Thatcher should have a disclaimer that he has been a longtime supporter of Scott Persons...as a delegate and campaign worker (he's been doorknocking for Scott). For full disclosure's sake, I will mention upfront that I have been doorknocking for Ralph.
It would not be a surprise that Thatcher felt Scott was the "strongest" candidate last night. But in speaking with others (undecideds, Bernard, and Remington supporters) it was pretty well the consensus that Scott appeared to be the weakest candidate last night (with no agreement on who was the "strongest.") Persons answered some questions well, but tap danced around others. He was unable (or unwilling?) to answer a question specifically about African-American and GLBT relations (didn't use the words GLBT or African-American in his answer!) Remington did not "imply" that NRP wasn't a priority of his. He said it has been and continues to be a very important program that has done much to improve our communities. What he pointed out was the reality of funding sources. NRP was flush and now faces funding challenges. He did say that as we deal with this, we all (not one particular entity) may have to make some hard choices. I believe the implication was that we will have to do more with less for the near future. Remington has many years of experience in institution building: founding Pillsbury House Theater; initiating a merger between Media Area Resources Center (MARC) and IFP (Independent Feature Project); building partnerships with public & private organizations (community & neighborhood groups, government, foundations and corporations). You can't build a nationally recognized, sustainable institution like Pillsbury House Theater without great business skills! He has talked about his experience (though with one minute to answer a question, it would be impossible to list it all last night. Easy to read on his website: www.RalphRemington.com Most disturbing is Thatcher's assertion that Remington is "anti-everything." The only thing I've specifically heard him speak "against" was the height of the Lagoon Project. Funny that Persons now seems to even be reconsidering his own stance on the height now. Remington is for: planned, sustainable, transit-oriented development (i.e. Smart Development). He has consistently spoken about the connections between good, community driven planning (that includes ALL stakeholders - developers, neighborhood and the city), affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and a comprehensive mass transit SYSTEM. He's also for representative, accountable leadership. Remington has a proven record in that area as well. 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
