County not partisan
Within the past week, we attended Ladies Night Out in downtown Prior Lake and the Community Fest at the high school with County Commissioner Barbara Marschall. Both events were well-attended, and we spoke to many people.
A number of them remarked during conversations that they were surprised to hear that Commissioner Marschall is a Democrat. We thought they were joking. After hearing this several times, we wondered where it was coming from and were told that opposing candidate Chad LeMair and his volunteers were equating her presence at the local Democratic caucus last spring with membership in the partisan Democratic party. They are obviously unaware, or ignoring the fact, that she also attended the Republican caucus, as she has consistently done each time since first being elected. She brings copies of Scott County’s legislative initiatives for the coming year for those who are interested and listens to the discussion of issues and concerns voiced by residents who attend the caucuses. She participates in both caucuses because, as county commissioner, she needs to work with all people in her district and throughout Scott County.County races are nonpartisan and should be based on the issues, not misinformation. Barbara Marschall is truly a conservative who uses common sense and hands-on experience to make decisions. Waste of any kind is on her list of capital sins. At the very top of the list are the waste of time, money and natural resources. Like many voters, she supports candidates on their individual merits and their stand on particular issues.Stay tuned. There’s more to come. We encourage all residents to pay attention to the issues as we near the election and to join the many supporters of Commissioner Marschall in her re-election this fall.
Kelly M. Collins, Belle Plaine
Ann Howley, Prior Lake
Vote for Beard
I recommend to the public Mike Beard, who is running for state representative in District 35A.
I moved into Prior Lake only in 2006 from Minneapolis. I have contacted Mike on several occasions to urge his support of, or distance from, various legislation. When I thought he would dogmatically say, “Absolutely, I stand with you,” he said, “I agree with you, yet I will listen carefully to the debate and make a reasoned decision.”
This is a man who leads with principle, thoughtfulness and conviction for the best of his constituents. Mike is up for re-election this November and deserves our support.
Theodore Sands
Prior Lake
Marschall is best for job
Over the past several years, I’ve written letters regarding our political system and our participation in that system.
This year is more critical than most.
For every citizen who says, “My vote won’t make a difference,” I say your vote is the most important of all. We’re in a position, as citizens, to tell our government that we remember who they work for. We must take the time to investigate the candidates, try to figure out what they stand for and verify they have acted in accordance with what they’re currently telling us.
Camera appeal and glamour are nice, but the rubber meets the road when they cast a vote for or against particular legislations. At the end of the session, the only thing that matters is whether they remain true to their word. In days gone by, a man’s word (or a woman’s word) was all that he had. If he broke that word, he had failed in his character. It is a rare individual who stands against the majority to remain true to his values.
Our world is filled with people who tell you what you want to hear to gain your support or avoid controversy. Fortunately, we still have some people who take great effort to remain true to their beliefs. Over the past 10 years, Barbara Marschall has done just that. She has been a faithful steward to her constituents by trying to balance the true need for services with the wishes and budgets of her bosses, the voting public. Sure, there may have been instances where she didn’t take the easy way out, but that’s what she was elected to do.
While many communities are building spectacular edifices and trying to leave their marks on society, Barbara has focused on what was truly needed to accomplish the job. I will be supporting her in her bid for re-election because I believe she truly has my interests at heart.
Don’t take my word for it; check the facts. I think you’ll find she’s the best person for the job.
Lyaman McPherson
Prior Lake
LeMair is visionary
I know who I’m voting for in the District 4 race for Scott County Commissioner; I will be voting for Chad LeMair.
I know his opponent Barb Marschall through Rotary, and I think she is a fine person with many notable attributes. But I am just not happy with the way Scott County is going, and I want a change. In Chad LeMair, I see a natural leader and someone that is going to work hard for me and the citizens of Scott County.I am very pleased how the Prior Lake City Council has gone about its business since Chad joined the council. Chad is a visionary who leads with conviction; he believes in what he is doing and does not waver from his principles. The decisions he has made, many that are difficult, have been made for the good of the city, not just in the short term, but always looking out into the future. Some people can and will criticize, but you cannot argue with the many accomplishments, and all this while keeping the city’s portion of the taxes low.Chad is a successful person in life, and I have had the pleasure of seeing many of these successes firsthand. It does not come without hard work. I have never seen anyone who can outwork Chad when he sets his mind on the goal. I look forward to continuing to see Chad work hard if elected, and I know the county and its citizens will reap the benefits of this hard work.
Paul Perez
Prior Lake
Stop home, job losses
Regarding the economy, a friend of mine was in real estate, and she stated that the mortgage qualifying calculation changed at some point from, let’s say, 25 percent of your income to allow for your home mortgage to now 40 percent of your income to allow for your mortgage.
Obviously this change allowed mortgage companies to write larger and more mortgages. Mortgage companies and individuals made lots of money. Unfortunately, most people are not good with balancing their budgets overall and defaulted on their loans. I can’t believe it is across the county that this type of problems occurred. People don’t learn how to handle their money in schools. The government does not require of mortgage companies or credit lenders when to state enough is enough. Now we have financial institutions going bankrupt from their own greed.Why is the government allowing companies to get so large that if one defaults, it affects the economy and we need to bail them out? Why do we not have leaders who care for the good of all?The next big fall will be insurance and health care. At some point, the average person will not be able to afford either, and a rippling effect will occur.Get a clue, government. A free society is not for a select few to take it all at any cost.Someone in the government needs to teach lenders how to figure out mortgage lending practices soon. Also stop letting companies get so large and combined that if one defaults it affects the economy and so many people’s jobs are lost.
Mary Sheehan
Prior Lake
Support Marschall
As the mother of young children who works in the medical profession with health and wellness issues, I’m always interested in knowing what’s going on in my community that may affect my family. I have been disturbed over the years to know that our student surveys show a large number of our young people regularly using alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. The issues of binge drinking and smoking tobacco and marijuana by our youth need serious attention.I have discussed this information with my County Commissioner, Barbara Marschall, who sits on the Health Advisory Committees for Scott County and for the state of Minnesota. I’m encouraged by the current initiatives of the Meth Task Force to focus on the “gateway drugs” of tobacco and marijuana used by many young people before they eventually try the powder drugs of meth and cocaine. Commissioner Marschall co-chairs this task force with the sheriff and county attorney. Their efforts are being directed not only at our students but at parents who are unaware of the severity of the problem that exists here. I appreciate the efforts Scott County is making to partner with our schools to bring this message to students and parents.Chad LeMair, who is Commissioner Marschall’s opponent in this fall’s election, states that one of his top priorities is the safety of children. Recently, on a split vote of the Prior Lake City Council, he voted to approve a liquor license for a new MGM store directly across the street from a preschool and children’s daycare center, which is licensed by the state. There was debate about whether this preschool meets the definition of a school. City ordinance does not allow liquor stores within 300 feet of a school. The safety of our children should have been given greater priority in this decision.I’m supporting the re-election of Barbara Marschall because of her consistent support and commitment to the health and safety of our children.
Pam Bloedel
Prior Lake
Commissioner is tough job
Recent letters have made an issue of the salary paid to Scott County Commissioners for what is classified a part-time job. The letters insinuate that the salary is out of line. Commissioners’ job duties include more than attendance at a weekly County Board meeting or workshop.
Scott County is a regional player working in partnership with other counties. This requires being at the table when funding or policies are discussed for regional projects. Sometimes that “part-time” job equates to more than full-time hours – during the day, in the evening and on weekends.
One writer is shocked that Commissioner Barbara Marschall voted for pay raises in the past three years. Why should this be shocking? Most people receive annual pay raises. The writer neglected to say that the commissioners did not take a pay raise for two years prior to that, and during the past eight years accepted less than the proposed amount in three other years. County policy designates salary increase for commissioners as the average approved for other county employees. Commissioners approved no salary increase for themselves or an amount less than what was allowed by county policy in five of the past eight years.
Because of these actions, the salary of Scott County commissioners has been 10 percent to 16 percent below the average salary of the other suburban metro counties – Anoka, Carver, Dakota and Washington – since 2006. They are also reimbursed only for actual expenses instead of receiving an additional monthly allowance as commissioners in other counties do.
Commissioner Marschall’s Web site, www.barbaramarschall.com [1], shows that she is assigned to 28 committees at the state, regional and county level. These assignments require extra time on the job. I don’t know many people who would even consider running for public office with a schedule like that, and the unjust criticism that seems to run rampant, especially during this election year.
It seems pretty obvious that Chad LeMair and his supporters are trying to make issues where there are none.
Steve Batchelder
Prior Lake
LeMair is leader
Chad LeMair is my choice for county commissioner because of his proven record as a leader.
Chad was a leader in high school, captaining two sports teams. He led different departments as a manager at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, and now he is a co-owner of three different businesses. As a member of the Prior Lake City Council, he is the assistant [deputy] mayor, and he is the coach of a successful youth wrestling program.As a leader, Chad is able to bring people together to reach a common goal. He listens, is open to varying ideas and is able to provide solid direction. One example of his leadership occurred during the construction of Prior Lake High School. The wrestling program had promised to contribute $15,000 for improvements to the multi-purpose room, where the high school wrestling team was to practice. Time was running out, and the money had not been raised. Chad was hand-picked by the late Dr. Craig Olson and then-Activities Director Mary Haugen to see if he could help. Chad brought a core group together, and with his guidance and dedication to the goal, they were able to raise over $24,000 through donations.Chad has always been a leader, and his track record proves this. The county needs his leadership skills to tackle the tough issues the county faces, and I know Chad is more than up to the challenge.
Patrick Fantetti
Past president
Prior Lake Youth Wrestling
Beard will serve well
Mike Beard has the heart of a servant.
Mike is our current representative for House District 35A, and I would recommend that we support him on his bid for re-election.Mike always stays focused on our best interests and is not out to make a name for himself. He is smart, positive and easy to work with. Because of his good attitude, all members of the Minnesota House listen to his recommendations. He can get things done for us because he is known and respected by House members of both parties.Mike’s focus is simple, and that is to keep government as big as it needs to be, but not bigger than it has to be. He will make sure your taxes are kept as low as possible.Mike Beard has done a great job for our district. Let’s do what we can to make sure he remains in the Minnesota House looking after the interests of Prior Lake and Shakopee.
Larry Rundell
Prior Lake
LeMair works for the people
I was amazed to read in the Prior Lake American about Commissioner Marschall’s $47,000 annual salary and the six pay increases she has accepted and voted to give herself. I was also in disbelief when I was recently informed that Marschall received $7,000 in per diems for attending additional meetings.
Marschall even charges the county a per diem of $40 for attending the County Board meetings she is supposed to attend as part of her job.
I am confused as to why Marschall thinks it is right to charge us $40 for attending meetings that we pay her a $47,000 salary to be a part of. One thing I am not confused about is who I will be voting for in this election. Chad LeMair has committed to taking no pay increases or voting in favor of any pay increases. He also has said he will not charge the taxpayers in this county a per diem for any meetings at the Scott County Government Center. He clearly has his priorities in the right place: working for us, not for himself.
Nick Wilson
Prior Lake
Olson has passion
Chris Olson came to me several weeks ago to discuss the possibility of his running for Scott County Commissioner. During this conversation, it was clear to me that he has a passion to serve the community.
I have known Chris for over 20 years. During this time, I’ve never heard a negative comment about him from citizens or his work colleagues. He has shown himself to be reliable, hard-working and dedicated to public service.Chris is very well-respected among those of us in the law enforcement circles, and I am confident he will be an excellent choice to represent the citizens of Scott County.
Al McColl
Retired deputy chief
Savage
Support our schools
I look forward to the coming election as a second chance to do the right thing by our school district, our community, our children and their future.
I was shocked last fall when the community voters did not approve funds to open Redtail Ridge Elementary School or approve other much-needed funding. The realization that the community at large wasn’t willing to support their best interests frankly scared me. Is this going to be the way things are over the next decade? My children are 8 and 10 years old now. Am I going to wonder for the next 10 years and beyond whether or not our community is strong enough? Should I consider moving elsewhere into a stronger school district that has community support?
Families with school-aged children always look carefully at the school district in the community when they are interested in buying a home. Especially in such times of economic uncertainty, what does that say about resale house values in our district? My family moved to Savage 10 years ago. We knew this was a growing community. We knew that the district would experience growing pains. Up until last fall, I believed our community was strong and supportive of our children and their educational futures.
I’m hoping that come this election that second chance won’t be wasted. Vote yes to support and protect the vitality of our community.
Marcia Johnson
Savage
Schools need ‘yes’ votes
Our schools are in dire need of help.
If this upcoming referendum fails, the district will lose the monetary equivalent of 117 teachers, which is more than 28 percent of our current teaching staff. These funds that the district would lose would have dire and far-reaching consequences not only on the school district but to the entire community.The school district is already feeling significant strain because of the $3.4 million in cuts that it has made over the past three years. The school district is now even more fiscally responsible. At Prior Lake High School, gone are the days when tests and quizzes are on paper. Now, the teachers project the test or quiz on a screen, and we write the answers on our own sheets of paper. This is just one cost-saving measure the district has implemented. I am a band student and have participated in band since fifth grade. I was greatly saddened to see that the district was forced to cut fifth-grade band because it no longer had the money to fund it. This will greatly lower the quality of the entire band program.If this referendum is not passed, the community will be greatly affected. Our school district is a place where families want to move to because of its great school system. If this referendum fails, our school district will become a place that families avoid, and property values will decrease. Is that worth the 44 cents a day, (based on an average property value of $300,000), you would save if the levy did not pass? The children in our community deserve a quality education, and we deserve a prosperous community.Vote yes Nov. 4. The entire community will benefit if you do.
Drew Christensen
Savage
Sophomore
Prior Lake High School
Referendum must pass
This referendum election gives our community the opportunity to support our schools. It gives us the chance to say we value education, our children and our growing community. It allows us a chance to step up and say “I want to give back.”Saying yes on Nov. 4 will cost taxpayers of an average property value in this district ($300,000) a total of $13.20 per month. Voting yes does not mean you agree with all that has been done and decided in the past or that there may not be other options out there in the future for our district. Saying yes means that today you are going to choose to take action and take responsibility for making a difference.Our district is below the state average in state funding and expenditures. When we’re talking about school taxes, it’s important to look at the big picture. Yes, it’s true we pay more than the state average for school district property taxes. The average school district property tax per $100,000 of home value in our district is $426 compared to the state average of $311. Here’s why. The big difference in [District] 719 is that we have much less industry in our community than many other school districts. Therefore, we pay more property taxes. Also, the average home in our district is valued at $300,000. That is roughly $100,000 more than the state average, so our homes are taxed at a higher rate.
The bottom line is that a failed referendum will put us at the bottom of all districts for school funding –we would rank 336 of 339 districts. We need your support. Each of our students deserves the opportunity to be seen and heard in the classroom. This referendum does that in two ways. Question 1 renews the levy that is set to expire (this levy affects all students), opens Redtail Ridge Elementary and opens the pool at Twin Oaks. Question 2 further addresses classroom sizes by lowering classroom sizes.
This referendum must pass. Our future, our businesses, our property values, our children and our community depend on it.
Stacey Ruelle
Savage
Marschall is dedicated
There are many of those in Prior Lake who may wonder why an “old gal” from Shakopee would write a glowing testimonial on behalf of Barbara Marschall, who is running for another term as county commissioner.
I have been privileged to know and work with Barbara for the past 30-plus years. We have worn different hats during this time, but there was always respect and honesty in all our dealings. Barbara is a dedicated public servant who represents her district with integrity.
Marge Henderson
Shakopee
Olson serves community
You have a marvelous opportunity to vote for a truly quality individual in Chris Olson. A man of service, devotion, respect, character, honesty, hard work and wisdom, Chris has dedicated his working career to the service of others.
He has figured out that we are at our best in service to others. He is a special man, a rare breed, a police officer, who puts his life on the line to protect and serve others.As a life-long member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, it is always a joy to see his face around this place. Whether he is at worship or volunteering at Cathedral of the Pines, Chris brings a presence of compassion and grace. He also has a refreshingly firm grasp of reality.Chris has personally helped me become a better person by his example of dedication. His example of being a loving father and husband has inspired me to try to do my best around the house. I know he will continue to help others in the community through his dedication to service.
Rev. Kurt P. Kalland
Associate pastor
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Minneapolis