Annual survey arrives

Gov. Phil Bredesen stressed education in his State of the State address Monday night, and our state legislators are eager to get local feedback about pressing issues facing Tennesseans.

For the 23rd year, state Sen. Jerry Cooper is asking voters to respond to a constituent survey, and state Reps. Charles Curtiss and Judd Matheny have once again joined him in this annual endeavor.

?From my experience over the past few years, these surveys have been extremely important because they supply vital information from a great number of voters and local residents,? said Sen. Cooper.

To fund his $343 million education package, Bredesen proposed tripling the tax on cigarettes to 60 cents a pack. Coupled with a proposal to ban smoking in restaurants state-wide, tobacco use is perhaps this year?s most controversial issue.

?I served in the Marines so we could have freedoms,? said Rep. Curtiss. ?And by banning smoking it looks like we?re giving up our freedoms. I have a tough time telling a business person what they can or can?t do in their business, provided it?s legal of course.?

Curtiss also said Tennessee is a state where about 50 percent of the population lives in border counties. He said raising the cigarette tax too much might send people across the state line, and they might buy gasoline and other items while they are there.

Curtiss applauded the governor?s efforts to bolster education.

?I?ve always felt education is government?s most important job,? he said.

The 25-question survey appears on page 5-A of today?s edition. Surveys can be filled out and mailed to the address in the top, right-hand corner or surveys can be completed on the Internet.

For those who would like to participate in the survey online, go to www.legislature.state.tn.us. Click on ?Senate? on the left-hand side of the page. Click on ?members.? Scroll down to ?Cooper, Jerry W.? and click on name. Enter survey under picture.

Surveys should be completed online or mailed by Feb. 28.