Tomorrow (Aug. 1) is the date candidates can start legally posting signs on private property in Eden Prairie (with the owner’s permission) in preparation for the upcoming elections.
Too early to start thinking about the election? Not really. Absentee voting starts for the primary on Aug. 8. You can vote absentee at City Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.
The Primary Election is on Sept. 9.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Minnesota Preservation Awards, a program run by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. The Preservation Awards recognizes outstanding projects, groups and individuals that contribute to Minnesota’s preservation accomplishments. From movie theaters to lakeside cottages, office buildings to historic roadside structures, these awards showcase efforts both simple and grand to preserve Minnesota’s historic resources.

A free new Web service was unveiled today by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to make it easier for all military personnel and Minnesota voters overseas to participate in elections this fall, according to a news release. The Military and Overseas Voter Service provides easy-to-follow instructions to assist eligible military and overseas voters register and request absentee ballots.

A missionary from Eden Prairie's Wooddale Church was also present for the announcement.

In the Third Congressional District, DFL candidate Ashwin Madia of Plymouth and Republican candidate Erik Paulsen of Eden Prairie were joined in filing for office by Independence candidates David Dillon of Excelsior (endorsed) and Steev Ramsdell of Eden Prairie. Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Third District, is set to retire.
In Minnesota House District 42A, Rep. Maria Ruud, DFL, of Minnetonka is facing a challenge from DFL-er Daniel Kim of Eden Prairie as well as Republicans Bob House of Minnetonka, Shari May of Minnetonka and Lee Prinkkila of Eden Prairie.

A suggestion
on recycling
In last week’s letters to the editor, Leslie Fuller wondered why the city of Eden Prairie doesn’t provide recycling bins in our city parks. Although I can’t provide the real answer to this question, I have a hunch that the blame is being aimed in the wrong direction. We used to have the opportunity to recycle cans and bottles in our city parks. Whether due to ignorance, laziness, or obstinance, compliance was horrible.

The state of Minnesota is accepting applications and nominations for its Governor’s Award Program for Pollution Prevention. Projects that reduce waste and pollution at its source, conserve natural resources, protect groundwater, save energy and practice sustainability are eligible for the award. Applications will be accepted until noon on Aug. 1, 2008.

The state of Minnesota is accepting applications and nominations for its Governor’s Award Program for Pollution Prevention. Projects that reduce waste and pollution at its source, conserve natural resources, protect groundwater, save energy and practice sustainability are eligible for the award. Applications will be accepted until noon on Aug. 1, 2008.
The release said that the state is accepting nominations in three categories:

City government
Say what?
I read with great interest recently Leah Shaffer’s article on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project, the LRT route connecting Eden Prairie and a few other communities to downtown Minneapolis. As one who already commutes into the city each day via SouthWest Transit, (which I think very highly of by the way) the prospect of having LRT as an option is very appealing.

The filing period for federal, state and judicial offices began Tuesday.
Candidates may file July 1 until 5 pm. July 15. The last day for withdrawal is July 17.
The place for filing for federal office is at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office in St. Paul. Those seeking election to state or judicial office may file in the county they live in.
For those candidates filing for municipal, school district, and other local offices, dates vary. Filing for the two Eden Prairie City Council seats up for election is open from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9 (last day for withdrawal is Sept. 11).

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota recently gave Sen. David Hann (R-42) and seven other legislators “Best Friend of the Taxpayer” awards. This is Sen. Hann’s ninth award. To be named a “Best Friend of the Taxpayer” during a legislative session, a representative or senator must score a perfect 100 percent on the votes selected by the Taxpayers League.