Last week on MPR, strib reporter asked by caller if had any comments on the
Library board race. After 5 sec. of silence, commented that the race lacked
interest. MPR moderator added that there were other races to cover.
No news coverage, lacks interest....as far as I know the brief comments in
the Observor only touched on the first forum...where everyone was in the
process of figuring out format.
Could there be a reason 19 candidates are running for 6 elected positions in
the first primary in 25 years??? Is there "trouble, trouble right here in
River City".
Why could Gratia Countryman keep the libraries open during the Great
Depression--including aux. services to union halls, schools, streetfront and
business reading rooms and hospital books carts?This is the third year of a
state wide crisis but st. paul's system is open 7 days per wk. and suburban
libraries had minimal hour reductions. How are they doing it...this is one
of the questions being directed to the incumbents and challengers at these
forums.
Other questions-why have city elected officials lacked the will to fund and
how would candidates "negotiate" with them? LGA is only part of the
problem...where are city priorities and why wont the city treat the
independent board as a partner (shared power) instead of a subordinate
(brings in the charter revision questions currently flying under the
public's radar)?
Which candidates are not opposed to CLOSING libraries (and which candidates
are stepping back from this) Where's the board's commitment to
citizen/resident participation? Will the downtown lib drain staff and
resources away from community libraries? How do the candidates feel about
censorship and filtering...the Patriot Act? One questioner asked the
candidates what were their religious beliefs and how those beliefs would
impact their board decisions.
One thing these forums have done is to bring forth ideas and encourage
discussion.
Here's an idea...all of those not making the primary cut or the general
election get together and start a citizen/resident participation group? The
fledgling CPI was terminated by the board at the tender age of one...long
story. This new group would utilize their energy and ideas.
3 remaining forums:
Sumner 611 Emerson No. TONIGHT 8/11 6:30-8
hOSMER 347 e 36TH ST. tUES 8/16 6:30-8
Walker 2880 Hennepin Sat. 8/20 2 pm
Think I'nm the only one covering all 10 forums..Will try to summarize after
last debate and before the sept 13 primary
Thank you
cheryl luger
_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!
http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
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
