The Senior staff of the Park board has informed the Commissioners that they should not be looking at a line item budget and do not have the authority to set a detailed budget.
In an amazing plot twist in the Park Board drama, we now have the general manager of the Park Board tell Commissioners that is totally inappropriate for Commissioners to want to review a line item budget. "It is not and never will be your job to figure out how much money to spend by specific account or line item for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board." I am astounded at these words-and while staff may suggest a budget process-claiming that the Board has no right do a line item budget is the height of arrogance and insubordination. This is a really serious problem and if uncorrected makes the Park Board election meaningless. The PIP has accused those who want reforms as folks who want to hijack the Park system, unfortunately it is already being stolen right under our noses. I implore all current Commissioners to clearly establish that they- and not the staff have budget authority. This is the mother of all back room deals. It makes the Park Board meetings a puppet show and nothing more. As much as I like puppet shows, I prefer ones with real meaning. The Board has authority to set the level of detail it wants in the budget process. To not provide this is insubordination and reckless abuse of power. This should come to a vote tonight (Oct 26 at 5pm) about this process and the authority of the board to set policy. The budget is a planning document with numbers. The budget process has thus far been a sleight of hand card trick with only a few cards on the table. Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward 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
