By Neil Heinen
Editorial Director

The state Legislature has for some time now shown its disregard for the public health and welfare in favor of raising money and retaining power. The current examples are simply offered as information to accompany you to the polls in November when you have your next chance to express your opinion of these do nothing elected officials.

In both cases, the culprits are Senate Democrats who have decided it is worth killing the proposed smoking ban and an economic development plan in exchange for political campaign fodder for the fall. In the first case, the Democratic proposal to delay the smoking ban for taverns to July 2011 is apparently based on state Sen. Roger Breske's opinion that medical and scientific evidence that secondhand smoke is harmful is "hogwash." Whatever it takes to get Tavern League money.

Then state Sen. Russ Decker decided positive momentum on economic development reached through agreement by governor and legislative Republicans could be sacrificed for proposals neither could possibly accept. The heck with the citizens of this state. There's an election coming.

Well, yes there is. With any luck, new leadership is coming as well.

What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.