On 11/4/05 9:35 AM, "Karen Harder" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Mark said: > >> That feasibility study, which I understand cost over $100,000, was never >> distributed to council members and it never received a hearing by the >> Transportation and Public Works (T&PW) committee. What happened to it? If >> Colvin Roy was so supportive of the idea of the new Department, why didn't >> she keep the proposal alive and work to resolve whatever concerns she had? >> > Karen: > > That feasibility study only addressed the Public Works Department. It was > not about developing a new City Department of Environment and Water Quality. > From my understanding, the results of that study would have been helpful > supporting the new City Department as well, but the idea was dropped because > the Mayor was not supportive.
I have difficulty believing that the Mayor doesn't support the new Department idea, but even if that's true, I don't see that as a sufficient reason for the idea to have been dropped and if that's why SCR let the idea drop, then to me, that only adds another reason why Kevin McDonald should be the next city councilmember for Ward 12. Kevin has a history of taking good ideas and making them happen despite any early opposition that may be in place. He doesn't just give up at the first sign of resistance. Here's a quick summary of some projects I've seen Kevin create just in the past few years, even though he didn't always have early support from management or colleagues: Minnesota Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP): This program put together a group of volunteer engineers to conduct waste reduction and energy efficiency assessments for commercial facilities, schools and other institutional-type buildings. They've built a good track record in a fairly short period of time and are now participating in a pilot program with MPCA to develop healthy and sustainable school environments. I just read about some work they did with one school that seriously improved their building's energy efficiency and is paying off huge, especially with current high rates for heating. Environmental Assistance Loan Program: This program offers loan matches to companies seeking to make equipment upgrades or other investments that reduce waste and pollution and/or increase energy efficiency. The latest project was with a painting job shop that upgraded their powder paint line and is saving about half a million dollars a year because of it. "Let's Get the Lead Out!" campaign: This campaign teaches fishing enthusiasts about alternatives to fishing sinkers and jigs made from lead. Thanks to Kevin's leadership and creativity, something like 80 tackle exchanges have been held throughout the state in the past three years that have collected 3000 pounds of lead tackle and kept it out of our waters. Thanks in part to the visibility of this campaign, a number of tackle manufacturers and retailers have gotten on board and a couple of small companies have even started up here in Minnesota. If folks in Ward 12 want someone who finds creative solutions and who follows through on making good ideas happen, then Kevin McDonald is your candidate. Mark Snyder Windom Park 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
