List, As I read this policy, as a non-lawyer, it seems to me that almost any group assembly on park property could be considered to be in violation of this "policy".
Certainly most Neighborhood Association meetings which happen at Minneapolis Parks would be in violation of the policy. Many neighborhood groups solicit membership (even free membership) in their organizations. If done at a Mpls park without a permit, they are in violate of Section 3a. Many (if not most) neighborhood groups meet to express views and consider ideas. If done at a Mpls. Park without a permit, they are in violation of Section 3b. Since I have yet to go to any gathering at a Minneapolis Park (or anywhere for that matter) that didn't hand out printed materials like newsletters, pamphlets, alert notices from the police, pieces of paper with agendas. . . if done at a Mpls. Park without a permit we are all in violation of Section 3c. In fact I can hardly think of any group of people having a gathering in a park that would not be in flagrant violation of this policy. Did Mr. Grueban's former organization have a permit every time they met and handed out a piece of printed paper? In fact-- what I would like to know if ANYone, at ANYtime has EVER received a permit in occurrence with this policy? I certainly hope someone with more time then me starts a petition to immediately suspend and subsequently repeal this policy. Please organize to get the current MPRB members on the record in support of the repeal. Would two MPRB members please commit on this list to stepping forward to author such a repeal? In light of how this policy has been misused, my special request is that Jason Stone's opponent Carol Kummer rise to the occasion, show real class, and author the motion for repeal herself. Remember -- if the motion is printed, people will be expressing opinions one way or another on the issue, and the Park Board is meeting on Park Board property, you will need a special permit. Thank you. Joseph Barisonzi Willard-Hay [EMAIL PROTECTED] 612-518-5536 P.S. I went to the Park Board website in anticipation of the Stone Arch Festival this weekend and my desire to discuss issues with people I bump into. I also thought I might like to give a person or two a brochure about one of the businesses I manage. Imagine my surprise when I clicked the "permits" section. There were permits for picnic facility use, weddings, faciliaty use, parkway permits, still photo and video filming, canoe rack permits, sailboar buoy permits and construction permits. There was no permits for expressing a view on an issue, handing out literature, or soliciting membership. Nothing in the "Frequently Asked Questions" either. Now, I am not one for conspiracies -- but it would make one wonder if perhaps this policy was an archain unused policy -- like the law that red cars can't drive down Lake Street in Minneapolis, or that it is illegal to sleep naked in Minnesota (www.crazylaws.com) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
