|
Jobs and the Economy
A major concern for most Minnesotans is jobs and the economy. The best way to stimulate the economy is not a massive spending bill. It is reducing taxes so businesses want to stay (or come in) and hire employees. It is also removing the roadblocks to conducting business by eliminating unnecessary regulations.
We also need to prioritize spending. Spending simply because materials and the cost of labor is cheap is not a good idea when we can not afford it. Government needs to live within its means, just like you and me.
✔ 9/1/10: MN Chamber of Commerce Grades Nick Petersen 100%
> Read MN Business Community Election Candidate questionnaire
Health Care
There needs to be some reform to health care, but not a scrapping of the entire system. I support options for patients, including interstate choices (like we have with car insurance). I believe a public option is a mistake and it is not a good idea for government to compete with private businesses. Our state budget is not able to keep pace with the financial resources government-run programs demand, while more doctors and health care practitioners are choosing not to participate. I will work for sensible solutions that keeps the patient and doctors in charge of treatment.
Education
I think quality education starts at home and continues in the classroom. Parents need to play a large role in their child’s education.
It seems every few years we are told that the school district needs more money, "for the children." More money does not mean better results. The money needs to be properly spent — in the classroom, not in the boardroom. Education is the responsibility of both families and the schools, and both parties need to be accountable and have a say in where the money is spent.
Per Diem
Per diem payments are payments above and beyond a Legislator’s salary. Legislators earn around $31,000 for seasonal work. The Senate can get up to $96 a day and the House can get up to $77 a day during session, with no questions asked. Travel and lodging are not covered under per diem. Legislators can even get paid per diem when they are not physically at the Capitol! I would think that when you and I have to tighten our belts to make ends meet, our elected officials would do the same.
My pledge to you is that I WILL TAKE NO PER DIEM, PERIOD. If elected, the taxpayers will provide my $31,000 salary to do the job they elected me to do, not any extra for a busy session, extra work load or perfect attendance.
Here is a list of the past few years and the per diem payments my opponent, Ann Rest, took (on top of her salary):
2009: $17,996.20
- Session: $12,768.00
- Interim: $2,112.00
- Mileage: $491.20
- Communication: $1,125.00
- Intern: $1,500.00
2008: $20,775.06
- Session: $9,312.00
- Interim: $6,624.00
- Travel: $1,518.67
- Mileage: $1,070.39
- Communication: $1,125.00
- Intern: $1,125.00
2007: $25,590.23
- Session: $13,344.00
- Interim: $6,144.00
- Special Session: $96.00
- Travel: $1,844.12
- Mileage: $837.11
- Communication: $1,750.00
- Intern: $1,125.00
- Other Expenses: $300.00
Voter ID
The current “vouch” system is flawed and Minnesota's voter integrity corrupted by fraud. Without having to provide a photo ID when you vote, how can we have an honest election? When I took my insurance license exam, I had to provide two forms of ID, including a photo ID. To ensure fair elections, voter integrity needs to be maintained. Along with ID, I will also work to eliminate vouching and reform absentee voting to also make sure that votes from our military working overseas count.
Term Limits
Currently, Minnesota has no term limits for state level elected positions. It is my belief that getting different people in office serves the public better, with a wider range of ideas that do not get stale. Here is my proposal for term limits:
Legislative Department
- House of Representatives – 10 Years (5-Terms)
- Senate – 10 Years (3-Terms)
Executive Department
- Governor – 8 Years (2-Terms)
- Lieutenant Governor – 8 Years (2-Terms)
- Attorney General – 8 Years (2-Terms)
- Secretary of State – 8 Years (2-Terms)
- State Auditor – 8 Years (2-Terms)
Judicial Department
- Judges – 12 Years (2-Terms)
In the case of a vacancy, the appointee shall fill out the term and then would be eligible for their term limits.
Vikings Stadium
I will not support a taxpayer-funded stadium. If the ownership of the Minnesota Vikings wants a new stadium, they can figure out a way to pay for it.
|
