Hello List Members. A couple quick comments on recent notes:
1) Tony Scallon and Steve Nelson commented on comments made by the public at a public hearing at the last Park Board meeting. I was in charge of the meeting at that time. There were some comments, including a letter from Lisa McDonald, that were part of that hearing and mentioned the Interim Superintendent's performance. It simply would be inappropriate to censor such comments - after all, part of what a public hearing is for is to hear what people thing! Having said this, slander is not permitted; no comments, were, in my opinion, slander. After the reading of Lisa McDonald's letter, many other's who spoke simply said they agreed with Lisa's letter before moving on and mentioning their own desires from a Superintendent that were thoughtful and helpful. Although many may disagree with the actions of some public officials, it is very important to not resort to personal attacks. Often there is information that is not mentioned that provides a viewpoint or rationale that would provide a better understanding of how a decision was made. Of course Mr. Gurban can apply for the Superintendent position - he has that right. I, for one, know that Mr. Gurban has made some significant contributions to the park system that will benefit the system and public for some time. It is my hope that we have a large applicant pool with as many qualified applicants as possible. It is very important to reserve judgment on any candidate until all the information is provided. With respect to Tony's comment regarding the President and Vice President of the Park Board encouraging harmony, I couldn't agree more. Jon Olson and I are certainly working towards that. Each Park Board Commissioner is passionate about the park system and where it should go and that passion can result in some fireworks! That disagreement is good, is a necessary part of the political process and can result in statesmanship or theater. It is my hope that the future holds more statesmanship and a little less theater. I also appreciate the passion that many citizens have for the park system. That passion now and historically, is what has resulted in our great Park System. Apathy would certainly have resulted in the loss and/or neglect of our parks. I encourage everyone to turn that passion into thinking of creative ways to move us forward now so that our actions many benefit future residents of our city. 2) Commissioner Young's comments on the request for the 'un-cancellation' of today's Board meeting are 'right on'. Three Commissioners requested that meeting for good reason. There have been some very important decisions made without the appropriate process that would include presentation at a public meeting to the full Board and Board approval. I did not support the meeting tonight because of a variety of reasons including some difficult personal issues with some commissioners; however, every concern that was brought forward will be addressed at next week's Board meeting. Ooops! Guess this wasn't so short! Please, as always feel free to write with any comments or concerns - [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sincerely, John Erwin City-wide Commissioner and Vice President, MPRB 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. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ 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
