-----Original Message-----
> From: Michael Mackey
> <snip>
> If Allan Bernard's message centers on constituent
> service and the humdrum of garbage collection, GAY >
NOBLE has more of the "vision thing" going. Gay
> repeatedly turned to issues of development and
> quality of life, calling "walkable communities the
> physical form of democracy." She emphasized a need
> for long-term development planning, density in
> construction, and both a minimum and maximum height
> on buildings. Gay noted the absurdity and lack of
> urban planning along Hennepin Avenue: allowing a
> strip-mall-like box and parking lot (Chipotle) just
> blocks away from a thirteen-story glass high rise
> (neither of which fit the character of the
> neighborhood). Gay's ideas resonate with me (and
> with my partner, whose vote she earned at the
> debate); beautiful cities are built not by reacting
> to the short-term interests of developers, but by
> long-term proactive planning and judicious zoning.
> Yet, I wonder about Gay's leadership experience and
> political abilities. QUESTION: Is there more to
> Gay Noble than just a dreamy rhetorical vision?
> Does she have the experience and political
> instincts to work with others and turn her vision
> into reality?
YES! As a City Council Policy Aide and a former
member of the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association
Board, I have worked with Gay numerous times. She
has demonstrated both the vision and political savvy
that it takes to make policy. And thats key in this
race: 10th ward voters will be electing a POLICYMAKER.
A great example of Gays ability is the Urban Forestry
Policy. In recent years, we have been losing trees to
disease and construction activities. The Urban
Forestry Policy lays out steps to preserve trees we
already have, as well as provide an environment in
which new plantings can succeed.
Gay worked with Council offices, City Public Works and
Planning staff, Park Board staff, Minneapolis Public
Schools staff, non-profit and citizen advisory groups,
utility companies, and others to craft guidelines and
standards to ensure the protection, maintenance, and
management of the urban forest in the City. With so
many stakeholders at the table, it took time to work
through differences and come to consensus on the
policy language. Later, Gay worked with Council
President Ostrows office to achieve Council adoption
of the policy. Through it all, Gay was thoughtful,
respectful, and convincing.
Gay really gets it when it comes to appreciating the
vibrancy of her community, to understanding the need
for a multi-modal transportation system, and to
involving people meaningfully in City process. I
think she would be a wonderful Council Member! Shes
the perfect blend of idealism and realism, and will
work to bring our ideal city closer to reality.
Natalie Collins
Willard-Hay
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