Reprinted with permission from the Checks and Balances web site: Wanted Lobbyist for Minneapolis, Only Republicans Need Apply
10/21/03 -- MINNESOTA The city of Minneapolis is in the process of securing a new advocate at the state capitol. Andrea Hart Kajer is leaving Mill city government relations for a position with Cook Hill Girard Associates. She begins in December. If the largest city in the state seeks to have any impact at the state legislature they should consider a change in their representation more closely associated with the right side of the political spectrum. Currently, they have a contract relationship with Doug Franzen, the only lobbyist with clear Republican ties, it is our opinion they need additional Republican presence. Since Minneapolis is the city with the greatest social needs, Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) being a suburbanite and the House leadership far less inclined to provide support for the inner city, they need to act pragmatically rather than take a comfortable political position. Minneapolis is seen as the most liberal area in the state and the greatest drain on state financial resources. A standard line among suburban legislators is they are taxed at high rates to pay for services in the urban core. We don't expect the purse strings to open around the Capitol for Minneapolis in the short run, but having a person who can speak the rhetoric of a suburbanite, who has Republican credentials, isn't a bad move politically. Forwarded by David Brauer, list manager REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
