Given that I have, of late, been highly critical of the Mayor's staff, I am probably jinxing the best candidates by even mentioning their name. This appointment is too important, however, to not make some suggestions. In fact, it is the most important thing this Mayor will likely do during his term of office. It also may be the most important "Issue" facing Minneapolis, and I am amazed it has so far not received attention. The success of the Mayor's term of office, (whether good or bad), will likely hinge on this one appointment.
The best candidate, and the only staff person, I can think of that would have public support, as well as the trust of the neighborhoods, is Bob Miller from NRP. Mayor Rybak, Bob Miller has all the characteristics you say you want, but in addition he is independent enough to do a good job. Which is probably why he is the only person I can think of who would be trusted by the communities and neighborhoods of Minneapolis. Robert Miller has already done more development than any other person in Minneapolis. Robert Miller was also the only quality person who seems to have been able to duck the purging of talent that occured during the last administration. This says an incredible amount about his acumen at negotiating treacherous political water. Outside developers also trust him. Yes, Miller is the only person with the sufficient trust level needed to fill the position. Community Trust, Outside Developer Trust, and Business Trust, BEST CHOICE The other person coming to mind is Alan Arthur. Alan carries with him the baggage of the Non-profit community, which many neighborhoods do not trust. (With very good reason.) However Alan is the best of that lot. No, he is the only one of that lot who would be trusted, and also the only one who would have the capacity. Alan is certainly the most gifted planner that you have available other than Bob Miller. Alan is also the only Non-Profit Developer I know who is savvy enough to actually take community advice to make projects work. (Probably why he is the only person from the Non-Profit sector smart enough to create "Public Trust"). Alan also knows more about Urban "Planning" than the combination of the entire department we presently have. Planning Acumen and Development Acumen, GOOD CHOICE Third choice: Import the planner from Vancouver who set up their plans. She also understands Urban Planning and in particular "Community Based Urban Planning". But please spare Minneapolis the fights that would result from appointing one of the good old girls from the old triad of Minneapolis, MFHA, and Met Council. Trust will be very important in the choice of a person and those would be terrible choices. The Mayor has so far not made any appointment that would also enjoy such community trust and support, so do not look for the qualified person for such an important position among those already appointed for some other position in present administration. Which brings us back to BEST CHOICE, Robert Miller. Without the "Communities" of Minneapolis trusting and supporting development you are not going to get any. The Communities of Minneapolis just do not presently trust either downtown or planning . Neither does the Development community (other than those anointed few who have enjoyed the windfalls of the past.) It's not hard to tell whom the anointed are, it's where the millions of taxpayer dollars have been going. (Those who can only do development if heavily subsidized.) New developers who might actually want to do business in Minneapolis simply stay away because they do not trust the Planning Department, the City Council, or the Mayor's Office. Only with the appointment of some one with the integrity of a Bob Miller will you return that trust, so development can be successful. I apologize in advance to Robert Miller and Alan Arthur if my recommendation has hurt their chances of consideration for the job. Jim Graham, Ventura Village _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
