My question is, why did she then vote for it if she didn't agree with it?

My note: I am editing our previous blog posting on Tinglestad. Nothing is altered on the original which is at the bottom but this provides handy access. Greg Lang


House Republican Who Voted To Override Pawlenty Won't Run
ST. PAUL (AP) _ State Representative Kathy Tingelstad already paid a political price for going against her party to support a transportation spending bill. Now, Tingelstad says she won't run for re-election.
The Republican from Andover was one of six GOP representatives who helped Democrats override Governor Tim Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill that raised the state gas tax and other fees.
The weekend before that vote, party activists delayed a vote on her endorsement until this coming Saturday.
After the vote, Tingelstad lost her position as lead Republican on the bonding committee.
Tingelstad says the delayed endorsement was a sign that it was time for her to do something else. The 12-year House veteran says her focus will turn to putting her two sons through college.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Reply: Bob - Just a few comments regarding Tinglestad's letter. She stated the following in her letter, " That is why I supported a statewide smoking ban in restaurants where families frequent, but should not have been extended to VFWs, Legions and bars."

My reply is this: She had the opportunity to send it back to conference committee to accommodate bars, VFW's and legions but she chose not to do that. She supported (voted for) the conference committee bill which stripped most all exemptions out. The number she is using for health care related costs is also bogus. In both cases, she is not telling you the truth plain and simple. She should be held accountable for misleading you.

Sheila

Kathy Tingelstad (R) 49B legislative webpage.

Hello Everyone,

Thought you might be interested in this letter received from Kathy Tinglestad to Bob Pobul. For the record, Kathy voted for the ban. I will have this posted on the http://www.freedomtoact.com/ website.
For those of you that cannot open the attachment, I have copied the letter below. Tonight, I will be sending out another update as well.

Sheila

Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 3:36 PM
Subject: Letter from Rep. Tinglestad to me
Hi Mark,

Thought this letter might interest you. My question is, why did she then vote for it if she didn't agree with it? Kinda confuses me. Wonder how many of our other reps and senators felt the same way?

Thanks!!Bob PobulNiteTimes MagazineCell-763-377-2574 O-763-862-5931http://www.tcnitetimes.com/



Kathy Tingelstad MinnesotaState RepresentativeDistrict 49B House ofCoon Rapids and Andover RepresentativesCOMMITTEES: VICE-CHAIR, VETERANS AFFAIRS DIVISIONLEAD, CAPITAL INVESTMENT FINANCE DIVISIONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISIONENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCESRULES AND LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATIONENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES FINANCE DIVISION
March 14, 2008Bob Pobul530 109th Lane NWCoon Rapids, MN 55448

Dear Bob:Thank you for contacting me about the Freedom to Breathe Act. I empathize with your situation.

Minnesota has long led the nation in restrictive smoking regulations. We were the first state in the nation to pass a Clean Indoor Air Act in 1975 to restrict smoking in public places and workplaces. Minnesota was also the first state to reach a major settlement with the tobacco industry in 1998. Our commitment to clean indoor air has a long history.As of October 1, 2007 the Freedom to Breathe Act became effective and strengthened the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (MCIAA). The MCIAA establishes state policy to protect the public from the hazards of secondhand smoke by eliminating smoking in public places, places of employment, public transportation, and at public meetings. The Freedom to Breathe Act makes changes in the MCIAA designed to achieve that purpose by allowing cities and counties to enact more restrictive measures to control smoking. If there are any further questions regarding the regulation of this Act, the Minnesota Department of Health can answer them. They may be contacted at 651-201-4601.

The Freedom to Breathe Act seems to be a “Catch-22” policy issue. On one hand, you have loss of business revenue—on the other, you have the ever-increasing health care costs that try to compensate for smoking related illnesses. Some have estimated that smoking costs Minnesota $1.98 billion in health care costs. With this in mind, and the health sector alone rising 27 percent this past year, we must find a balance between regulation and autonomy. That is why I supported a statewide smoking ban in restaurants where families frequent, but should not have been extended to VFWs, Legions and bars. Again, me. I certainly appreciate hearing from you.

Sincerely,Kathy Tingelstad State RepresentativeHouse District 49BP.S. Please continue to keep me informed on issues of concern to you.13636 Marigold St. NW., Andover, Mirfnesota 55304 (763) 421-2000; Fax: (763) 421-7500State Office Building. 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. St. Paul, Minnesota 551 55-1298 (651) 296-5369Web: www.house.mn/49B FAX: (651) 297-7523 Email: rep.kathy.tingelstad@house.mn