I was the sixth vote for Jon Gurban. Please find a statement that I read at the Park Board Meeting last night below prior to the vote for Superintendent.
John Erwin Statement: Since my election, our organization has faced significant organizational, financial, and political challenges as well as fundamental differences in management and leadership choices between Commissioners. Perhaps, the most difficult year was the year before last. The significant LGA cuts in combination with the way the interim superintendent was appointed dramatically affected the ability of this Board to effectively operate. Make no mistake, in my mind the way the majority of Commissioners appointed the Interim Superintendent did a disservice to the institution of the Minneapolis Park Board. Having said this, it is my charge to help select a new Superintendent. I base my decision on a variety of resources including my personal experiences with the existing Interim Superintendent. Some of this information is confidential. When elected, I was clear that I would vote on each issue based on its merit rather than who else on the Board supported it. Such is the case with this decision. Therefore, at this time I will be voting for Mr. Jon Gurban as the next Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System. This has been a very difficult decision. It has been difficult, in part, because we have two good candidates. I have been happy with the significant changes that Mr. Gurban has made to the organization during the last year including downsizing of administration, the dramatic increase in staff morale, and the rapid progress on a variety of projects that will benefit the entire system. Chris Gears clearly is a qualified candidate as well and has significant strengths in organizational planning and general management skills. Both candidates would bring strengths to the Minneapolis Park System that are unique and would benefit the institution as a whole. Taken together, however, I find Mr. Gurban's strengths outweigh his weaknesses and the strengths of Mr. Gears. This is also a difficult decision because many supportive citizens and my colleagues Commissioners Young, Mason and Berry-Graves, of whom I have a great deal of respect, share a different view. Should Jon Gurban be elected Superintendent, I have the expectation that: 1) the level of discourse, participation of, and respect for the public be increased, 2) that he bears primary responsibility to develop consensus on the Board for his decisions and must talk and collaborate with all Commissioners to this end, and 3) that the workings of this Board must become more transparent, open, and justified to all Commissioners and the public. These are challenges that were present before Mr. Gurban or I arrived but unfortunately still need to be addressed! To the Board I say that we need to increase the level of respect we hold for each other! Unfortunately, during this process, I have been pressured and threatened in a variety of ways that I consider inappropriate. What has happened to the ability of elected officials and/or citizens to disagree but be respectful of each others decisions? It is time for this Board to step up to the plate and function as a unit. Both the majority and the minority have a responsibility in this and a part to play. The City of Minneapolis requires it, the institution of the Park Board requires it, and the citizens and children of this great city require it. And to the public I say that no Commissioner influenced this decision. I came to my decision on my own as Commissioners in the majority and minority can attest. My decision is based on the merits of each candidate, the information I was provided, and my understanding of what the Institution of the Minneapolis Park Board needs at this time. Although some of you may disagree with my choice, I believe it is the right choice for our system and the citizens of Minneapolis. Know that I value all of your opinions greatly. It is my hope that we will all look upon this decision as the right choice in the near future. Thank you for you consideration and time. John Erwin At-Large Commissioner Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 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
