Over time, I've heard multiple people characterize the split on the Park Board as a split between Recreation and Conservation (or something like that). I disagree with this perspective and believe it was cooked up to stake out political turf. There is a widespread appreciation of recreation as a fundamentally important part of the park system. I share it and everyone I know shares it. I see other factors that I believe come closer to the actual nature of the divide.
First, some commissioners consider each and every issue carefully and vote on the merits of the issue. Other commissioners simply vote together. Additionally, there are competing philosophies with regard to transparency in government. If you attend a Park Board meeting, you will find some commissioners ask clear, pointed questions in the interest of 1) getting the answer themselves because it hasn't been shared and 2) making it public information. Other commissioners ask 40,000 foot questions of staff like "do you think this is a good idea?" I would say that there is a clear divide on the importance of concensus building. It may be an effective short term strategy to push through initiatives based on a slim majority, but in the long term it disenfranchises all of the constituents of the commissioners who are being steamrolled. That is a clear disservice to the entire city. Then there is the issue raised by Scott Vreeland a day or two ago. Is the vision for the park system cultivated and managed by elected officials working closely with their constituency - or does it come from the Park Superintendent. The answer is clear to me. Regards, Jason Stone, Diamond Lake 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
