2008,8:52 pm)

QUOTE

Settle down Replicant. I'm worried you'll have an MI and I'll have to rush over and pound away on your chest (the mouth to mouth thing, though, I'll have to pass).

Oh I'm fine, just enjoying the debate. I'd been just waiting for someone attribute Edgewater funding to Brown. Thanks for the offer though. I understand about the m-to-m thing, I'll just have to hope Ann Coulter is around.

By the way, I agree that what constitutes a marriage is not the hot button issue for the population at large. It's certainly not for me. Any Republicans who run primarily on that will lose, no question. But I see nothing wrong with stating your position, as obvious as it may be.

Posted by Stand44 on May 20 2008,11:58 pm

(scorenix @ Apr. 26 2008,12:45 pm)

QUOTE

Well, she did get the Edgewater funding. Or is that not an accomplishment?

That is not an accomplishment. This was the completion of money that was already given. The state had already fronted a ton of money and was planning on getting back to it. IF we had never gotten that money we could say she dropped the ball. Getting the money was expected from both the local and state level. She simply finished the work of the previous 27A Rep.

In short, she didn't screw it up. I can see that as a campaign slogan now.

Posted by Stand44 on May 21 2008,12:09 am

(scorenix @ May 16 2008,11:37 am)

QUOTE

[quote=grumpy,May 16 2008,1:02 am]What the Hell good has she done for the Albert Lea/Austin area in her term in the statehouse??? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!
She helped push through (and Benda and the Republicans were on record for opposing) the Transportation funding bill. The Star Tribune ran a poll that found 90% of those polled supported increased road and bridge funding. Drive back from Rochester and you'll see why.

I thought you were smarter than to think Republicans are in favor of bad roads. You sound like the idiots in the paper that claimed that a teacher was in favor of death because he was against the gas tax.

It wasn't transportation funding that the republicans didn't like. It was how it was funded. Republicans understand that a gas tax is ... how did that one guy say it??? a tax against the middle and lower class.

I have always looked at Democrats as the ones looking out for the little guy. After this transportation bill takes more money from the poor, maybe I need to rethink who it is that is really looking out for the little guy. Neither you nor I know of a millionaire that is going to feel the effects of an increase in the gas tax. I promise you however, that I will feel it hard.

I am all for better roads and bridges. Just not Robin Brown's way.

Posted by Madd Max on May 21 2008,6:59 am

(Stand44 @ May 21 2008,12:09 am)

QUOTE

this transportation bill takes more money from the poor,

We've seeen for twenty years how roads and bridges were funded in this state and we are seeing the results. Since the transporation bill was overridden gas prices have went up nearly 70 cents a gallon but only two cents is because of the gas tax increase. The poor are being hurt alot more by the greed of big oil then by the gas tax increase.

Posted by Stand44 on May 21 2008,6:26 pm

(Madd Max @ May 21 2008,6:59 am)

QUOTE

SO you're upset with the high demand that is driving up prices. Me too! But let's all hold hands and praise our state rep for not being as hard on us as the oil company's who are doing what businesses do. They make a profit by selling to the highest bidder.

Do you honestly think that there is no room in a 32 Billion dollar state budget to cut in order to fund roads and bridges. Maybe we could start by eliminating wasteful spending or at least spending that the government should not be involved in.

And when you talk about the 2 cents, remember that the 2 cents affects everybody that has to transport that gas. The guy who picked it paid an extra two cents per gallon to go and get it. He then paid another two cents a gallon to deliver it. That also gets tacked on. And not just with gas. My food is more expensive because of the 2 cent tax. My services are more expensive because of the 2 cent tax.

The other day I had to go and get gas for my lawn mower. I had to pay an extra 10 cents of just tax on that as well. I guess I could go without mowing, but then the city government would fine me for not mowing and they would charge me to have one of their people mow.

Where does it end?

Posted by Madd Max on May 21 2008,10:22 pm

This Audit was done before the tranaportation bill was passed

Legislative audit finds financial pothole in funding roads and bridges
The Minnesota Department of Transportation doesn't have enough money to adequately preserve the 4,500 bridges and 12,000 miles of roads in the state trunk highway system, and it faces a "grim" future funding picture that is expected to double the percentage of road miles that will deteriorate into "poor condition" between now and 2011.

So says the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor in its 85-page Evaluation Report of State Highways and Bridges, delivered to lawmakers this afternoon.

"In recent years, Minnesota has used debt financing for highway expansion projects but has not invested adequately to maintain many existing highways," states the independent audit on the first page of its summary of "Major Findings
According to the report, from 1997-2002, MnDOT hewed to its policy of "preservation first" by devoting 65 percent of its trunk highway resources to maintaining existing roads and bridges and only 35 percent on expanding the system. But from 2002-2007, the state leveraged debt through massive bonding projects for new roads and bridges and spent less than half of its trunk highway dollars on preservation
Shift in emphasis is Pawlenty's doing
This shift in emphasis is the result of purposeful actions by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his administration. In 2003, the Legislature acceded to Pawlenty's plan to bond for $800 million in highway and bridge money and pay off part of the 20-year bonds with tens of millions of federal dollars originally designated for highway maintenance.

Since then, the governor has vetoed two comprehensive transportation funding bills passed with bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Meanwhile, real-dollar revenues for Minnesota's motor vehicle and fuel taxes have declined since 2003

Consequently, the audit report concludes: "Although MnDOT is spending more on construction than in the past, state trunk highway pavement conditions have deteriorated." OLA staff member Deborah Parker Junod noted at today's unveiling of the report that delaying maintenance on roads and bridges can ultimately raise the cost of repairs over the long run, further exacerbating the financial squeeze.

In any case, MnDOT itself estimates that the annual cost for trunk highway maintenance between 2012 and 2018 will be $672 million.

Road, bridge repairs will eat up all MnDOT monies
Yet estimates of existing revenue streams for that period indicate that MnDOT will have only $635 million to $700 million to spend each year. In other words, virtually all trunk highway monies would be devoted to repairs — no new roads — for six years.

Other items cited as "Major Findings" in the report:

• MnDOT has consistently scheduled more state trunk highway projects than it could deliver with existing funding.

• Although Minnesota does not have a shortage of certified bridge inspectors, MnDOT needs additional resources to conduct specialized inspections of fracture-critical bridges. (In his introductory remarks at the release of the report, Legislative Auditor James Nobles stressed that the scope of this report did not directly involve looking into the causes of the I-35 bridge collapse last August.)

• MnDOT districts reported performing the high-priority work recommended by bridge inspectors but said they are falling behind on routine maintenance.

Embattled MnDOT Commissioner Carol Molnau (who is also the state's lieutenant governor) thanked the OLA for its report and said the agency already has begun working diligently to implement its recommendations for improvement. In particular, Molnau said, "more must be invested in preservation," instead of expansion of roads and bridges. "Could we use more resources?" she asked rhetorically. "Of course."

Posted by Stand44 on May 21 2008,10:55 pm

No one has ever mentioned not paying for roads and bridges.

I would just like to see our elected officials simply prioritize.

1) Keep us safe
2) build roads and bridges
3) educate our children (Thomas Jefferson warned about an uneducated electorate)
4. everything else.

Can we start with what government shouldn't be doing... things like paying for abortion. I want to have elective surgery or emergency surgery to fix my nose, I would never ask the tax payer to pay for that.

If we all agree that roads and bridges are so important, and vital for public safety, then fund them first. If we can't afford items 5673-25,345, then cut them. But make the decision to prioritize rather than reaching into the pockets of the citizens as a first option!

Posted by Common Citizen on May 22 2008,7:45 am

Excellent point Stand, Brown spoke about how they prioritized a couple of weeks ago in her AL trib article. First I would like to know what her definition of priority is and how she defines the "rich".

MM, thanks for the info.

Since our congress waste tax payer time and money investigating big oil for the steep rise in gas prices, why don't they also investigate the contractor's that build our roads. I think there is a price collusion going on in this state between the road construction companies. Has anyone ever questioned this? :cool:

Posted by scorenix on Jun. 02 2008,11:16 am

I noticed the Albert Lea City Council, at the last city council meeting, thanked Senator Sparks and Representative Robin Brown for their efforts in getting the Edgewater funding.

I suspect now the Republican party has a new spin for a campaign of having done nothing?

Posted by Liberal on Jun. 02 2008,11:28 am

I got a letter from Matt Benda last week. I'm not sure what it was about because I quit reading when he started whining Robin Brown.

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 03 2008,11:48 am

(scorenix @ Jun. 02 2008,11:16 am)

QUOTE

I think Stand 44 already pointed out that the edgewater funding was not an accomplishment. At least, not by Brown. Paraphrasing here. Because this was the completion of money that was already earmarked before she took office. The state had already fronted a ton of money and was planning on getting back to it. And that getting the money was expected from both the local and state level. She simply finished the work of the previous 27A Rep.

:dunno:

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 03 2008,11:57 am

(scorenix @ Jun. 02 2008,11:16 am)

QUOTE

The only major thing that she did for this state was vote for the largest tax increase in history.

She voted to link your income to determine property taxes. What the hell does ones income have to do with property? Property tax is a user fee and should remain as such. She did this to help low income people. Hello? Most people on low incomes don't even own property to begin with. :dunce:

The majority of the people that actually own property will see their taxes increase.

Ya, great job Robin... :clap:

Maybe she should stick to teaching art.

Posted by Dump Pewlenty on Jun. 04 2008,9:58 am

MnDOT barricades Hwy. 43 bridge in Winona

Star Tribune

Minnesota transportation officials abruptly shut down yet another bridge over the Mississippi River Tuesday evening.

State officials closed the Hwy. 43 bridge at Winona for at least several weeks after an inspectors discovered corrosion and holes in the 67-year-old bridge's gusset plates,

Another bridge being closed,
Rep Browns vote on the transportation bill was the correct vote :thumbsup:

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 04 2008,10:24 am

No. It wasn't.

First of all this should have been addressed years ago by both parties.

Second of all they should have had dedicated funding for these problems decades ago.

Third of all they have the money now without the tax increase, they just need to cut the fat in other areas and PRIORITIZE spending.

imho

Posted by Replicant on Jun. 04 2008,1:21 pm

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 04 2008,10:24 am)

QUOTE

to what Common Citizen said.

Agreed 100%.

What liberals don't get is that there is enough wasteful spending to eliminate, as opposed to automatically raising taxes.

How has Robin Brown attacked wasteful spending?

Posted by TameThaTane on Jun. 04 2008,3:01 pm

Bush spent more money than anyone including the Liberals. What's that make him?

I know it makes us chumps.

Posted by TheTruth on Jun. 04 2008,3:33 pm

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 04 2008,10:24 am)

QUOTE

Third of all they have the money now without the tax increase, they just need to cut the fat in other areas and PRIORITIZE spending.

(Replicant @ Jun. 04 2008,1:21 pm)

QUOTE

to what Common Citizen said.
Agreed 100%.

Since ~~Common~~ Chamber Citizen and ~~Replicant~~ Republican have all the answers why don't they look through these 2 files and decide where to save money:

< General Fund Expenditures - Annual Basis >
and
< Minnesota State Budget - All Operating Funds by Fiscal Year - Expenditures >
:dunno:

Posted by Replicant on Jun. 04 2008,4:09 pm

Sorry, that's what our State Representative and State Senator are supposed to do. Are they doing it, or are they just voting for more taxes, and ignoring the real problem?

When is enough going to be enough, when it comes to taxation?

By the way, my 'name' had nothing to do with politics. zero. You figure it out.

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 04 2008,5:41 pm

(TheTruth @ Jun. 04 2008,3:33 pm)

QUOTE

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 04 2008,10:24 am)

QUOTE

Third of all they have the money now without the tax increase, they just need to cut the fat in other areas and PRIORITIZE spending.

(Replicant @ Jun. 04 2008,1:21 pm)

QUOTE

to what Common Citizen said.
Agreed 100%.

Don't worry. There will come a time and place in the not to distant future when I will be pouring over this budget and you'll be paying me to do it.

Besides your links do not give enough detail. The numbers only show what each department received and nothing about the details of those departments. Devils in the details, you see.

Ten year increase in state expenditures:
K-12: up 195% :angry:

Health and Human Services: up 208% :angry:

Public Safety/Judiciary: up 183% :angry:

Transportation: up 20%

Can anyone out there honestly say our state education system improved 195% in ten years?

The~~Truth~~False, Is there anything else you'd like me to do for you?

:peaceout:

Posted by Dump Pewlenty on Jun. 04 2008,10:00 pm

(Replicant @ Jun. 04 2008,4:09 pm)

QUOTE

When is enough going to be enough, when it comes to taxation?

When Tim Pawlenty and the Republicans call it a fee instead of its real name a TAX

Posted by scorenix on Jun. 04 2008,10:42 pm

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 04 2008,5:41 pm)

QUOTE

Can anyone out there honestly say our state education system improved 195% in ten years?

So if you received a 3% pay raise every year for ten years, were you keeping up with inflation (and thus staying even so to speak) or was your performance 34% improved?

Posted by gurrah on Jun. 04 2008,11:23 pm

It is interesting that so many people here were against the referendum yet don't seem to have a problem with the increase in state spending on education.

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 05 2008,8:11 am

(scorenix @ Jun. 04 2008,10:42 pm)

QUOTE

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 04 2008,5:41 pm)

QUOTE

Can anyone out there honestly say our state education system improved 195% in ten years?

So if you received a 3% pay raise every year for ten years, were you keeping up with inflation (and thus staying even so to speak) or was your performance 34% improved?

That would be keeping up with inflation, not performace driven.

If you receive a raise higher than inflation, it's probably due to your own efforts. Most employer's do not give raises higher than inflation and if they do it's likely that you earned it with your own efforts and they would probably pay it to you in the form of a bonus. Also, most of the large employer's already have COLA built in for pay raises each year, regardless of your productivity to the company.

Posted by TameThaTane on Jun. 05 2008,8:34 am

Again you're not taking into consideration "our little County Attorney"

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 05 2008,9:33 am

I guess there are a few exceptions...

Posted by scorenix on Jun. 05 2008,10:39 am

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 05 2008,8:11 am)

QUOTE

That would be keeping up with inflation, not performace driven.

Exactly. But to equate 185% increase over 10 years with 185% improvement in quality is rather ridiculous. And inflation is across the board, not industry or product targeted. Education has risen much more than the inflation rate. Then again, even many noted economists, including our Fed chairman, say that the inflation reported is not the true measure of inflation, and if we did compute true inflation, it would run about 8-10% per year.

Posted by TameThaTane on Jun. 05 2008,10:44 am

There is no inflation, the economy is good and Iraq had WMD's. Now shut yer pie hole and vote McSame in the general election....K? Next you'll be telling us you want to "lose" in Iraq. Next you'll be telling us Nuclear war and the Earths destruction is not out of the question to protect Israel.

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 05 2008,11:39 am

(scorenix @ Jun. 05 2008,10:39 am)

QUOTE

(Common Citizen @ Jun. 05 2008,8:11 am)

QUOTE

That would be keeping up with inflation, not performace driven.

If I increased expenditures in my business by that amount over 10 years, I better be seeing significant results in the end product or something isn't working. Inflation or not. Agreed?

Posted by hot84svo on Jun. 05 2008,11:51 am

A decline in enrollment should also be factored - why do they need more for less ?

Posted by scorenix on Jun. 05 2008,2:44 pm

(hot84svo @ Jun. 05 2008,11:51 am)

QUOTE

A decline in enrollment should also be factored - why do they need more for less ?

Because its cost replacement and not revenue based.

Posted by hot84svo on Jun. 30 2008,2:27 pm

Browns work for 2007-08

21 bills in 2007-08

10 of the 21 bills education based including $400,000 for the Principals' Leadership Institute.

PRINCIPALS' LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE.
Subdivision 1. Establishment. (a) The commissioner of education may contract with the
regents of the University of Minnesota to establish a Principals' Leadership Institute to provide
professional development to school principals by:
(1) creating a network of leaders in the educational and business communities to
communicate current and future trends in leadership techniques;
(2) helping to create a vision for the school that is aligned with the community and district
priorities; and
(3) developing strategies to retain highly qualified teachers.
(b) The University of Minnesota must cooperate with participating members of the business
community to provide funding and content for the institute.
© Participants must agree to attend the Principals' Leadership Institute for four weeks
during the academic summer.
(d) The Principals' Leadership Institute must incorporate program elements offered
by leadership programs at the University of Minnesota and program elements used by the
participating members of the business community to enhance leadership within their businesses.
Subd. 2. Method of selection and requirements. (a) The board of each school district in the
state may select a principal, upon the recommendation of the district's superintendent and based
on the principal's leadership potential, to attend the institute.
(b) The school board shall forward its list of recommended participants to the commissioner
of education by February 1 each year. In addition, a principal may submit an application directly
to the commissioner by February 1. The commissioner of education shall notify the school board,
the principal candidates, and the University of Minnesota of the principals selected to participate
in the Principals' Leadership Institute each year

< https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor....leword= >

Posted by Common Citizen on Jun. 30 2008,3:30 pm

I'm all for seeking ways to improve leadership, but shouldn't this kind of thing already be addressed while they are educating themselves to become Principals and Superintendents? Don't most Supers have a doctorate? If so, why didn't they have these courses when they were getting their degree? :frusty:

Posted by hot84svo on Jun. 30 2008,4:11 pm

Exactly CC

How about using the $400,000 to hold a 4 week leadership conference for students?

I wonder how many attend, what's the $ to attendee ratio?