Supports HF 1442 The writer of "HF 1442: Another Tax" misses a few key points. HF 1442 is not just about education, although that is a key benefit. The aquatic invasive species (AIS) laws have changed significantly in the last three years.

Mr. Hansen's opinion column in the Sunday paper contains many offensive and contentious remarks. First, Mr. Hansen should check a newer dictionary as Webster has now edited its definition of marriage to include same- sex relationships.

Conquering mental illness People talk a lot about mental illness in today's world, but that does not necessarily mean our understanding of it has increased.

I have a wonderful opportunity for our Yellow Ribbon network. I am looking for active service members, veterans and their families to help out with a portion of this year's Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes.

Unlike other outpatient surgical centers, abortion clinics in Minnesota are neither licensed or inspected, even though abortion is one of the most common surgical procedures.

I have listened with interest as the budget discussions have been carried on some of them are so ludicrous that you wonder if the people putting them forward believe them.

I had thought that the Sandy Hook massacre was a tragedy, not a political cash cow.

ACLU's blind eye Where's the ACLU when you need them? We can't have a manger scene in front of city hall. We can't have the Ten Commandments posted in our courtrooms. The ACLU keeps us from any co-mingling of church and state.

In a rush to curtail gun and ammunition sales to the masses, some states are creating a rush to buy guns and lots of ammo. Our leadership in Washington, D.C.

End 'o winter! An open letter to Buddha, Jehovah, Jesus, Mohammad, Abraham, and the Great Spirit. As an elected representative of the people of Brainerd, Minnesota, I hereby request that you seriously consider ending this winter stuff.