Henn. Co. Soil and Water Supervisor, District 1 ( * incumbent)
"Soil and Water Commissioner candidates run across the entire district, so every voter in Hennepin County votes for all five positions or "seats." (three seats are up for election in 2008). The only requirement is that candidates live in the 'nominating district' for which they are running. This is meant to create geographic representation across the county." - David Weinlick

Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, and Natural Areas

A proposed constitutional amendment to raise the sales tax rate 3/8 of 1 percent and dedicate the revenue for natural resources and the arts will be on the ballot at the November 2008 general election. Voters will decide whether or not to ratify the amendment.

"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate funding to protect our drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore our wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve our arts and cultural heritage; to support our parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater by increasing the sales and use tax rate beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034?"

___ NO

More information.

Strong Schools Strong City Referendum

"The Board of Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis Public Schools, has proposed to revoke the school district’s existing referendum revenue authorization of $615 per pupil and replace that authorization with a new authorization of $1,200 per pupil beginning with taxes payable in 2009. This revenue will be used to develop early reading skills, bolster math and science programs, provide up-to-date technology and textbooks and manage class size for the benefit of the children of Minneapolis. The maximum amount of increased revenue per pupil will be $1,200. Beginning in 2010, the amount will be increased each year by the rate of inflation. The rate of inflation is the increase in the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards. The proposed revenue would be authorized for eight years, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.

"Shall the school district’s existing referendum revenue authorization be revoked and the increase in the revenue proposed by the Board of Special School District No1, Minneapolis Public Schools be approved?

"Note: By voting "YES" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase."

___ NO

More referendum information.

Another Minneapolis Public School ballot question asks voters to change the School Board from an entirely at-large board to six members elected by district and three members elected at-large. If the voters approve the measure, the six districts will coincide with the six Park Board districts. (map of Park Board districts)

"Shall the Board of Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis Public Schools consist of six members elected by district and three members elected at-large for a total of nine members? Board of education members elected on or prior to November 4, 2008 shall complete their terms. The six districts shall be of equal population and shall initially coincide with the six park board districts for the Minneapolis Park Board. Three districts shall be given even numbers and three districts shall be given odd numbers. Transition. Beginning with the 2010 general election, three members representing districts with odd numbers and two at-large members shall be elected for a total of eight members. In the 2012 general election, three members representing districts with even numbers and one at-large member shall be elected for a total of nine members."