Jim asks: What if council member were a volunteer position? Who would run for it? Peter replies: Those who already have too much wealth and power. I believe, Wizard addressed this issue a few months ago in regard to stipends for Library Board members. And she was right. If elected office holders are not paid well than only the rich can hold office.
Jim asks: But what about the council member's offices? Why shouldn't they be IN the neighborhoods? Even be part of the neighborhood association headquarters? Why is it so necessary for ordinary citizens to go downtown to see any part of its government. Gary Schiff holds monthly meetings here IN his ward. That is a nice concept to expand upon. Peter replies: I like this idea a lot better, though I'm nevertheless ambivalent. I like the idea of constituents having easier access to their counicl repressentative, but at the same time our city is served better when council members are given the opportunity to cultivate healthy working relationships. So having their offices spread out may or may not be a good thing. Gary Schiff is to be commended for how he facilitates his monthly meetings. Jim asks: How about holding the full council meetings on a weekday night in a neighborhood location, rotating from neighborhood to neighborhood so the full council can get used to what neighborhoods look like, especially the ones they DON'T represent. Peter replies: This is your best idea in my opinion. And let's should rotate the time of day, and weekdays as well, so people with inflexible work schedules, or those working the odd shifts, can have an opportuntiy to attend some of the city council meetings. Thanks for your good input, Jim.----------------------Peter Schmitz CARAG TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
