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Well hats off to the legislature for completing their annual fist fight between the House and Senate. Depending on where you reside, this was either a great session or a complete bust. If I was a Hennepin County resident, I would be furious that I was not offered a referendum on the Twins stadium deal. While at the same time, the rest of us who reside outside that county will get to enjoy all the benefits of a new stadium scott free.

The University of Minnesota Gophers’ stadium is the real head scratcher for me. I can’t seem to understand why the Twins’ stadium caused such turmoil over every single cent that will be spent to build it, and then to turn around and just hand over $256 million no questions asked to the University. The $256 million, although paid out over 25 years, will come directly out of the state’s treasury fund. Oh, and something else that caught my eye, was that TCF Bank (owned by Carl Pohlad) paid $35 million for naming rights of the new Gophers’ stadium and settled for not having a retractable roof on the new Twins’ stadium (also owned by Carl Pohlad) which coincidentally, was estimated at around $36 million.

The legislature also missed what is probably very high on most Minnesotans wish list. Property tax relief. In a state where property taxes are spiraling out of control, it would have been nice to see them act upon the issue rather than treating it like the proverbial white elephant in the room. They did give a $540 reduction in the middle-income tax bracket however. That will just about cover the increase in one’s property tax bill next year.

I am sorry if this is reading too negative, but some of the dealings our politicians agree to just baffle me. Let me remind you, and I will keep reminding you, that this is an election year for politicians in our state. If you are satisfied or dissatisfied with the job your politicians are doing, this is your opportunity to do something about it. It is your vote that can make a difference at every political level. If you are unsure about a certain candidate, I would without question ask you to call them and get their opinions on topics that affect you and your family or business. It’s a cliche but you can make a difference.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and I would recommend taking in one of the many celebrations around the area. I know I write about the local Vets and all they do for our community, but we are truly blessed to have such a caring dedicated bunch of men and women. There will be services in Lindstrom, Almelund, Chisago to list a few, along with a dedication at the Veteran’s Memorial in downtown Lindstrom.

Speaking of downtown Lindstrom, there is a new business coming to town. Ciao Bella Permanent Cosmetics is now open in the front office, here at the Chisago County Press. Now permanent make-up is not my cup-of-tea, but I know quite a few women who have it done and they all swear by it. If you have been intrigued or even contemplated permanent cosmetics, I would urge you to call Ciao Bella’s Robyn at 612-306-4961. She would love to meet you and tell you all about permanent cosmetics.

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