Shawn
sheilaI support personal freedoms and rights. I would work to support efforts to re-establish private business rights and freedoms. Customers of businesses vote with their dollars, give them the choice to support the businesses of their choice with out a governmental ban. Thank you for your interest and I hope we are successful this year.
-Gene Lotts, District 46A (Map)
The smoking ban has been tossed around the legislature for years but was not passed until the Legislature became controlled by the DFL. The way it was passed is disappointing. The ban was a result of a well-orchestrated national plan. The effort was taken state to state and called for County Health Nurses to work at city and county levels, get resolutions passed and put pressure on the legislature.
I would be solidly in favor of such a ban had it been passed by a ballot referendum. But this ban was passed by aggressive, organized and effective lobbying efforts. The same lobby is now issuing press releases about the effectiveness of the ban– ostensibly to avoid the inevitable backlash.
As a non-smoker, I have no personal engagement in this issue, but as a rights issue, it got my attention. My interest in such legislation extends far beyond the smoking ban. Our State Legislature has been too engaged in “nanny state” measures. The last legislative session provided local funding for weight control programs. S.F. 145 (on energy policy) called for “programs designed to transform the market or change consumer behavior”. Regardless of the science behind such measures, we need to preserve essential freedoms for our citizens. It is unlikely that you would find me supporting any bill that diminishes personal responsibility and freedom for our state.
I’d appreciate it if you would take the time to tell me exactly what you mean by “personal property rights”. I was unclear if you were referring to our Constitutional rights regarding private property or a right of personal property. My feelings on private property can be found here on my issues web page.
Your mission statement from (your website): “Our goal is to help protect the basic rights of Minnesota residents and business owners, preserve the economic viability of rural and out-state communities and help maintain lifestyle choices.” resonates well with me philosophically.
-John Carlson, District 4A (Map)
I am in favor of giving bars the option of being smoke free. Individual establishments should have say in what their own policies are.
-David Carlson, District 67B (Map, District Scorecard)
Filed under: Minnesota House Election
