Another Fine Mess
The Mpls. Park Board has operated under the radar for too long. It is time to shine a very bright light on its leadership.
Several times in the last two years the MPRB has done backroom deals without even informing all of its commissioners
prior to a vote. Among the highlights were:
1) A large complex at
2) A �sweetheart� deal in renting the former Superintendents house (Theodore Wirth Home) to an outside group (MRPA).
Again a poor allocation of a significant resource.
3) Blatant redistricting to �move� a strong candidate out of the President�s district.
4) The purchase of a new riverfront headquarters without discussing it with the City or looking at any other options
A spreadsheet analysis was intentionally inflated and not all Commissioners were made aware of the project.
5) An obvious battle to replace a deceased commissioner. The focus was on maintaining leadership control.
A process was followed to a point of two finalists. Without a required majority, they were rejected and by �coincidence�
One of the previous candidates happened to be present and was voted in. The process seemed like a seam to hide
the intended result.
6) Now a similar process was undertaken to replace the Superintendent. Again a �surprise� finalist has surfaced. It he is
so good, he should face the same interview process and be considered in comparison to the remaining four candidates.
No shortcuts and a full review of all records. Or was this the plan all along?
7) In addition to other unjustified spending, the MPRB pays a law firm about $500,000 each year for legal services and
lobbying with NO annual review process. Wouldn�t it be better to hire an inside counsel especially since legal expenses
continue to grow? Lobbying could continue under contract and with the review of the inside counsel.
So granted, financial times are tight for all segments of government. But the MPRB claims to want public input and
Their leadership needs as much input as possible. I would maintain that when rinks and pools are close or fountains don�t
operate, it is a result of choices made by Bob Fine and his four supporters. Park Board meetings should become a
spectator sport. It we can�t get them televised, I think we should shine some very bright lights on �Fine�s fiefdom.�
John Belfry
Tangletown
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