(This is a edited republish of a previous diary. )
Three reasons caused this entry -
First – I did not get my invite from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for their meeting in New Orleans on August 3 - 6 and I’m not a happy camper about that. I also did not get my notice from the Minnesota ALEC State Chair, Mary Kiffmeyer, telling me what my scholarship amount would be to enable me to travel to the ALEC meeting in New Orleans (and in my case, to protest). So, I am not going to New Orleans.
Second, I want the representation by and for the people, that I am paying for with my state taxes.
Last, I find absolutely no reason to send a letter or email to an ALEC member, all you get is a meaningless form letter back. (Trust me - I have a drawer full of them.)
So – I take this to a public venue.
To ALL Minnesota ALEC Members
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
On August 3 - 6, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) will be holding their annual meeting meeting in New Orleans. As a citizen of Minnesota, I am requesting by this letter that you do not attend.
As a taxpayer of the State of Minnesota, I pay your salary, and I initially would be paying for your travel and per diem expenses (until ALEC reimburses you with corporate donations). As a taxpayer of Minnesota I am requesting that you do not attend the ALEC meeting in New Orleans.
I am requesting that on August 3 - 6 you hold town hall meetings in your district - with your constituents - from 8 am to 5 pm on each of those three days.
You should be in Minnesota on August 3 – 6, meeting with and being “educated by” the citizens you represent and the citizens who pay your salary.
I can't remember the last time MY legislator sat down with THEIR TRUE CONSTITUENTS - the state taxpayer - for two or three days – multiple times a year - to discuss OUR needs for legislature. The residents of Minnesota would love to have their legislator's attention for more than 2 hours at a town meeting - but I guess we don't have enough cash in our pockets to get your attention.
On August 3 - 6, you should not be at the ALEC meeting in New Orleans with other legislators from other states – legislators that have no vested interest in the State of Minnesota. We do not need or want ALEC "model legislation" from other states.
On August 3 - 6, you should not be in New Orleans participating in meetings with corporate interests – a meeting that is not open to the public. We do not need or want ALEC "model legislation" that is written with the help of corporate interests.
Please schedule full-day town hall meetings in your district for the dates of August 3 – 6 which is the dates for the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting.
This letter is sent as a reminder that you are paid to serve the citizens of Minnesota and that we are your first and foremost responsibility while you are in the Minnesota Legislature. The corporate sector members of ALEC are NOT your first and foremost responsibility.
Your responsibility is to the citizens of the State of Minnesota and serving the citizens of the State of Minnesota is your primary reason for being, as a state legislator. I am requesting and looking forward to the announcement of full-day town hall meetings - for your constituents - scheduled in your district on August 3 – 6th.
Sincerely,
Cc:
Erik Paulsen – US Congress – MN ALEC Alumni
If you don’t know what ALEC is – please read this or this.
Keep up to date on all things ALEC at
Daily Kos Group, Exposing ALEC
and ALEC Exposed
Protest ALEC– New Orleans – August 5th