[Mpls] park board

Wed, 31 Dec 2003 08:49:10 -0800

I feel obligated to respond to Chris Johnson, Scott Vreeland, and Mary Belfry.  Yes I do have access to information.  I read articles in the paper.  The statements about Vivian Mason are from comments of other commissioners and from Doug Grow's article in the paper.  I have looked in the Mpls Star and Tribune and found these resources for you to read. 
 
I am trying to give a different perspective.  I am not about to engage in some foolish back and forth analyzing each statement.  I find that part of the issues forum to be offensive.  Yes, I will rise to the defense of Commissioners when they are being vilified.  That does not always mean I support each of their decisions.
 
Mary Belfry has the audacity to assume where I stand.  Mary, I participated in many public interviews.  I urge you to check my record on following the process for Police Chief, Community Development Director (3 times) and Public works director.  I never released information.  The process always found a good candidate because we treated the candidates with respect and confidentiality.  And this was on an equally fractious board, the Minneapolis City Council. 
 
I believe you are associated with a group that wants to use the same facility as Mr. Gurban's MN Park and Recreation Association.
 
Commissioners on both sides of the appointment issue have confirmed that Commissioner Mason supported Sigglekow's appointment even without a search. I think these are in the minutes of the Park Board.   I think it is interesting that you give Vivian Mason's defense but Vivian has not responded either in person to me or to the issues forum.  I still believe part of the debate is the desire to have an insider as Commissioner. 
 
I believe many of the posters are looking to continue the fight.  I have urged the Commissioners on both sides to find ways to work with each other even if they do disagree. 
 
I think posting wild theories such as done by Scott Vreeland actually are adding to the problem.  When I urged compromise, one commissioner's reply to me was there was great support to continue the fight.  Does it really help to make the Park Board continue to look foolish.  Just look at Doug Grow's recent article. 
 
I have known three of the commissioners for over twenty years both politically and personally.  I have found Carol Kummer, Marie Hauser and Walter Dziedzic to be honorable and decent people. I am proud to be their friend.  I have also supported several of the at large commissioners who are voting against the appointment of Gurban.
 
I hope the new year brings some improvements in the relationships at the Park Board.  It is the duty of all the Commissioners to work towards finding common ground.

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