Sez Brother Paul: "Howinell did you get that swampland in the first place? I
> think I know but would love to hear your explanation. And THEN
> perhaps you will tell us why the analogy buried in the quote doesn't
> apply to your own proposal?
Sez Jim Graham: Whatinell makes you think I own that swamp land. I do not
own it, as yet. I am, however, willing to broker the deal for those who may
believe in fairy tales or the City Council voting to take away its power
over MCDA. I had thought to offer shares in the Brooklyn Bridge, but it
being in this country that would probably be against the law. A future on
"actual" Real Estate is a different matter. However, Brother Paul is
correct; the analogy is not good. There IS a much better chance of someone
wanting to buy that swampland than for the Council Members to vote to lose
that economic and political power. The offer still stands though; anyone
who believes it will happen may give me a call about the Costa Rican
property. It is just a little ways up stream from our place, and IS
waterfront property. (On all sides during high tide)
The analogy buried, oh so shallow, in the quote does not apply to my
proposal, because a "qualified " resident board for MCDA would remove the
inherent conflict of interest problems that politicians face. It would also
remove most of the associated deal swapping that presently goes on. A better
analogy would be if the Minnesota Legislature made up the Metropolitan
Council by appointing only State Senators to the Met Council because then
they could spend the funds that they had at first appropriated.
My question is how the CM's originally justified making up MCDA with only
CM's and the Mayor? I must admit to having been asleep at the wheel when
this happened; I have no memory of it. I know why they did it, but I do not
know why the populous let them get away with it. Was there any public
discussion of the issue?
For Jim Mork: Jim that quote of 2% reduction except for senior
management... left off the end. The last part said the Senior Staff, the
Mayor, and the City Council should take a 10% cut until they solve the
budget crisis. The City's executives act like they worked for Enron or
something. Affect other people's lives with your decisions and make
blunders, but still get full compensation. No, Minneapolis needs leaders
willing to sacrifice also, and to lead us by example.
The first things to go should be that last pay raise the Council voted for
themselves. Some Council Members say they could see the deficit coming,
well then they should not have voted themselves a pay raise. If they cannot
live on a salary that is 10% less, then they should go back into private
life and let the hundreds have a chance who would run for the same job with
a lower salary. As for senior management, ask any of the next lower level
management if they would take the same job with a salary reduced by 10%. I
am betting a lot of offers would come in for every position. I am not
asking them to make it permanent, just until they solve the money crisis.
They are rewarded when there is a surplus, they should sacrifice when there
is a deficit. Just like the taxpayers do.
Before brother Paul gets another shot at me, I do know taxpayers are always
penalized, whether in good times or bad. It was using irony to make a
point. I would have said for comic relief, but this play is certainly more
tragedy than comedy.
So, David do the math.
Add 2% across the board salary cut plus,
10% cuts from senior staff, CM's, Mayor plus
50% of NRP set aside for housing, plus
50% of NRP set aside for Commercial Corridors, plus
50% of NRP set aside for Youth Coordinating Board
??% from cutting "dead wood"
How many million is that? Are we getting close to that budget shortfall?
Layoffs are draconian, 2% is a tiny tax so everyone can keep their job and
the City keeps its services. Compensate the workers after the crisis ends.
Last suggestions for today:
1. City Council should stop breaking City Ordinances as favors for large
Non-Profit friends. This would save thousands of hours of staff time as
well as millions of dollars of legal fees and settlements.
2. Sue Brookfield and any other loan defaulter for damages and legal fees to
collect the debt. Foreclose on the mortgaged property, but also get damages
from all other corporate assets nationwide. Use a top litigation firm to go
after these assets on a contingency basis. Minneapolis has at least two of
the top litigation firms in the country, I recommend using one of them to go
get OUR money.
3. Allow the State of Minnesota to regulate all licensed work by State
Licensed Heating, Electrical, and Plumbing Contractors. City fees do not
cover the cost and it opens the door for political graft and some possible
future civil litigation.
(The best bet is still the Casino)
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village - Minneapolis Impacted Neighborhoods Coalition
>>>"We can only be what we give ourselves the power to be" - A Cherokee
Feast of Days
----- Original Message -----
From: paul weir <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 10:39 AM
Subject: [Mpls] Jim Graham's swampland
> Sez Brother James: Council Members would have to vote to loose their
> main economic and political power. Anyone who believes that is going
> to happen needs to call me. I have this wonderful mangoele swamp in
> Costa Rica to sell for
> vacation cabin sites. Wonderful Eco-tourism sites.
>
> Sez I: Howinell did you get that swampland in the first place? I
> think I know but would love to hear your explanation. And THEN
> perhaps you will tell us why the analogy buried in the quote doesn't
> apply to your own proposal?
>
> Paul Weir
> Phillips
> _______________________________________
>
> Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
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