MINNESOTA DEMOCRATIC–FARMER–LABOR PARTY

STEVE SARVI FOR CONGRESS

June 30, 2008

DFL leaders, Sarvi for Congress, local small-business owner discuss real solutions for Minnesotans

ST. PAUL (June 30, 2008) — At a press conference this morning in Apple Valley, DFL leaders joined Second District Congressional Candidate Steve Sarvi and Peter Fisher of AVR, Inc., to discuss the impact that rising gas prices have had on Minnesota’s economy. The event was held at a local gravel pit and refueling station owned by Fisher, whose business has been devastated by high gas prices and the related soft economy.

According to Minnesota DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt,

“John Kline, Norm Coleman and John McCain have brought us $4 a gallon gas and record oil profits. Clearly, Minnesotans can’t afford to allow them to continue setting our energy policy.”

According to State Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan):

“Today’s astronomical gas prices are a direct result of Republicans like Norm Coleman who continue to put the oil and gas industries ahead of Minnesotans. We need change in Washington, and that begins with electing candidates like Steve Sarvi and Al Franken who are serious about investing in renewable energy and moving our nation towards energy independence and off of foreign oil.”

Peter Fisher, owner of AVR, Inc., discussed the real-life impact gas prices have had on his business:

“Two years ago many of my employees were working 60-hour weeks during the summer. This summer, they are working 15-hour weeks. They simply can’t live on that, and neither can I. Every truck that sits idle because we can’t afford to fill the gas tank represents a family that is trying to make ends meet.”

According to DFL Second Congressional District candidate Steve Sarvi:

“This is about small-business owners like Peter Fischer and the people who work for him. Without real, meaningful action, more and more people are going to miss more than vacations because of this energy crisis; they’re going to miss paychecks. We need real solutions now and for the future that will get us out of the downward spiral John Kline, George W. Bush and their allies have put us in.”

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