Its really a shame that credible, thoughtful, articulate ideas like this
get so little reasoned debate in Minneapolis. In many ways
Minneapolitans are a very conservative, reactionary bunch for all are
liberal chest pounding. Even a cursory analysis of the Park Board
structure would show us such rampant waste, inefficiency and even misuse
of resources that would warrant a merger with other city functions. Our
Park system should not continue to be so sacrosanct as to avoid close
scrutiny.
Yes, we are rightly proud of our swell parks, the beautiful lakes, the
wonderful trails (great for rollerblading, BTW) and the excellent
recreation programs. This should mean we ignore options to make our
system better, including reducing the waste of money on have a system
like the MPRB with parallel hierarchies -- recreation and operations as
well as a huge forestry division. All these are totally separate from
the special services like golf courses, ski areas, and entertainment
(e.g. Lake Harriet Bandshell). Additionally, Parks have their own
police force, their own lawn crews, and their own governing body.
The Superintendent and Park Board Commissioners should examine their
options and take leadership on this issue. Annie? Dean? Walt? Are you
listening? Here's a great place to take leadership after the election.
You could cement you places in history as the forward thinking
Commissioners who figured out how to reintegrate the Park Board into
City government.
The idea deserves some serious study and consideration.
In cooperation,
Erik Riese
Seward 9-1 and still itching for citywide races to start. I'm thinking
November 9 would be a good day to kick off a campaign if you haven't
announced already.
(Pertinent parts of the original messages posted below for context)
Steve Minn, replying to M Hohmann of the 13th ward wrote:
>
> The word is...don't bother unless you are prepared to assault motherhood,
> apple pie and Chevrolet, too.
>
> I had analyzed this and proposed a charter change in 1996 that would put the
> Park assets (park land) in Trust,
<SNIP>
>
> Unions, park lovers, Don and Arvonne Fraser, even then Park Board President
> Patty Baker (A moderate republican and a dear friend) spoke against me. The
> Charter Commission turned down the proposal 14-0. 18 months later, Karen
> Wilson used the issue against me in the 1997 campaign.
>
> ----------
> >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > Speaking of all the issues/details associated with MPRB (separate corporate/
> > political entity), etc., just what is/would be involved in eliminating the
> > 'entity' and putting all functions/assets, etc. under the City? I think
> > Steve Minn has examind the issue in a past life. What is the word Steve?
