Wizard Marks recently asserted that Tom Johnson, of the I35W Access Project, is not a lobbyist. I disagree, and while I have not seen his job description as it relates to the Access Project, he is indeed a lobbyist by profession. The following exerpts are from the Smith Parker website at www.smithparker.com. I maintain that this website describes a lobbyist, though the word isn't actually used. I will look into whether or not they are registered as lobbyists. I do recall Tom commenting to one neighbor that the 35W project wasn't as difficult as a previous stint where he had to convince small towns that hazardous waste facilities were actually great economic development opportunities - it's described on the website. Why was a lobbyist hired instead of one of the hundreds of great community organizers that live in our city? I think the intention is clear!
>From www.smithparker.com: Tom Johnson has broad experience in several areas of public policy including transportation, the environment, waste management, parks and recreation and land-use planning. While working in these areas he has developed strong credentials in public affairs, marketing and legislative relations. snip As Deputy Chairman at the Minnesota Waste Management Board, he managed the media and public affairs work that led to the selection of locations for two hazardous waste management facilities. snip Mr. Johnson has represented regional and state agencies in the preparation and passage of legislation in both Minnesota and at the federal level in Washington, DC snip His marketing and communications programs received two Association of Business Communications awards in 1996 and two Public Relations Society of America trophies, including "Best Campaign of the Year", in 1995. snip Mr. Johnson currently manages the Phillips Partnership Transportation Initiative, developing a multi- modal transportation improvement program for the Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis. snip Mr. Johnson graduated from Mankato State University having four majors: Urban/Regional Planning, Business Administration, Political Science and Environmental Studies. What do you think?? I think the "follow the money" advice I've gotten on and off list is where it's at! I also think community organizers could have done a better job processing neighborhood input. David Piehl Central __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better http://health.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
