Letters from readers - Minneapolis StarTribune

A downtown casino?

It is time to end the economic disparity between the small, wealthy tribes in this state and the larger poorer tribes. The governor's casino proposal is correct in asking for revenue from a venture such as this since it is not on tribal territory. It is also important to make sure that the proposed casino is in a location that will attract tourists, so it will gain more revenue from out-of-state visitors than from our own community.

The benefits could far outweigh the costs of this proposal if it is carried out correctly. Congratulations to the governor on solving multiple problems with one proposal.

Brandon Fish, Minneapolis.


Taking the low road

While I've often found myself at odds with both local and national Republicans, at least they could historically be counted on to insist on fiscal responsibility when dealing with budgets. President Bush ceded that high ground some time ago, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty seems eager now to follow suit.

In particular, his reliance on a $200 million upfront licensing fee to balance the budget, a fee which has yet to be agreed upon by the involved parties, flies in the face of a "conservative" approach to budgeting. Pawlenty needs to look for more reliable solutions. Now is the time for him to remember that more than 60 percent of Minnesotans voted for someone other than a "no new taxes" Republican in the last gubernatorial election.

Tom Lee, Minneapolis.


If the DFL were to propose a budget based upon potential revenue from a source that didn't exist, the party would be laughed out of the Legislature by the Republicans. Will Gov. Tim Pawlenty next propose selling Girl Scout cookies? It is time to balance the budget in a realistic manner that includes tax increases.

Rick Felber, Minneapolis.


Pawlenty's journey

How did Tim Pawlenty, who grew up in working-class South St. Paul, end up endorsing gambling to fund the frivolity of sports stadiums while cutting $200 million to MinnesotaCare, the state-sponsored health care program for low-income individuals? One more Minnesota politician who's sold his soul.

Lisa Johnson, Stillwater.