Why don't you join the Chamber!

To "Afraid to hear": what in the world prevents you from personally contacting a legislator? You certainly don't need an orchestrated event to phone, write or e-mail an elected official. You're whining when there is a very reasonable alternative.

the local Democrats will be huddled up trying to figure out how could the State end up with a surplus with a Republican controlled House and Senate.

pdnet, you're right on about the person not doing anything other than writing a vox pop.
Perhaps this person had a cell phone camera or could've called in a license plate (photo of the same too) and did more than...well, nothing.

Jeff Czeczok

why should we have to PAY to have a dialogue with our legislators.
Still waiting more than 6 months for a reply to emails to Gazelka and others. Crazy.

I just have to respond to the stupid Vox regarding the Eggs and Issues Breakfast with local legislators. The chamber hosts about 3-4 of these per year and they are held so that local business people can have an opportunity to meet and get updates from the local legislators regarding issues that effect us in running our businesses. The chamber does this because we as membership have requested that they do so. It is not an "invitation" only event, but in fact is open to all chamber members and employees, although space is limited, and yes there is a fee because it is a breakfast forum and is held at the Lodge a fee of $15 is charged to cover that expense. All local legislaters are asked to attend and they almost always do. As a business owner it is important to stay in touch with the people in St. Paul and to have an idea of what is happening as well as share ideas with them that might allow us as a business to grow and hire additional people, which is important based on the fact that "small businesses" employ almost 70% of Americas work force. My small business employs 7 full time people with full benefits and it is always my hope to be able to expand that. I am ivolved with my local chamber and visit with my legislators, represetatives, and senators each year in St. Paul and Washington. I do this because I believe it is important and allows me to be a better business owner. I also would like to point out that it is easy to get in touch with your legislators and as citizens you should ask questions and have dialogue with them when possible. But don't just complain and act like everything is a conspiracy or meant to exclude you, because our system of government allows for your participation but you must participate for that to work.

what I get out of the dog story is that people in general are often thinking in me terms rather than other people. Person not thinking about the mans lawn [they should have picked up] and man being upset about his nice landscaping. Thoughtfulness.

Republican in Name Only aka a coward who does not have the backbone to call himself a democrat! Don't worry, I would be ashamed myself!

Most of my young life I was heavily involved in the small town family business we ran--and still do. Am quite familiar with how things work there--also how many tax breaks can be had that are never discussed with the working man...:-)

You still miss the point. Turn the tables on yourself, as you seem to have an interest in these meetings from your perspective--which is fine by me.

Lets say there was a union meeting with the legislators that only union members were allowed to attend. And that it occurred several times each year...and each time you read in the dispatch that what they heard was we need higher taxes, more government regulation, etc. etc.

And the same legislators NEVER sat down with a group of local businessmen to discuss issues.

How would you feel if I told you tough, just call them up, they'll be glad to listen?

It's about access. And $$ paid for that access--and lack of equal time for other points of view. It's an insult to me to tell me--and others here from reading some of the replies--that we can just call up our legislator. We have, they don't respond--well in this case, at least one of them doesn't. Funny how you quickly get added to their e-mail list so they can send you monthly reports on the fantastic job they claim they are doing--but they won't call you back or meet with you in person.

You would have to be an idiot to think that Health Care costs are not out of control, and as I said all 7 employees at my business have full health care benefits, paid entirely by the business, we search for the the most cost effective insurance and if the full effect of "Obama Care" goes into effect we would almost double ours......sounds like a great plan doesn't it?
By scipioafricanus | 12/04/11 - 09:26 am

Read the bill about the tax credits small business will get from the ACA for business owners that provide health care for their employees.

Health care reform (some call it Obama care) will aim to making health care more affordable and portable. The pre-existing conditions and children under the age of 26 being able to stay on their parents plans are already implemented and are real winners. I know small business owners that are eager to get into buying pools to lower their costs.

It may not be perfect, but it is a start. What we have now does not work. Too high costs and many people cannot afford it. Some use ER instead of clinics and that costs us all. Prevention is also going to be a big deal. Incentives for those willing to quit smoking, lose weight and work out regularly. Money is a huge motivator.

I think everyone should study this before making snap judgements that it's all bad.

Hopefully the Lunkers Baseball Team will return next year. Our family loves them too. The owners of the Lunkers also own the St. Cloud Riverbats. If you called their office you could probably reach someone. You can also go to the Northwoods League's web site.