A few thoughts on this proposal:
If this is a City Charter amendment and the levy floats under the City banner
and flows directly into the City coffers, how would this work? Several times
along the way, the only thing that prevented m-a-j-o-r $$$ grabs by the City
was the joint powers governance structure of NRP that gives all five partners
equal power in such major decisions (ie, the $5m attempted grab in the early
90's). If this becomes just another City "program" or "department" created
via a Charter amendment and the revenue stream is created by a City levy, I
become concerned. The such referenda are not - and legally CANNOT - become
dedicated funds. They flow to the general fund of the body on whose behalf
the levy is sought. The only reason the school ref's have remained committed
to lowering class size for lo! - these 10 years - is that the individual
school board members remained committed to the pledge made to the voters. Do
you trust the City Council - any City council on the local horizon for the
duration - to remain dedicated to "NRP" uses for "NRP" $$$ voluntarily and
indefinitely?
(For the moment I will not even mention the impact that increased property
taxes have on access to housing for Minneapolitans of all income levels and
housing persuasions.)
I applaud the intent, but fear the unintended consequences of rash action
here.
Ann Berget
Kingfield 10-10
Former NRP Policy Board Chair and 1990/1996 MPS School Referendum Co-chair
