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Legislators Rest, Peterson Talk With Citizens Jan. 28

During a town hall meeting at the Crystal Community Center, Senator Ann Rest and State Rep. Sandra Peterson answered questions on several different topics.

 

Voter identification registration, voter fraud, the Vikings stadium, unemployment, jobs for the disabled and much more were discussed at the Jan. 28 town hall meeting held by State Senator Ann H. Rest (DFL-45), State Representative Sandra Peterson (DFL-45A) and State Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL-45B).

The discussion was citizen-led and driven by a question-and-answer format.

One citizen said, "Voting is not a privilege, but a right."

Rest responded that voting was a qualified, constitutional "right" and agreed that education was needed on voting, voting ID and registration.

At this point all three legislators do not support a publicly funded Vikings stadium.

Citizens at the meeting asked the legislators to not allow any further cuts to support services for the elderly and disabled including cuts to group homes, Metro Mobility and job assistance programs.

Peterson agreed that the workforce can be more challenging for the disabled and for those who are older or pushing off retirement because they must make ends meet.

What do you think of these topics? Please leave a comment below and let us know!

You can also contact your legislators. Email Senator Rest at: annr@senate.mn or by call her office at 651-296-2889 and email Rep. Peterson at rep.sandra.peterson@house.mn or call her office at 651-296-4176.

(Editor's Note: A correction was made to the paraphrased quote by Senator Ann Rest on voting as a privilege v. a right, which is further explained in her comments below this story.)

  • What's Important This Legislative Session?

    (Voting has been closed for this question)
    • Education, jobs and unemployment.
        1 (33%)
    • A Vikings Stadium and any proposals for one.
        1 (33%)
    • Taxes and the budget deficit.
        0 (0%)
    • So many things are important!
        1 (33%)
    Total votes: 3
  • Your vote will only count once. This is not a scientific poll. View Results Vote!
Related Topics: State Representative Sandra Peterson, State Senator Ann H. Rest, Town Hall Meeting, Unemployment, Vikings Stadium, Voter Registration, and voter ID

Ann H. Rest

4:12 pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Actually, I said that voting is a qualified constitutional "right." That is, U. S. citizens have the right to vote if they are 18, meet the residence requirement of the state where they want to vote, are not felons, etc. Most of us consider voting also a privilege and a duty, but the constitution guarantees it. Thanks for attending our meeting. Ann Rest

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Stefanie Briggs

10:55 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Thank you Senator Rest! I have made the correction to the story with an editor's note to see any further clarification with your comment.

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