Well, since Dean posted his version of the story I guess it is ok for us
all to get into the fray of the real story here. Stephen is wrong on this
one however - the real split has always been the recreation people
(athletic coaches who want pretty ballfields) and other interests.
Sure, we like the city council, have our favorite work on developing park
amenities - the riverfront, Fort Snelling (which will be tons of athletic
facilities)and the Upper Mississippi just to name a few.
But, IMHO, it may seem to you like its not the boys vs the girls but it
sure feels that way. But the issue is really deeper - as Dean pointed out
- it is about how decisions are made and who is really masterminding the
puppetery (read manipulation) that occurs on the Board.
The Park Board is very staff driven and pre-1990 the Board most of the time
followed the lead of the Superintendent and key staff. The Board now has
moved into the micro-management stage (which does drive the Supt. up the
wall), fighting for much more citizen participation and supporting the
neighborhoods and their needs.
However, if you would have witnessed the meeting last week you probably
would have noticed the "bully" mentality used. As usual in any power
struggle the past two weeks were the icing on the cake - the cake has been
cooking in the oven for a very long time.
On the qeustion of George I will be seeing him tonight at another event - I
will put a bug in his ear. Just last night I was doing my election numbers
and I did notice/then remembered George did lose by only 119 votes in a
battle with Bob Fine.
We could do lots worse than having George get back on the Board.
For the moment,
Annie Young
Mpls. Park Board Commissioner - citywide
"Unfortunately, sometimes people don't hear you until you scream".
~Stephanie Powers
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