Rick Stafford wrote:
<snip>
Evidently, Fred believes that somehow I and others are using inflamed
opinion and not evidence in making a decision about challenges to
individuals
participating in DFL conventions and meetings. That has never been the
case. The persons I have mentioned: Dean Zimmerman - at an October 19 rally
in Minneapolis, I saw first-hand and talked with Dean at the Gore rally when
he was posing for the television cameras after the rally trying to get on TV
hoisting a banner for the Green Party and Ralph Nader. In addition, I asked
Dean if he planned to now seek endorsement for the Park and Recreation Board
as a Green and hoped he was going to Green Party meetings instead of DFL
meetings. His answer was "you bet."
For the record, both the DFL AND the Green Party endorsed Dean Zimmermann
for re-election to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in the last
elections. Dean has never hidden his affiliation with the Green Party of MN.
He has been a continuous participate at Green Party governing board meetings
since that time...
Again, for the record: The Green Party of MN has a party chair -- a title
imposed on our party by the state of MN not by our choice -- a treasurer,
and a "governing" body called the Coordinating Committee comprised of Green
Party members from throughout the state. Dean Zimmermann does not at this
time serve on the Coordinating Committee of the Green Party nor has he in
the past. He has never been an "officer" in the state Green Party nor in the
local Twin Cities or Minneapolis chapter. This is not to say that Dean is
not proud of his affiliation with and membership in the Green Party of MN,
he simply does not have sufficient time to devote to this aspect of party
work given the press of making a living and serving on the MP&RB.
...and at the Saturday Green Party 5th CD/City Endorsing Convention he told
participates "he was through with the DFL Party".
Really? Forgive me if I overlooked seeing you at this meeting, Mr.
Stafford, if in fact you were there, which I do not believe you were, but
where would you have gotten such a quote? I have checked with a number of
Green Party members in attendance at this meeting and none of us can
recollect that Dean said any such thing. While he feels that the DFL has not
only abandoned him and everything he believes in and has worked for as an
activist for the past 40+ years, it has abandoned the entire populist,
progressive community in MN. Dean made many friends and gained many
supporters during his years of involvement in the DFL -- those friends and
supporters who also have held steady in their populist/progressive/co-op
beliefs along with Dean, are still there for him In stressing his support of
the Green Party and the 10 Key Values that underlie and give structure to
the activities of the party during his endorsement speech, I can see where
someone might construe that Dean would or could make such a statement.
<snip>
Arthur LaRue is an officer of the Green Party (and, I wish to state I
believe LaRue is a person of integrity--evidenced by his post).
For the record: Arthur LaRue, a friend of mine and fellow Green Party
member, is NOT an officer of the Green Party. He is not the party Chair, nor
the party's Treasurer, nor does he serve on the Coordinating Committee. Yes,
Arthur is most definitely a person of integrity -- and he was even before
his post and whether or not Mr. Stafford thinks he has personal integrity.
<snip>
You put is squarely Fred. "Greens" out of the DFL. Yes, "Greens" are a
political party. "Greens" should do their thing! DFL will do its!
Yes -- both parties separate and unequal... at least for the moment. Sooner
I think rather than later elected officials of both parties will need to
leave the past behind and figure out how best to work together to forward a
populist/progressive agenda for our wonderful city, Minneapolis -- if the
DFL hasn't forgotten what that agenda is all about.
Jenny Heiser
Green Party of MN Coordinating Committee member
Campaign Chair, for Urban Superhero Dean Zimmermann,
Candidate for Minneapolis City Council/Ward 6
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