REBUTTAL - Carlson

Arne Carlson (carlsona@Free-Net.Mpls-StPaul.MN.US)
Fri, 28 Oct 1994 17:35:48 -0500 (CDT) 

Governor Carlson's rebuttal to Sen. Marty's third response:

M> "Because Gov.  Arne Carlson has ducked out on two televised
M> debates this week alone, the public has had little opportunity to hold
M> Carlson accountable or compare our proposals."

        Senator Marty, let the truth be known.  I have agreed to debate you
a total of seven times, including this forum.  Just a reminder, I will
appear on KTCA,  channel 2, with you this very  evening and  channel 4,
WCCO, on Tuesday.  You have had several opportunities to question me and my
record and I have not "ducked" anything.

        I do not think that I need to enlighten Sen. Marty with the fact
that I have been Governor for four years.  These are four years that have
been scrutinized by the media and the citizens of Minnesota.  My record is
very public and my views and positions are very well known.

M> "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

        Senator, your solution to the problems facing the state of
Minnesota could be better termed, "A ton of pre-vention and an ounce of
cure."  The citizens of Minnesota do not believe  that  $600 million
dollars is an "ounce" of money.  Many of the programs that you discuss,
including Head Start and the School Lunch program have received increased
funding during my administration.  However, a $600 million tax increase
will not result in the immediate savings that Sen. Marty proclaims.

M> "Minnesota's elementary, secondary and higher education systems
M> are slowly deteriorating and, unless we act now, it will be too late to
M> stop it."

        During the last four years, K-12 education funding has increased by
30%.  Additionally, I proposed and the DFL legislature vetoed the creation
of a Department of Children and Education Services.  This department would
have kept the state focused on children's issues, especially education.
Our education system is not deteriorating; our students continue to perform
well above the national norms.

        The primary reason I am running for reelection is for the children
of this state.  Every program I support and every decision I make is made
with the future of our children in mind.  I want to ensure that they all
have the opportunity to succeed and experience the American dream.      I
will not guarantee results, but all children should be given a chance.  We
need to teach them that if they work hard they can succeed.

        I would like to conclude by thanking the League of Women Voters of
Minnesota, Scott Aikens, the Twin Cities Free Net, the Minnesota Regional
Network, all of the citizens throughout cyberspace, and Sen. Marty for
providing a unique forum.  Please tune in to Channel 2, KTCA and channel 4,
WCCO, to see our tele-vised debates tonight and Monday.  Thank you.