In a message dated 7/12/03 8:19:20 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> > Steve Brandt comes through as promised...your new $100,000 economic > development deputies can be found at: > > http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3984985.html > > David Brauer > List manager > Keith says; I read the article; Urban League chief do-gooder, and Smith Parker rainmaker appointed. We have a parallel system going now, as described by Bill Cullen in his post, and these are the type of players that are needed to make it appear real. (Bill Cullen-) Think of it this way. When low-income families cannot afford food, our government supplies them with food stamps. Our government does not start subsidizing the purchase of farms, ranches, food processing plants and food distribution centers solely to create a duplicate supply chain of “affordable food.” In housing however, our leaders propose just such a solution. They want to subsidize builders to create housing that operate in a different financial realm than market rate housing. The end result is a few developers and non-profits control the affordable housing market. Not only does this limit the options of families with low incomes, it is expensive to taxpayers. In 2001, the Minneapolis Community Development Agency reported that the average subsidy for one affordable housing unit was $158,828! --snip------ Far to many endeavors, and initiatives, are centrally planned by government, DT, and hope to mimic for-profit business activities. From hiring a ride to the Airport, to developing, buying, or leasing a home, our government CAN provide; and at a price far higher then any open market player would ever dream of bidding. Guaranteed. And there's more (like on TV),,, These costs are not just paid, and done. No way. If your do-goodin' wagon is hooked up to the pullin' power of Smith Parker, or similarly well connected mule skinners, you have an open meal ticket and can go to the trough of public money as needed. The job gets done. The system works, for the insiders; and everybody gets paid, a lot. The Met Council is gonna have a choo-choo, LRT, that sucks money, and lacks riders. Wells Fargo and Allina will have an "Urban Avoidance Ramp" from 35 Dubya. Phillips and Whittier will be full of ABSENTEE NonProfiteers stacking halfway houses from "The freeway walls to the institutional halls". Welcome to a Brave New World. A world where Smith Parker knows what you want; and will help you figure it out. A world of revolving doors, A world where players wear many hats; some of them kept "under their hat". It ain't nickel dime free plumbing, anymore. The problem, stated again, is the cost. Further we must question the need? Finally we must question the fairness in this new Government/Industrial Complex. I am a stranger in a strange, and extraordinary, new land. Can I get an Amen; and some guidance? Keith Reitman NearNorth 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
