As we approach the last stretch of the Minneapolis campaign season, I feel it’s important to stress the significance of voting for candidates based on the issues and shared values, rather than party affiliation or “seasoned” status. ;) In that spirit, I would urge folks to press their candidates to state clearly where they stand in key issues (and I know list members are way above par on this,), for example, the issue of stadiums.
I believe I am the only candidate in my race who has consistently opposed government coddling of stadiums, specifically the De La Salle stadium give-away deal. Although there are many other complex and serious challenges facing the new Ward 3, such as poverty, policing, gangs, drugs, and fair housing policies – to name a few, I feel positions on issue like the Nicollet Island stadium reflect the authenticity of progressive values and priorities of any candidate. Many oppose the stadium deal on Nicollet Island for a few main reasons, beginning with the premise that the original agreement between the city, Park Board, and the school was upheld by the 1990's (think regulation field and tennis courts). But notably, the proposal gives priority use of public land to a private religious institution, and the implications are wide-reaching. Because of the appearance of impropriety that is involved with the MPRB's (the decision makers) ties with De LaSalle, and whether this is technically a conflict of interest or not, one must wonder if cronyism is involved in stadium politics. I believe this is yet another red flag that our policy-makers must take into account. The stadium also raises questions about the degradation of the unique character and historic preservation of the island, particularly in the areas of parking and lighting. Land use is and must continue to be the primary factor in decisions pertaining to this unique neighborhood. And last but certainly not least, the residents on the island overwhelmingly disapprove of this project for, among others, the stated reasons. From this perspective, its clear where not only progressives but just folks with common governing sense must be at with this issue. We must put our neighborhood’s needs first in all of our development decisions - ensuring that planning drives development and not the other way around - so that we truly exemplify the value of grassroots democracy and govern from the neighborhoods on up. Please vote for candidates who oppose stadium give-aways (that benefit few and violate the public’s trust) and for those who are clear on why all city policies must be based on grassroots democratic values. Aaron Neumann Sheridan Neighborhood, NE Mpls. Candidate for Minneapolis City Council (Green) Ward 3 - Northside * Northeast * Southeast Neighbors for Neumann! 1828 Marshall St. NE #18 Minneapolis, MN 55418 612.788.1284 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://VoteNeumann.org Bridging our Diverse Communities with Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice - Authentic Progressive Priorities for the 21st Century "Politics isn't about big money or power games; it's about the improvement of people's lives." - Paul Wellstone --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
