The Star Tribune' lead editorial today attacks political/community activists whom it claims are pitting downtown vs. neighborhoods in the local campaigns. In its efforts to save whatever credibility is possible for government subsidization of large commercial development, the Strib concedes that the city has "possibly" been too generous in its subsidies (presumably $127 million for Target, $39 million for block E, etc.), but then contradictorily accuses the opponents of such subsidies of "demogaguery" since the downtown is important to the City's tax base. The Strib does not address the contradiction of needing downtown properties for the tax base while taking the most valuable property off the tax rolls through TIF subsidies. I have not heard of anyone suggesting that the City government should not be concerned about downtown. The issue is whether taxpayer's funding for downtown should be for large impersonal office towers, generic chain retail operations, and luxury housing. There would much more likely be support for subsidizing public squares and green and recreational spaces, unique sorts of small retail businesses that give a city distinctive character, and desparately needed low-income housing. The framing of the debate as "neigborhoods v. downtown" is really a self-serving description for those interests that want to maintain the large commerical development subsidies by deceptively suggesting anyone opposed is against support for downtown. We should frame the debate in more useful and accurate terms. I suggest "Funding for Community Needs vs. Corporate Welfare." Jordan Kushner Powderhorn, Ward 8 p.s. Jim - when the Strib accuses you of demogaguery, I probably don't need to tell you that it means you're doing the right thing. Keep it up! The article is located at: http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?template=opinion_a&slug=ED03 _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
