WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
You’ve heard it....maybe you’ve even said it or thought it yourself the last few years.
What’s the difference who I vote for, or what’s the difference if I even vote. It seems like “none of the above” would have been a welcome choice on the ballot lots of times lately.
This election there really is a difference. There’s a different kind of candidate from a different kind of party. I am right down the center on most issues; (right where you are!) and I'm running as the DFL endorsed candidate for District 12B. I and the DFL want to provide you with the type of representation you need here, and we’re not part of the power struggle going on at the capitol.
But....all the candidates say they’ll do that....so, again......what’s the difference?
Health care costs:
Here’s how they've been doing it....every candidate and party says they’re too high, but they’ve done nothing to lower those costs. I advocate single payer insurance, which should lower costs around 15 to 20% without changing anyone’s policy, coverage, or level of care. Every provider would send their bill to one central location for payment, like with Medicare, then the charges would end up with your insurance company just like they always did. Medicare does this with approximately 2% administrative costs, the industry average now is around 20%. That’s not enough improvement, but it could be done quickly and simply by legislative action. What has the other party done on this issue? There is a difference!
State budget:
Here’s how they've been doing it.... lowering benefits to our neediest senior citizens, cutting the budgets of our colleges, increasing almost every “user fee” while pretending you have no new taxes, and even introducing legislation to “borrow” pension funds. I would like to see two state owned and operated casinos, placed in areas where out of state tourists could help us pay our bills. In addition, I favor all casinos operating in Minnesota to disclose the true odds of their games and their compliance with those odds. It’s your money, and you have a right to see if you’re losing it fairly. What has the other party done on this issue?
There is a difference!
Effectiveness:
Here’s how they've been doing it....legislation is measured by how much it will help one party or the other gain control instead of how much our citizens need it. When I taught, I researched to find out what information students needed in my field, and delivered that information to them. As a senior advocate, I've researched dozens of laws and policies that affect senior citizens, and delivered that information to them. As an involved community person, I've researched what it would take to start and maintain a lot of local organizations, and I delivered. As your legislator, I’ll research what it takes to get legislation that benefits this area and our way of life, and I’ll deliver. I believe that the more informed people are about their government and what it’s doing, the better things will be. Does your legislator get back to you when you want to know about bills or laws that affect you, or do you just hear about things after the way-too-complicated law is passed? There is a difference!
Environment:
Here’s how they've been doing it......one major party wants to remove local zoning control to bring in large corporate farming operations. I believe that maintaining local control of planning and zoning makes the most sense....our farmers and lake cabin owners want to pass their property down to their children or see it increase in value. The worst erosion will come from the erosion of local control. Check out what the other party has done on this issue. There is a difference!
Your Retirement:
The DFL Platform says: “We believe all Americans have a right to a secure retirement.” The MN GOP platform says they believe in “Allowing younger workers to save for the future and build their net worth by investing a portion of their Social Security payments”. Does that make you feel like your retirement is secure? Do you feel it will make your retirement more secure if current workers are allowed to invest their money privately like the Republicans want instead of paying it into social security ? The DFL Platform says: “We believe all Americans have a right to a secure retirement.” I have worked hard to help our senior citizens make the most of their dwindling retirement funds, and believe pension funds and social security dollars belong to the people who paid them in, not the general fund. Check out what the other party has done on this issue. There is a difference!
RE-ELECT AL DOTY
Together we can turn things around!
© 2008 Prepared and paid for by the Committee to Elect Al Doty, 302 N. Hickory St., Royalton, MN 56373
