Theater Night Update 7-9-08

Redrant: Dave Shedstad of 62A is running in my district. He lives a few blocks away from me. I plan to use my $50 once a year donation to Dave. Basically, once a year $50 single/$100 married couple can be donated to the an eleigble candidate and you get the money refunded by the State of Minnesota four to eight weeks later. It doesn't need to be in your district. This is a great program to help elected officials who support our cause. Ultimately your only cost is a stamp. Thus I registered I started the website http://spendastamp.com Check it out. I'll report on the progress of my $50 contribution here.

Be sure to read Sheila's latest update below. A lot more. Greg Lang.
----- Original Message -----
From: Sheila Kromer
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:18 PM
Subject: Theater Night Update 7-9-08
Hello Everyone -

Next week (July 15th) is the dead line to file if you want to run for office (House of Reps). The vetting of candidates will then begin in earnest. Many of asked, "What can I do to change things?" There are several things you can do besides nothing. If you do nothing then you beget nothing and it is as simple as that. I know that everyone has very busy lives but if you want to change things then you need to participate. Some things that you can do are: Support candidates by donating money to their campaigns, volunteering to help (ie. passing out literature, helping with lawn signs, etc...), or promote candidates through conversation or posters in your bar. I personally have been making small contributions to various candidates and I also plan on volunteering some of my time to a few different candidates. Every little bit helps. Do you know about PCR money? PCR (political contribution refund) is a way of donating "free" money to candidates. A single person can donate $50 and a married couple can donate $100 to a candidate and then you apply for a refund to the state and get your money back. I have used it and it actually works! To learn more about this see Greg Lang's website http://spendastamp.com/ .

Shawn Gertken has a website http://banthebanminnesota.com/default.aspx . It is a great website and I encourage you to visit. It has a blog were you can post and one of my favorite parts is the government score card (which is still being developed) http://banthebanminnesota.com/government_scorecard.aspx . Use this scorecard to see where the candidates stand on the smoking ban issue. Also, his blog includes letters from the candidates...a must visit!


Other items of interest:

- Remember to visit http://www.freedomtoact.com/ as several new articles have been posted and are worth reading or listening to as in the case of the videos (they are about Minnesota theater nights):

Chicago Ban Forces Rewrite of Jersey Boys Play
Maryland Offers Hardship Waivers After Cig Ban
Pot Smokers Get High On dutch Tobacco Ban
British Smoking Ban Claim Panned
Lawyer Mark: A Few YouTube Vids


- Sue Jeffers Radio show on KTLK 100.3 FM with guest Sheila Kromer

http://www.ktlkfm.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=suejeffers.xml


- Link to find your representative

http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/


- Two good candidates to support (of which I have already supported):

Joshua Behling (from Shawn's blog http://banthebanminnesota.wordpress.com/ )
The candidate to whom I’m referring is Joshua Behling, who is running against Larry Haws for district 15B, who was a supporter of, and voted for, the statewide smoking ban. District 15B covers a portion of St. Cloud, and if you are in district 15B, I would encourage you to support Joshua.

Dave Shegstad (from Smoke Out Gary's website http://www.smokeoutgary.org/news/ )

Dave Shegstad Endorsed by GOP for 62A
Posted by Dan in News
Property rights advocate Dave Shegstad received the Republican endorsement in his run against Jim Davnie for the 62A House Seat on Wednesday, June 25th.Though Shegstad is a nonsmoker, he is adamantly opposed to government-imposed smoking bans. “It’s a property rights issue, plain and simple,” he says. A small business owner, Shegstad understands the challenges entrepreneurs face in Minnesota, especially in Minneapolis, where he’s been a life-long resident. Shegstad ran against Minneapolis’ smoking ban godfather, Gary Schiff for the Ward 9 City Council seat in 2005. He campaigned hard, but didn’t win - that round. The experience has left him wiser, though and over the past several years, he’s become more involved and built a network of support. Shegstad’s candidacy should attract the support of anti-ban crusaders. He faces a tough race against DFL-endorsed Davnie in an urban district, but he’s willing to work hard for a win. To support Dave, visit his website and find out how to volunteer or donate to his campaign.