Readers Write for Tuesday, May 12

It's time for the governor to realize that times have changed. The people want action to reverse our economic decline -- not just more stale ideology. Using the veto pen may make for a good sound bite and boost Pawlenty's presidential ambitions, but it does nothing to meet our long-term needs. Plus, it comes at huge costs to those Minnesotans who will lose their health care, their jobs, their dreams for their children.

Although some conservatives seem to prefer one-party rule (as long as it's their party), the governor should come to grips with the reality that the DFL exists, it has valid ideas, the majority of people support it, and it's time for him to compromise. Political posturing won't get us anywhere.

PAMELA J. SNOPL, MINNEAPOLIS

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With his veto of the tax increase, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is showing his progressive side. As global warming becomes a reality, we will soon have the weather of Mississippi. The governor is preparing us for that by assuring we have the government services of Mississippi as well.

DAVE MILLER, MINNEAPOLIS

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On Friday, both the DFL-controlled state Senate and House passed bills to raise taxes. Pawlenty took little time to strike down their actions with the veto pen.

Although the economy has recently slowed down, this is not the time to raise taxes on businesses and consumers to "fix" the current situation, as proposed by the Democrats in the Legislature.

History shows that raising taxes gives the consumer less spending power and tightens the grip on the business and home budget. It is a folly to believe that higher taxes will be friendly to business and the household.

Minnesota is not business-friendly, as witnessed by the exodus of many businesses over the years. Raising their taxes once more will continue this exodus and grow our state unemployment rate.

We do not need an increase in taxes! Thank you, Gov. Pawlenty.

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Come on, DFL, are you kidding me? You proposed $1 billion in increased taxes on Friday night, and, before you could say walleye fishing opener, Gov. Pawlenty vetoes it. Gov. Pawlenty is a man of his word. When he says, "No new taxes," he means it. Why don't you raise fees instead? End of problem.

MARY P. HANDT, MONTROSE

The recent proposal by the University of Minnesota to allow the sale of beer to the high-priced sections of TCF Bank Stadium and not to the other parts of stadium is wrong. Apparently some in the Legislature are similarly inclined, as they have said it should be allowed for all or none. It is not very often that I agree with anything our liberal state legislators do, but on this issue, they're right.

All or none should be able to drink at the stadium.

In its May 10 article on University Avenue, the Star Tribune asks how people will get to stores and properties if light-rail transit reduces on-street parking. Hopefully many people will use LRT to reach these destinations. How many people coming to businesses on University Avenue may not require parking in the future because they will use LRT is not known because planners apparently have not studied this aspect of the demand for parking. Instead, they have focused on the supply side of the equation.

Regarding the supply side, St. Paul estimates that there are 25,000 off-street parking spaces along University Avenue near planned LRT stations. In many cases there are off-street alternatives to on-street parking.

Bringing clean, quiet, and efficient LRT to University Avenue will give people an appealing alternative to driving. This has the potential to make University Avenue a much more economically vibrant and attractive place than it is today.

CHIP WELLING, ST. PAUL

I agree with a person's right to refuse treatment for cancer. After seeing two family members die of the disease, I am inclined to think that sometimes the treatment is worse than the disease.

Watching a family member suffer from the side-effects of chemotherapy or other cancer treatment is something that no one wants to experience. I am not in a position to tell Daniel Hauser what is right or wrong. But if he is allowed to choose, and chooses to forego chemotherapy, then based on what I have witnessed, we should respect his choice.