Budget concerns discussed at Yellow Medicine County Board meeting
By Robert Wolfington IIIGRANITE FALLS - Concerns about the projected budget deficit in Minnesota and its impact on cities and counties continued Tuesday as legislative representatives met with the Yellow Medicine County Board.
Yellow Medicine County commissioners met with Sen. Gary Kubly, DFL-Granite Falls, and Rep.-elect Andrew Falk, DFL-Murdock, to discuss its concerns going into the new year.
Commissioner Gary Johnson was critical of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's position on financial issues, including local government aid and imposing levy limits on counties.
"I don't blame you (Kubly) for his management," said Johnson. "But this is something you are going to have to deal with."
Johnson said he felt the issue should be addressed when Pawlenty is up for re-election in 2010. He said imposing levy limits and cutting local government aid is making it difficult for counties to operate properly.
"The state is going to keep going until it breaks the counties," said Johnson.
Kubly said the state has faced a similar situation on the federal level.
"I would say the state is already broke because of what the feds have done," said Kubly.
Commissioner Louis Sherlin was less critical of Pawlenty during the meeting. Sherlin said he agreed with Pawlenty's policies on cutting back spending at the state level.
Kubly said each legislator was encouraged to bring back a money-saving idea during the start of the new session. Kubly said he is working on opening circle sentencing programs to older non-violent offenders.
Circle sentencing, an alternative sentencing program that involves the community, is available for juvenile offenders only. Kubly said the program could reduce the number of non-violent offenders in Minnesota prisons.
Johnson asked Kubly and Falk if they would be willing to push for an amendment to the smoking ban that would allow bars and clubs to get a permit to allow smoking in those establishments.
Johnson said clubs and organizations, including the veterans organizations in Yellow Medicine County, have seen a negative impact from the smoking ban.
Kubly said he has always been in favor for exemptions to the smoking ban and would consider pushing for an amendment.
Some of the hardest hit businesses, Kubly said, are along borders like Canby.
Johnson said clubs in the Granite Falls area are also negatively impacted.
"They have the casino to compete with here," said Johnson.
Commissioners met with Rep. Lyle Koenen, DFL-Clara City, and representatives from Sens. Norm Coleman's and Amy Klobuchar's offices during its Dec. 16 meeting to discuss similar concerns.
