[Mpls] My apologies and Park Board Rally

[Annie Young]

Well, knock on wood, I hope everything is fine now with my computer. It has been rough going and I apologize for any problems with viruses I may have caused to any of you.  I have a brand new custom built harddrive and the biggest problem seemed to be in using Outlook Express which several people have told me is "virus" heaven.   On to Park Board issues.   There will be a Park Board rally at 10:00am on Wednesday, Dec.12th to protest the incredible $2.7 million dollar cuts being proposed by some Councilmembers during the budget markups this week.  Along with also receiving an $800,000 administrative fees bill we received (that caught us off guard) from the City these vast amounts will devastate the park system, primarily in the maintenance and recreation parts of the system. If the cuts are put in to place it could mean things like: reduced hours of service, loss of jobs, cutbacks on new roofs on seven centers and not getting the "new" Rosacker pool completed.  Both teen programs Youthline and Teen Teamworks are threatened as they received cuts from the Youth Coordinating Board  which we couldn't make up if the proposed cuts occur.   All this as we begin land acquistion and establishment of a northside/on the river regional park system and more for the next half century or so.   We all understand and support the NRP program but as elected officeholders, staff and supportive constituents do not see it as fair and/or just to cut back Park and Library board agreements in order for the funds to be used to help save the NRP.  If you are interested in participating to show your support for parks fell free to join us at 4th and 4th in the courtyard of the Federal Center where we will gather before efforts move across the street. If you can't attend please still feel free to call your councilmember and express your support of keeping park board funds as they were negotiated and promised last year at this time.   This should not be about politics (even though it is) - park advocates believe this is about kids and the citizens of Minneapolis who love and use their parks all the time - often mentioned as the number one reason people live here.   JOIN US during these difficult financial times, we need all the support we can get,   Annie Young East Phillips Mpls Park Board Commissioner at-large