Update from Lisa Nistler

With Shilea taking a much needed respite from this for the fishing opener the slow smoking news provided an opportunity to post this update. I worked in the "courthouse" for almost 33 years. Knowingthe "mechanics" of government is very valuable. Lisa mentions "bikers". Like those opposing the bar smoking ban (many who don't smoke) motorcycle riders are less than a majority of the populace but they have a strong lobbying and legislative effect. They are worth studying. Greg Lang

To: sen.steve.dille@senate.mn; rep.ron.shimanski@house.leg.state.mn.us; rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn

Subject: Thank You!

Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:40:00 -0500

Hello - Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my emails regarding issues that were important to me this session. I hope do attend next years Biker Day at the Capitol with ABATE next year. Remember the Failure to Yield effort as it is important and we hope this gets further next year with more support. I still advocate for relief for the small establishments that are unfairly affected by the smoking ban. The Anti's told the biggest lie when they stated it would be good for business. There are other factors that are hurting our economy, but to take away a customer base that the casinos are still allowed to cater to, is another bullet in the back of small business. Especially the small bars that have no other way to expand or change their buiness plans. I am still a Meeker County HRA commissioner and I am very proud of the accomplishments of the MCHRA the past year. We obtained a $118,000 grant which allows us to finish the physical needs efforts on our properties. It is because of the hard work of past and present HRA commissioners along with the knowlegdge and expertise of the Director, Sandy Teischer, that this happened. Ms. Teischer is an invaluable resource with the knowledge of housing, rules, regulations, guidelines, people, etc. I wish the County Commissioners knew what an asset she has been to the HRA and County. She also saved the MCHRA $75,000 which was noted in our last "stellar" audit. This money would have been lost if she had not taken the time to go back through the Capital Funding from past years and discover the unspent funds. It was because of her knowledge that this error was found. The MCHRA continues to operate for the PEOPLE of the county in the best interest of low income housing efforts. Again, Thank you for your time and the extra hours you will put in the next week or so to tidy up the business for the State of Minnesota.

Lia Nistler
241 Cedar Avenue S
Watkins, MN 55389
320-764-2530