I want to concur with John Erwins' post below:
From John Erwin's post: My experience with Comm. Mason has been very different than the author of the previous post. Specifically, I have found that Comm. Mason has gone above and beyond her responsibilities in trying to get very important questions answered from staff that has been helpful to the entire Board and the public. I have very much appreciated her efforts. In addition, although we have disagreed at times, I consistently find that Vivian is more than willing to talk and work together regardless of periodic differences in voting.
Annie says:
While it appears the four of us have stuck together throughout 2004 I believe it has been based many times on the issues and I believe the votes indicate something much deeper in our convictions. I believe we have been coming from a place of principal and a belief that principals, understanding of ethics, good decision making and the Board running the organization rather than the staff and the backroom deals have been part of how we vote. The differences are similar to those of night and day. A lot has boiled down to leadership and style in trying to get things done on this Board.
A most recent example for me was at the last meeting at City Hall I was sitting next to a Commissioner whom I observed laughing during the discussion and making faces with another person in the audience - I have yet to understand how approving a seriously flawed budget and setting taxes on the Minneapolis Institute of Art constitutes laughing. This is serious business we are in.
I have the luxury of being "independent" on the Board and truly try to make my decisions based on facts and the information we are given.
I agree with Scott Vreeland that our budgeting process is pitiful. I have sat through many line item Board discussions in non-profits for years - it is one of the Board's first responsibilities - to be fiscally prudent. I remember when I first got on the Board and asked for the budget - I was given it. It wasn't pretty - it came in a notebook and was probably an inch and a half thick but I remember scouring through that my first year on the Board looking to see how things worked. Our audit statement every year does help with lots more detail than most citizens see but you know at least once every four years to see the full blown accounting and budget forms wouldn't be a bad idea.
So I too cringe at the writing on the list by some people and feel it is doing much more harm than good but on the other hand there has been more citizen input, whether good or bad, through this list and I appreciate the ability to hear what you all are thinking. But let's keep the personal attacks out of the picture. Maybe a little Minnesota Nice should be restored to this Board and the messages on this list.
I appreciate Ms. Mason's time and effort she takes to be prepared and does her homework to ask good questions. It's too bad we have to dig so hard to get the answers or don't get answers at all.
So let's lighten up and continue the scrutiny of Board actions but lay off the attacks on people. And may I remind people that next year in an election year there will be many opportunities to ask us a lot of questions There will be ward conventions, debates out in the neighborhoods with candidates and each of you can come drill us. In the past not many people attend those election debates but maybe in 2005 you will pack the halls as you seek to make good choices for the 2006-2009 Park Board.
Happy Holidays, Annie Young citywide Park Commissioner
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