We all know how valuable and even vital NRP funding has been for neighborhoods – for creating housing options, opportunities for young people, and for livability issues (safety, redevelopment, etc), to name a few. That’s probably why all candidates this year have been ardently for funding and completing NRP Phase II action plans. I believe we should be thinking outside the “phase” box and start thinking of NRP as a continuing city service, particularly the strength it’s given to our most local governing authority – our neighborhood organizations. And we must hold our candidates to specifically explain how we’re going to pay for it at least through 2009 and preferably beyond.
I have been the candidate in my race who has constantly stated an ongoing commitment to NRP and our neighborhoods backed with proposals and ideas for generating revenue. To me, it simple. It comes down to a matter of priorities at City Hall. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by some, ensuring that all of our economic development policies are responsible to the future generations that will inherit the results of our actions. I think many neighborhood organizations get this, partiality since they are not tied to the almighty campaign dollar, and that those involved are really participating at a level that has a lot to do with long-term planning. So, we must fund NRP and promote it’s solvency as a city service. I believe we can and should expand TIF districts to include all new commercial condo development, and that we capture some of this postive revenue and direct it to NRP. This, coupled with the 1 billion or so proposed DT development already in the pipeline, will get us to 2009 and beyond. It’s a start, and I’m sure there are additional options, but I cannot believe I have not heard more specifics on NRP funding from the post-primary candidates, including both mayoral candidates. Please vote for candidates who will always put our neighborhood’s needs first and who are clear about why and how we must do so. Aaron Neumann (Sheridan) 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
