Great letter! I've noticed those signs too. Vote Bonoff!

Terri is a Democrat. I'm wondering if Terri is a business owner? Did she own the companies discussed above? Where did she gain this small business accumen? What education reform of hers was passed in the last session that was signed by the governor? If he didn't sign, why? Does she support the governor's proposal to raise taxes? What will she do to reduce small business regulation? Brian, perhaps you know the answers to these questions? Please name all the slew of strong Republicans that endorse her? I don't think Carlson qualifies as a strong Republican.

No, I'm hardly new to the state. Typical liberal trying to tell people free speech is not welcomed. I have reviewed the voting record of your candidate. And, I usually ask questions I already know the answer to. Terri is wrong for our district. Carlson supports Democrats. I want Gaither as my Senator. I reject your suggestion, dipper. The "middle" is a fallacy. It's an excuse when nothing gets done. I congratulate Governor Carlson on his service. That doesn't mean I have to respect his endorsement in anyway, because, I don't. I support public education. I don't support massive debt in public education. I don't support spending that takes away from public education and adds debt. Light rail, for example. Spending and debt will become much better allocated with Republicans. It's scary how Terri doesn't even discuss jobs, nor do her supporters. You are all very busy reaching across the aisle. I don't support the political elite. I want new ideas. I want plans to pay down public debt. I want real school reform so we can be assured schools thrive. Not looking to the 1990s, like you, for that. But, you can still come back here and state your opinions, dipper.

I am noting the comeback theme here in Minnetonka. It's something like this.."You doesn't sound like youse are from these here parts. You best be gittin back on that horse and ridin out stranger." Meanwhile, since I have been here the value of my house has plummeted and my property taxes have increased quite a lot. Which reminds me: Vote Wahlstedt, Gaither and Stefan. Thank you.

You're not welcome here if you don't support lower property values and higher taxes.

Please leave if you don't agree with me.

Well, I guess I can look at leaving since discourse is not allowed.

Thanks for your comments everyone, but let's keep them constructive and appropriate for a public forum on Patch. Comments with name-calling or that are offensive will not be tolerated and will be deleted. You will get only one warning--this is it and then your account will be suspended and you will receive an email from us. Thank you for your engagement and I hope we can continue a respectful conversation.

Dave, I think you might want to do some "fact checking" on your candidate. Your Republican friend, supported property tax increases and cut funds to education. SWLRT is NOT a good example of "debt" because the project is largely funded from outside (of the state) sources, first off, and it's just plain bad for business to not support the SWLRT. SWLRT is supported by over 3,000 businesses. I'm flabbergasted by Republican response to this proposal. Voting against SWLRT is bad for business. Moderates do exist, and they look for opportunities to support initiatives on both sides of the aisle. Vote Bonoff, the only moderate in this race.

Thanks, Brian. I'm comfortable with my research and fact checking. I understand education funding very well. I also am well versed in the details of the property tax system. SWLRT is estimated to cost $33 million annually in operating costs. Fares will not cover much of that and using your 3000 business number would end up costing each business $11,000 annually. If those 3000 businesses can guarantee they will sustain SWLRT, I am personally all for those businesses improving their businesses with their capital. I'm flabbergasted by nearly $17 Trillion in federal debt(some which would fund much of SWLRT construction), $8 Billion of MN State Debt(Not counting about $12-19 Billion of unfunded public pensions), about $12 Billion of reported or registered school district debt which is backed by the state(and ultimately assessed to affected property owners in the borrowing districts). The state's annual budget without federal payments is about $17 Billion. So, we start to see the gravity of the debt against the income, sales and other taxes the state is already collecting. Not bad for some guy just blogging in reply. I don't want any more moderates. These are real fiscal issues in need of serious debate and resolution. Vote Gaither.

So the fact that the Chambers of Commerce and the business community support SWLRT means nothing to you. And your "I don't want any more moderates" comment is telling, as are your comments here. Your "Take no prisoners, and compromise is evil" approach is exactly why our governments are dysfunctional.

To continue, money is trust. Debase trust, debase society. And, the other point, whoever is closest to the money printing benefits the most. So, business gets the train while deficit spending raises taxes and eventually, money printing raises the cost of fuel, food, etc. on those least able to afford it.

Still think the point is evil?