Readers Write, May 9, 2009

Though no real evidence existed that he was close to signing with the Minnesota Vikings, ESPN "experts," the local media and even a few politicians over at the Capitol nearly ran over one another in their efforts to spread information about Brett Favre's future.

Sadly, the "news" they were reporting was nothing more than speculation, guesswork, gossip and wishful thinking, none of which accomplished anything except to waste the time of Minnesotans, who deserve better.

JASON GABBERT, APPLE VALLEY

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For all of you who were so excited at the prospect of seeing Brett Favre with the Vikings, I have two words for you: Herschel Walker.

DON HABERMAN, ORONO

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MICHELLE BOLLHORST,

DODGEVILLE, WIS.

I am proud to be part of the Minneapolis public schools. We have strong leadership and a bold vision for renewal and reform. We have made a firm commitment that every school in the district will be high quality and that every child, regardless of zip code, will have the opportunity to succeed to his or her highest potential. Last November the citizens of Minneapolis agreed that investing in our young people is critical to the health of our city. They voted overwhelmingly to support our levy, and in so doing, placed enormous responsibility on the superintendent and the board.

For the past several months we have been examining how best to reorganize our system of schools so that we can ensure equity and fairness across the district, find greater efficiency in our operations and drive more money into the classroom. We have been working to create a more stable foundation for the future while maintaining our commitment to excellence, choice and diversity.

Such large-scale reorganization has created anxiety and frustration for many. I have been heartened by people's willingness to roll up their sleeves and help us to think about how to improve our schools. I have also been impressed with people's willingness to think not only about what will work for their child, but also to consider what all children in the district need to be successful. This is the essence of strong community.

DIRECTOR, MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOL BOARD

It's time for Gov. Tim Pawlenty to start actually contributing to the budget process and to stop just criticizing the Legislature and threatening a veto.

GRAHAM MARTIN, MINNEAPOLIS

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I am a small-business owner, and I am writing to ask Gov. Pawlenty to please -- please -- consider a responsible budget that involves spending cuts and tax increases.

In this difficult economy, everyone needs to sacrifice -- and that means some people should have their taxes raised (back to 1998 levels) and some people should make do with fewer services. Why should only the poorest and neediest make all the sacrifices in these challenging times?

Please stop running for president and put together a responsible budget for our state -- one that serves all Minnesotans and sets a solid foundation for future growth.

HANH TRAN, MINNEAPOLIS

The amusing May 6 article notwithstanding ("Mulch ado about nothing? Dog bill gets long debate"), cocoa bean shell mulch poses a real danger to dogs. Many dogs are attracted to cocoa bean shell mulch because of its sweet smell. Cocoa beans contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals.

In low doses, these chemicals can cause gastrointestinal problems, and in higher doses can cause muscle tremors, seizures and even death.

This is a consumer-protection issue, because very few dog owners know about the dangers of cocoa bean shell mulch.

Minnesotans love their dogs, and this bill will help prevent accidental poisoning, unnecessary suffering and costly treatments. The bill merely requires a warning notice to be posted where cocoa bean shell mulch is sold. It has passed the House and Senate and awaits the governor's signature. On behalf of our 180,000 members and supporters in Minnesota, I urge that he sign this bill into law. This is a very low-cost way to help protect our family dogs.

HOWARD GOLDMAN, ST. PAUL;

STATE DIRECTOR, HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

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In the shadow of a budget deficit, why would we want to call for a vote on small things and delay moving on to more pressing matters such as health care, education and jobs?