Election 2008 

Supports Bonoff

My name is Vicki Swenson and I have a very personal story to tell you about why I’m supporting Terri Bonoff for Congress.

In September of 2006, my sister Teri Lee was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, leaving behind her four small children, ages 6 to 12 at the time.

My sister tried desperately to keep this guy away from her and her family and had a no contact order issued from the courts. The problem was the no contact order didn’t have a photo of this guy. So even though he was lurking around her home, her neighbors couldn’t identify him because his photo wasn’t included on the no contact order.

In May of 2007, I went to St. Paul to visit the Legislature to see how this problem could be fixed – so the lives of other people could be saved. I approached several legislators, but it became clear the senator to help me was my senator, Terri Bonoff.

Terri listened to my story and agreed with me that something needed to be done. With only two days left before committee deadlines, Terri plowed ahead and got her colleagues to support legislation to mandate photos on contact orders. The bill passed with a huge margin and was signed into law on May 7, 2007.

This never would have happened without Terri Bonoff’s commitment, drive and determination. A lot of people talk about doing things – but I’ve seen up close how Terri Bonoff gets things done for people.

But Terri’s support for my family didn’t stop with getting legislation passed. After my sister’s death, her four children came to live with me and my husband and our three (now four) children. With the 10 of us under one roof we were definitely busting at the seams. Terri Bonoff and some other people in our community took it upon themselves to nominate my family for an Extreme Home Make-Over and we were chosen.

Last August, tears streamed down my face as my family and I moved into a beautiful new home with space for all of us. Terri was there that day – just as she’s been there for my family throughout this very difficult time.

Terri Bonoff is just the kind of person we need in Washington. She is a tireless fighter for Minnesota families and she’ll bring the change we need. I’m living proof of the change Terri delivers.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting Terri Bonoff for Congress.

Vicki Swenson

Minnetonka

 Legislature

Bill moves
Minnesota forward

This week, the Legislature passed a comprehensive transportation finance bill (HF2800) to provide additional resources for our transportation system. In passing this measure, the Legislature was saying it had to make these investments to move Minnesota forward.

Passage of the transportation bill came in response to a report issued by the nonpartisan office of Legislative Auditor James Nobles, showing the state is $2.4 billion behind every year in maintaining our current system. Nobles’ report convinced the Legislature that the state has failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of maintaining a safe, reliable system of transportation infrastructure.

This new law will direct essential resources to our state’s roads and bridges, increase efficiency through new oversight and accountability measures and restore a fairer mechanism of transportation funding in Minnesota.

HF2800 provides new transportation funding for our communities to begin essential repairs for our local roads and bridges, reduce congestion, expand transit options, and reduce the need for cities and counties to increase property taxes. Over the next 10 years:

* Minnetonka will receive an additional $1.9 million;

* Eden Prairie will receive an additional $5.8 million;

* Plymouth will receive an additional $6.8 million; and

* Hennepin County will receive an additional $152.4 million.

Passing this bill was the result of a serious effort to compromise. It was a necessary step in ensuring the safety and reliability of our transportation system, and the long-term vitality of our state’s economy.

Please contact me with questions or concerns on this, or any other issue.

Rep. Maria Ruud, DFL-42A

Minnetonka

Editor’s note: Ruud represents Minnetonka and part of Eden Prairie 

City water fees

‘Unbelievable and arrogant’

590,000 gallons in one quarter to water a lawn? (Eden Prairie News March 6, 2008) Unbelievable and arrogant!

Most of our country (and the world) is experiencing severe drought, but in our sheltered suburban life we don’t even notice.

I applaud the city for addressing our water usage. The “use surcharge” and watering violation fines should be tripled.

However, the people who use large amounts of water probably don’t care and can afford the fees. But at least it will encourage more conservation and help offset Eden Prairie’s costs of providing water.

Steve Schmit

Eden Prairie