I thought I'd pass on some words from another Ward 10 voter for Doug Kress:
************* Hello, I feel compelled to respond to the October 20, three-paragraph Star Tribune Ward 10 endorsement. The writer has the right to have his or her opinion and endorse whomever he or she wants; however, I feel that for a newspaper to print an article that is biased and inaccurate is the height of irresponsible journalism. It does not have the right to print woefully misinformed material. You glossed over Doug Kress's extensive Minneapolis knowledge and service and basically dismissed him as inexperienced. If you had done your homework, you would find a man with 12 years of Minneapolis socio-political and educational involvement. As a Health Program Analyst/Planner for the Minneapolis Health and Family Support agency, he co-authored the 1996 Minneapolis Youth Homicide Study Report. He then developed and implemented school programs addressing youth violence. He also worked with alternative schools creating and implementing peer education programs with populations of high-risk students. His work reflects extensive knowledge of city problems and the skill needed to address and solve them. I would call that ability. Doug Kress's work in the Minneapolis community reflects a man capable of managing budgets ranging from 1.5 million dollars to 5 million dollars. He has the ability and experience to budget, manage and allocate funds, and justify spending to various boards. I would call that intelligence. Recently, at the social service agency, Minneapolis Redesign, he was highly successful at leveraging services bringing in over 30 different agencies providing for Minneapolis' families and children. This skill saves taxpayers significant dollars. I would call that not only talent but fiscal responsibility and know how. In his work at the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, Doug Kress oversaw five local sites, including operations, fiscal management, expansion to include extended day, week, and year programming, community and site council relations. He facilitated collaboration between citywide and countywide partners, including development of joint approaches addressing inter and intra-system barriers. I would call that networking ability. Doug Kress is willing to take on tough issues. He was one of the first AIDS educators in Minnesota. He was not afraid to confront people who were opposed to AIDS education in schools and communities. I would call that courage. Throughout his 12 years of socio-political and educational work, he has organized assessment endeavors that identified needs of Minneapolis families. More importantly, he found effective solutions using existing services and funds--again preventing a budget strain. I would call that integrity. Kress is practical, pragmatic, principled, and visionary. He is every bit as politically deft and every bit as smart as his opponent. His 12-year Minneapolis work history proves he is an effective leader who will identify and address the concerns of the Tenth Ward with caring, experience, and ability to get things done. Your article states that Doug Kress's opponent works closely with the Planning Department and "has watched city government up close for nearly a decade." Well, I'll vote for the candidate who has over a decade of addressing the needs of the citizens of Minneapolis any day over someone affiliated with the police department and who has watched city government for nearly a decade. I'll vote for Doug Kress. Lori Schroeder Kingfield Neighborhood *************** Wise words, indeed. Jer Hanson East Isles and Rooting for Kress ===== Jer Hanson phone: 612.306.5274 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] "if you asked me what i came into this world to do, i will tell you: i came to live OUT LOUD." --E. Zola __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals. http://personals.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
