Fake Phones, Deadly Roads and Photo ID: Feedback Friday

Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Lake Minnetonka, Minnetonka,  Plymouth, Richfield, Shakopee, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation.

(The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.)

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Plymouth Man Charged For Selling Fake Phones

Mario Samson of Plymouth was charged with selling refurbished and counterfeit cellular telephones on the Internet, claiming they were brand new. He could face up to 10 years of prison time if convicted.

Rob_h78 put in his two cents on what the possible prison time for this type of crime: 

10 years in prison for selling fake phones? And yet executives of mortgage companies who went long with forged documents, etc... that helped lead our country in a financial meltdown got to walk away with their multi-million dollar parachutes and retire to mansions without a care...

I get it that the guy selling fake phones should be punished, but I bet if he was a multi-millionaire with lobbyists on K-Street fighting for his cause, along with donating plenty of money to politicians he would never see the inside of a courtroom let along be facing one moment behind bars.

A Hopkins man is facing three felonies after a Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force search of his home discovered a marijuana grow operation and 24 firearms, including two rifles classified as machine guns.

Fabuladico speculated about the reasons the man had automatic weapons in his home:

Why the guns? Naturally, they were to protect his drug operation. Get in his way, and rat-a-tat you're dead. Of course, pot is harmless right?

A Courage Center volunteer from Maple Grove was recently named 'Best Dad on Wheels' by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Steve Laux is a quadriplegic. His injuries were caused by a diving accident in 1998. Despite his disability, Laux works for Medtronic full-time, volunteers at the Courage Center in Golden Valley and is a father to three children under the age of three.

DCD paid him tribute:

Steve is an amazing father, husband and friend. Nothing can stop him from living life to the fullest. I truly admire him for his strength and positive attitude.

This November, Minnesota voters will decide whether photo IDs should be required the next time they go to the polls. Count the five members of the St. Louis Park City Council present at a Monday night meeting among those who will be voting against the proposed constitutional amendment.

That made Alison Anderson happy, who said on the St. Louis Park Patch Facebook page:

I'm thrilled with the St Louis Park council and proud to live here!

State Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) is in the process of running for the State Senate seat formerly held by Geoff Michel. Downey sent out an update to his constituents this week focused on the campaign thus far, criticizing his opponents for "waging a very negative campaign." Downey called for an end to the political "muckraking," saying he plans to win by focusing on issues rather than attacking his opponent.

David F commented on the story, drawing attention to school funding shifts approved by the Legislature last year:

We need to also talk about how the MN State budget was balanced by delaying school funding which required schools like Edina to take out loans to stay running. Is this sound conservative fiscal planning?

The article also drew some feedback on the Edina Patch Facebook page, with users on both sides sounding off.

Floyd G was the first to respond, noting Downey was the one attacking his opponent last time around:

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Last time around, it came from Keith's side.

Shannon K defended Downey, saying she appreciated his decision to stick to the issues:

Seems the mud-slinging is coming from one-side while the other side is staying respectful and mature. Easy for me to choose who I'll back...Keith Downey. Real candidates do not stoop to childish mud-slinging!

Julie H was more bipartisan in her scolding:

No one should blame either side; it shouldn't be going on at all!!

Bruno Sagnweu, 37 of Oakdale, was driving a 1992 Honda Accord westbound on Hwy. 12 when the car lost control around 6:45 a.m. near County Road 6. Sagnweu's car struck a roadside wall and veered into oncoming traffic, where it was broadsided by a semi truck, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

John was one of those who blamed the road for the crash:

How many more deaths will it take before someone admits that they have created a deadly scenario on Highway 12 and put a divider in the highway. Personally, I think it's ridiculous that they did all that work for a two lane road....and now look what we bought. I'm sure that lawsuits will be coming.

After some stormy skies the last few weeks, that double rainbow popping out in Shakopee and seen across the Twin Cities Wednesday was a sight for sore eyes.

Sandy called it a reward for enduring the rain:

We were playing Sand League Volleyball at Louisville Lanes last night. Yes we play in the rain, but were rewarded with the double rainbow. It was spectacular. Made me feel like a kid, playing in the rain and seeing a rainbow. Awesome

The Richfield School Board recently voted to install lights on the high school baseball field as part of a . Two board members voted against it and with pressing budget and achievement gap issues, many have spoken out against the decision.

Jennifer Benke said this is not her vision for Richfield:

My vision for Richfield is that all students gain a year of learning during each year of their schooling. My vision relies upon schools and teachers having every resource they need to make learning happen. I've seen the football field. It's really nice, but it isn't my vision.