matt lehman
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Comments
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On the article How Much Respect Do We Owe Elected Officials?
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On the Blog Post The Case For Mike Obermueller
matt lehman
11:05 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
ReplyRon Paul asked the fed to be audited, where was his support? Rand Paul and Cruz ask our basic constitutional rights be recognized, where is their support? The Democrats passed Obama care on a sunday night without reading it, with no Republican support and little support of the American people. The current administration has increased our debt load a staggering amount against their own fiscal commission recommendations. Our problem is not John Kline, our problem is the American people must demand all of congress work for us and our interest not a party or a lobbyist group and we the voters must hold all to account regardless of party affiliation.
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On the article Dayton Heckled in Shakopee, Calls Audience 'Rude' and 'Juvenile'
matt lehman
10:52 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
ReplyI was in attendance and what I found rude was individuals speaking at length to personal items outside the scope of the outline provided by the Governors staff taking time away from others that had questions pertaining to the budget proposal as I did. I came to the event to discuss his budget proposals and impacts. Yes I shook my head where I disagreed with his responses but in no way did I heckle anybody or was I rude. My observation of this meeting is this, the Governor's budget proposal wants more of our hard earned money at a time where we have less to give. He stated his proposal increases taxes on the wealthy not the middle class, I disagree, a transit tax, tax on services, alcohol, cigarette, and many other taxes and fees will affect all income brackets. We seriously need all levels of government to prioritize the services they offer and cut services they should not be involved in, using those dollars to improve the services government should be providing. The left and right should stop focusing on trying to make each other look bad, and start dealing with the fact that people are struggling and the economy is weak. Serve us, not control us.
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On the article Old Shakopee Rocked by Explosion, Fire at Koda Energy Grain Elevator
matt lehman
7:17 pm on Friday, April 26, 2013
Ok, the first code red stated , "asking people within a one mile radius of Rahr to stay indoors". The media release had the fire chief stating, " residents within a one mile radius were still being advised to shelter in place". I can understand asking and advising people within a distance to be cautious as nobody knew what else could happen and the impacts.
Now The patch, stated, "Meanwhile, a lockdown imposed on residents within a one-mile radius of Koda Energy and Rahr Malting has been lifted. As of 3 p.m. Shakopee residents may go outdoors again".
When patch uses words like lockdown imposed and residents may go outside again, it would appear the authorities actually required most of old Shakopee residents to remain indoors or else! This is not the case as the code red and media statements both clearly show. I suggest patch read the media releases and fire chief quote and report based on facts. In the interest of safety and not knowing what might be in rail cars and if secondary explosions might happen, authorities sided on caution, for that we thank them. Nice job by all!!! -
On the article Old Shakopee Rocked by Explosion, Fire at Koda Energy Grain Elevator
matt lehman
10:39 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013
ReplyI am trying to find out who authorized a 1 mile lockdown which covers most of old Shakopee?
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On the article Explosions Rock 2013 Boston Marathon; At Least Three Shakopee Runners Participating
matt lehman
10:48 pm on Monday, April 15, 2013
ReplyWell stated Josh.. Neighborhood watch is now Nationwide Watch, being the eyes and ears for law enforcement, reporting suspicious activities!
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On the article Explainer: How Does the Proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance Work?
matt lehman
11:11 pm on Friday, March 29, 2013
ReplyIn a nut shell, the proposal will put the property owners at the mercy of a select few appointed citizens of Shakopee who are bias to the cause. I support a voluntary program where property owners can opt out at any time. I also support market value exclusion on improvements that meet the historic definitions that may otherwise increase value and taxation, a local incentive if you will. I support amendment 5 and 14 of the US constitution which relate directly to property rights. These properties are individuals not governments and as such must be treated as all other like properties are treated. If the community believes these properties are so important to the community, then the city should BUY them and preserve them as their own properties. I do not support spending taxpayer dollars in that fashion.
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On the article Explainer: How Does the Proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance Work?
matt lehman
10:52 pm on Friday, March 29, 2013
ReplyWalmart cannot build in a residential zoning as the article states.
added review process also adds additional review time and fees.
The draft ordinance is specific about material types, must be same as original, meaning no vinyl windows to replace wood windows. It also states which colors of paint based on era of construction.
I would argue that a $50,000 modernization improvement to a neighbors house will increase the value of that property and enhance the neighborhood regardless.
Proponents of the ordinance argue that a designation can enhance the home's market value. If this was true, explain the empty historic properties around town that are becoming slum and blighted. If you wish to pay more taxes based on a higher value with no changes to your property, make the check out to the city of Shakopee.
A historic home can also be eligible for grant money. The feds are $17 trillion in debt and the state is raising taxes any way possible, like they have money to blow on properties that someone arbitrarily thinks is more special then someone else's.
You can opt out before the city council adopts "the list of houses" but you cannot opt out once that list is adopted. What type of title restrictions for a future buyer the property will have has not been decided. I would encourage everyone to read the draft ordinance in detail and understand that state law and constitutional property rights lawsuits likely be the end result costing the Shakopee taxpayers more money. -
On the article Historic Preservation Proposal Sparks Heated Debate
matt lehman
6:57 pm on Friday, March 29, 2013
ReplyProperty rights belong to the persons that own the property, not the government.
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On the article Rep. Mike Beard: We Have to Get into Transit 'Fracas'
matt lehman
9:25 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2013
ReplyI agree. we need to get some of the tax money back into our area for our transportation needs. I voted against the Shakopee letter of support of this tax because there is zero guarantee we will get anything back. We would be better off levying a county tax ourselves dedicated to transportation needs, at least we know and control the dollars.
matt lehman
7:34 pm on Monday, May 6, 2013
In my opinion, the audience acted just fine. People are allowed to disagree with a head shake, this is not disrespectful. The people did get tired of the guy that talked on and on after the governor asked him twice to let others speak, the people actually defended the governor by telling this guy to sit-down. Do I respect Governor Dayton? I do. He has a right to his opinion as does others. I disagree with his tax policies and I completely disagree with his statement that he is only taxing the top 2%. A services tax, gas tax, alcohol, cigs, water, transit tax, you name it tax will affect all income levels. We are talking about growing the state budget $4 billion, this is huge and will have impacts on everyone. Government is the people and the people have spoken at this forum. I take the heat from all sides, I want to understand all perspectives. Audience was fine, I respect the Governor, disagree with his tax policy and statements.