Dan:

It's apparent that your main concern here isn't MN resources, this bill, and especially not a solution to the current issues our natural resources face. Plain and simple, and by your own admission, your issue is how our tax dollars are spent.

I'm not an expert on government, and certainly not a finance guru. Like you, I disagree with putting the arts tacked on with the environment here. Strongly. At the same time, it's a political compromise, and a relatively small one IMHO. I too feel that we benefit from public arts projects. So did most successful societies before us, including the greeks and romans.

My true reason for taking issue with these rants, are that you are very good at what you do. You're well-spoken, and quite persuasive at obtaining an objective by swaying public opinion (at least whatever public reads this). I disagree strongly with your facts, style, and position, but understand that its an opinion. However, an opinion becomes something more when it's allowed to dominate, incessantly, without opposition, especially given our affiliation with this site. I will never change your point of view, and I knew this going into it. However, hopefully I've played devil's advocate enough to help other folks hear other sides of the story.

Joel

One thing to add to this that just hit me. Why not preach this to the welfare folks?

you can preach all you want, it's no different then leading a horse to water and not being able to make them drink....

As a separate aside and with some digging, here's how abuse will be prevented with these funds:

-All funding projects will be overseen by a citizen's stakeholder group/legislators

-The group will be composed of 4 citizens the governor approves, 4 citizens the legislature approve, 2 legislators the House appoints, and 2 legislators the Senate appoints

-Citizens can apply to be a member of this citizen stakeholder's group through the office of the secretary of state website

Joel

I'm confused. What do you need explained. It's quite simple really. Earmark a percentage of our existing sales tax or our state budget for these purposes. It's not necessary to tax us more to meet that end.

Wait. I suppose unless I endorse a solution that includes adding another tax or increasing an existing tax then there is no solution. In that case, I can't help you but I will agree with LIMTOUT that proponents of this package bear the burden of proving we really need this, not the other way around and so far, I haven't been convinced. In fact, I was in favor for a while but the more I hear about it and the more I read about it the less favor it has with me.

Bob

Ah, hhahahahahahahah, that's good there. Citizens that the legislature approve, not us. I'm sure they will pick someone who doesn't totally agree with how they want to spend it correct?

Well for everyones sake, Bob, I hope your reading more about it then negative, slanted outlook LMITOUT is pandering.

Believe it or not Sandmann, you could actually be on this committee! The legislature approves from a list of applicants. ANYONE can apply. Not to mention, all legislators aren't like-minded so there should be a good mix of folks from all viewpoints.

It's called the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council for those who are interested. Here's the press release:





Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council Formed

5/28/08

Council would oversee $91.1 million annually in Game, Fish and Habitat Investments.

Bloomington, Minnesota - After months of intensive calls, letters, emails and comments from hunters, anglers, and sportsmen across Minnesota, the legislature has officially passed a Citizens-led and legislator council called the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council.

The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council is a key statutory provision that would oversee funds from the proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this November that would dedicate in part an estimated $91.1 million annually to game, fish and wildlife projects if approved by voters.

"This is one of the biggest victories for hunters and anglers in Minnesota's history and would not have happened without the grassroots action of thousands of hunters, anglers and sportsmen from across the state," said Garry Leaf executive director of Sportsmen for Change.

The amendment presented to voters this November calls for raising the state sales tax 3/8 of 1 percent. One third of the estimated $270 million annual amount would fund game, fish and wildlife habitat, one third would fund clean water projects, and the remaining third would be split among parks and trails, cultural heritage and the arts.

"As far as I'm concerned the key ingredient to this constitutional amendment is the council - which controls how the money is spent". - Bud Grant, sportsmen and retired Vikings head coach.

Under the agreement, the 12-member council would include eight citizens and four legislators and other key provisions. Four citizens would be appointed by the governor and two each by the House and Senate. Hunters and anglers from across Minnesota have said the council was critical to ensure support among sportsmen and sportswomen for the amendment in November.

"The council was the right thing to do. Minnesota hunters and anglers needed o know that they'll have a voice in how the sales tax revenue will be sent - and spent wisely." - Ron Schara, sportsmen, outdoor enthusiast and TV host of "Minnesota Bound."

The naming of the council was in recognition of Senator Bob Lessard's lifelong advocacy for sportsmen and the outdoors, 26-year career in the Minnesota Senate and decade long effort to ensure a legacy for future generations of hunters and anglers.

The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council also would also create a matching grants program called Conservation Partners making available millions of dollars under which local, regional and national clubs, chapters and groups could get matching money for habitat projects in Minnesota.

"The establishment of the council and matching grants for local projects was critical for hunters and anglers to support the amendment. Its not about us it's being able to leave a hunting and fishing legacy for future generations". Said former Senator Bob Lessard, a driving force behind dedicated funding.





Joel

These slowpitch softballs are much too easy Joel.


(1) two public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;
(2) two public members appointed by the speaker of the house;
(3) four public members appointed by the governor;
(4) two members of the senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and
(5) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house.


Please don't be so naive to believe this is a "citizen's" committee.

OK, someone I work with actually went to a meeting on this. When they brought up the Arts thing, he got frustrated and asked who's going to decide where they money goes. They said a committee of citizens. He asked who could be on the committie and they said anyone. He asked if he could and they said no. Ha, yep, normal joes alright.

Dan:

Can't play softball if you don't know the rules!

All of these appointments are made from an open application process. Fill one out today by going to the Office of the Secretary of State's Website!

Joel

If I could post the application, I would. It's out there for all to search, view, and fill-out.

Joel

I wouldn't care if this amendment made sure everyone had free ice cream for the rest of their lives! The subject of this amendment is not the issue as much as the methods and means of how this has been handled and projected onto the voters. This amendment is morally and ethically wrong, not to mention selfish and greedy.

Don't pull the "you hate the outdoors" card like this campaign is wont to do (guilt trip/bad guy syndrome). I suppose next I'll be told I hate children for this amendment is their future. LOL.

Maybe they said no because he's a convicted felon? I think there's a checkbox on the application for that one, but otherwise it should be open to everyone .

Joel

You're exactly right!!! That's why people don't want this amendment.....they don't know the rules!! Right now it's a wide open game with no guidelines and no umpires. Just a whole bunch of coaches on the sidelines waiting to get in there and play however they want to play.