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Regarding my Stonewall screening interview, Wizard Marks posts
*Lilligren sat behind a table and answered questions. It was clear that, on
the level of running a whole ward office, he was a long way from up to speed
or ready for the
challenges. He didn't seem to have a grasp of the bigger picture. I don't
remember his answer to the tax increment question, which means it was
forgettable.*
My response to the TIF question was, "TIF is an important tool for
encouraging development, especially where it might not otherwise happen. I
think TIF has been used too much on large downtown projects to the neglect of
the outlying neighborhoods. Now we must use TIF to balance downtown
development with projects in the 8th Ward," (as nearly as I can recall, and
my memory is very good).
As for the *bigger picture* Ms. Marks refers to: I understand that the
misuses of TIF threatens our financial stability in Minneapolis. I understand
that the TIF redistricting of three blocks to subsidize Target's development,
which was supported by CM Herron, will cost the City millions in uncollected
taxes each year. Property (and other taxes) will need to be raised (with no
corresponding improvement in City services) to make up for this shortfall and
protect our precious Triple A Bond rating. Also, CM Herron voted against the
creation of Living Wage jobs on the Target project, which makes me wonder
whose interests he has at heart - Target's, or the people of the 8th Ward and
greater Minneapolis.
It's true that I have never been a City Council member before, but I am
ready! WIth my experience as a heavy-duty neighborhood activist combined with
hands on experience as a housing developer, I think I am just what the 8th
Ward needs right now. After eight years in office I plan to be able to point
to projects and changes throughout the Ward (and City) and proudly say, "I
helped the citizens of Minneapolis do this, because this is what THEY wanted."
Concerning GLBT issues: I have always operated as an out gay man working to
improve the community at large, rather than as a gay activist. GLBT issues
are very important to me - especially the lack of Domestic Partner benefits
for City employees. Not only does this make Minneapolis a less viable
employer, it sends a clear message that, although it's OK to be gay here,
it's not OK to love someone and want to take care of your loved ones. This
MUST change.
Marks posts
*So can we put this one to bed and go on to the next item?*
I can understand her eagerness to move on when the candidate she supports has
such a questionable record on TIF and other Ward (and neighborhood) issues.
I want to be a hardworking, responsive and true community representative for
the 8th Ward on City Council.
Respectfully yours,
Robert Lilligren
City Council Candidate
Ward 8, Phillips West
www.VoteRobert.com
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