Stunning letter. AAA rating in Wayzata while some candidate in Hopkins is professing a school district is financially fixed. That Hopkins candidate had trouble disclosing her resume. The DFL candidate for Congress in district 6 had trouble with his resume. Yet, some former Republican governor endorses DFL people in district 44, 48 and CD 6. Ridiculous. Think folks. The DFL is the one that put $2 billion of school shift in play in 2010 and sent out negative flyers against Republicans. The DFL wants to spend billions on a train without knowing details, how operating costs will be funded and on the hopes 60,000 jobs will surface somewhere... Eden Prairie, or somewhere. Yet, Republicans in the last session added $675 million to school funding. Priorites and thoughtful leadership are needed. Vote Gaither, Stensrud, Hann, Stefan and Wahlstedt.

The reality is that Terri Bonoff is a moderate. Her endorsements reflect that fact. Moreover, she has been a TIRELESS worker for our schools. Not only has she bucked her party on important votes and issues such as alternative teacher licensure and LIFO issues, but she has also been a state leader on these issues. Additionally, Terri helped the Minnetonka schools retain highly qualified ESL and language teachers when their standing was in jeopardy. Her opponent, while in the Senate, supported dangerous creationism bills which were advocated by Michele Bachmann. Additionally, after doing some reach I have discovered that her opponent did not finish his Senate term and left his next gig with the Governor after only a year for reasons which are still shady. These Swift Boat tactics befitting the desperate acts of a dishonest candidate on a candidate of integrity are shameful. Terri's record on public education has been remarkable and we should be thanking her, not ridiculing her record of accomplishment.

Senator Bonoff has been a great advocate for this community and continues to be one of the most effective partners we have in this community. Her tireless work includes the authorship of 32 bills in the Senate in the last biennium. Despite being in the minority she worked to have 17 passed into law. Her opponent only authored 9 and passed 2 during his years in the Senate. Seems like an empty suit to me. Senator Bonoff has done some amazing things in her time and should continue her service. Vote Bonoff!

And as a follow up---as a previously undecided voter--I have decided to vote for Terri Bonoff because has a record of accomplishment. Her opponent does not have one. Every single thing I've seen from him has been negative. Terri touts her record, her endorsements, her efforts to reform. He has nothing to stand on other than his years running track at the U of M...which I've believe he never graduated from...this once again confirms in my mind (along with the Senate job and Governor's office) that he consistently fails to finish jobs for which he starts. Vote Bonoff!

So let me get this straight. Terri votes for the LIFO bill - a common sense Republican initiative - when the Republicans are in charge. She can't muster one DFL vote, or stop the veto of the Governor, but that is an accomplishment that makes her a leader. Alternative teacher licensing has also been a Republican initiative for years, and we're supposed to believe that she had something material to do with that too. Now we learn that she's not just characteristically exaggerating her role with Wayzata Schools, but she's out and out lying. What else is she distoring?
Listening to Terri is like listening to her president. It's "me me me" "I I I" all the time. Her ego is so invested in being a senator it's sad to see what she'll do and say. Empty suit? Please. No one cares about how many bills someone authors.Nothing happens down there without at least 34 votes. Leadership is not about boasting and taking credit. Self Centered politicians are the last thing that we need.

Tim-Terri was THE chief author of Alternative teacher licensing when the DFL was in the majority and was the lead DFL'er this time around. The point is, including her recent support of LIFO and the GOP tax bill, that SHE WILL REACH ACROSS THE AISLE to push important reform bills through. It is self evident in her record that she works with ppl of both parties who have good ideas for Minnesota.

I am troubled that Senator Terri Bonoff appears to have been "swiftboated" by people who should be appreciative of her public service. I, also have served as chair of the Wayzata School Board as well as many other officer positions in my 20 years on the board.

The school board and administration of the  Wayzata school district asked Sen Bonoff to author and pass the Alternative Facilities Bill which allows the district additional funds to use for maintaining and improving our buildings. It took her two tries but togehter she, Gen Olson and Connie Doepke got that done.  This allowed the district to then spend the levy-lease funds that WOULD have gone to maintenance projects to build the additional classrooms that are currently being added to 3 elementary buildings.

Semantics!

The district told Sen. Bonoff what they needed and why and testified in favor of the bill.  She fulfilled that mission in a very tough environment!

Isn't that the most we can expect from those elected to serve us?

I smell political motives in an attempt to distort and I, for one don't like it.

Pat Gleason
Former Wayzata School Board Chair

Vote Bonoff!

Thank you, Pat for helping set the record straight. We must applaud leadership--not work to tear it down.

Wow. Incredible. Yvonne Selcer, running for state rep in 48A, who also claims to be a "moderate", also boasts about her accomplishments as a school member in Hopkins make her the right choice. Borrowing money and passing on the bill to taxpayers is typical of these DFL'rs.

Stunning original letter and fairly poor rebuttal. The writer states the lease levy was available to expand without Bonoff's help. I don't find that semantics. The problem with Terri is constantly trying to say she is Republican. She isn't. And, if you vote for her, she will be in the Senate when Dayton pushes for more tax increases next session.

Here's the deal. I'm going to be in my house paying my taxes until I'm 85, at least. And, I'm going to vote for the person that I most believe understands education(like a current football coach and volunteer) who also is business person. I want someone who is fiscally responsible and isn't looking to raise taxes.

I know who that person is.....Mr. Gaither.

I have been a resident of this district for 30 years-what I have found is that, in general, we are a district of reasonable, thoughtful people who do expect much from our elected officials. I personally have respect for the school board members listed here,as well as Bonoff and Gaither, all willing to serve the public.So how about we stay calm here and approach this as rationally as we can? We can all take a vote/issue and pick it apart to have it fit our agenda.I do not pretend to know the details of this one issue(nor do I believe most posters here do), but know Terri to be a very honest, hard-working public servant. If you look at her record and statements, Dave, you will find that it's silly to say that Terri is trying to sound Republican. She has a great business background, which, Republican politicians do not have a monopoly on. If Gaither is "truly improving the business climate" as you state, why have both the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Twin West endorsed Bonoff? I think Terri's claim of uniting the middle is plain to see when you review the diversity of those organizations endorsing her. I truly believe that Terri is our best hope for reaching across the aisle and getting things done that go beyond ideologies. BTW, being a football coach/volunteer does not mean you understand the complex issue of education. I am hoping you were just complimenting his volunteerism and understand that it has nothing to do with knowing the education needs of this district.

Thanks, Jackie. My agenda is change. You've been here a long time and may not want change. I understand that. I don't think the high number of unemployed people that I know are feeling really calm. They are worried. They are concerned about jobs. I'm not convinced either chambers of commerce really have the sense of urgency my friends or that I am looking for, and I don't think building trains for projected jobs in 2030 will keep my friends calm. Terri knows 44A is red. 44B is probably purple. I think Terri is a very good politician. Kudos to her. Hardly silly for her to try and appeal to red. And, Susan Gaither, David's wife is on the Wayzata School Board. I'm sure as bright as David is that he also uses his resources well. And, yes, being with kids is really a good way to understand the "complexities" as you say regarding many issues regarding education. It is about kids. What better way than to be around kids. Saying being around kids has nothing to do with knowing the educational needs of the district just strikes me as out of touch.

Patch always appreciates comments that are constructive and part of an ongoing conversation, but will not tolerate name calling or inappropriate comments.

I think Terri is a very good community member and leader. Vote Bonoff!