Re: [Mpls] The Fingerpointing Continues/ Hosmer and the GLBT section
Here's some fun excerpts. But go to the site. The story heavily features list members Rick Stafford and Buck Humphrey: You Make the Call We have heard from a number of sources that we were right to single out Hubert Buck Humphrey IV at the Minneapolis DFL City Convention. In fact people have informed us there is more to the story. We understand the week prior to the convention Buck was busy making phone calls securing financial support for himself in his bid for Secretary of State rather than calling delegates for support of Sharon Sayles Belton. Ick. I'm not fond of the incumbent SOS (she is too much from the Quistling wingnuts of the Republican Party), and it would be nice if the DFL could put a credible alternative. I never quite got why they endorsed Edwina Garcia over Dee Long. --- The article continues: Since the convention he [Buck] has been making calls to find out if his support base has wavered with the debacle on Saturday. This goes to show Humphrey is good at taking care of Number One even when the person he should be most concerned about is Belton. If Humphrey were truly committed to the Belton cause he would put his efforts on hold until at least after the September primary. - Who did this come from? I'm curious about the sources here. Was Rick Stafford an anonymous source here? The story goes on to say that Buck was taking credit for Stafford's work with the Gore campaign also. --- Thanks to RT for answering my question so quickly. I'd like to see disclosure on the web -- but it's also important to have ways for candidates to comply with disclosure requirements easily. Thanks also to Wizard Marks for responding so quickly.. It says something negative about the Hosmer library patrons, if the GLBT books in a section were vandalized. That's too bad. And it seems that the vandals got their way -- by destroying the books, they managed to intimidate the library from having a GLBT section. It's interesting that Hosmer responded to this vandalism by trying to make Gay books more invisible. There certainly are good reasons NOT to have a GLBT section, but just to put the books throughout the library -- but doing it to respond to bigots isn't a good way to deal with this attitude. It really sends the wrong message. Eva Eva Young Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] energy policy/ Buck Humphrey/ Candidate Forums
Energy Policy: At 01:02 PM 5/15/01 -0500, Michael Hohmann wrote: As Pres. Bush comes to St. Paul tomorrow to announce his new energy policy, MN legislators continue to debate state energy policy. Look for an op-ed on the Bush energy plan by Mpls.' own David Morris tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Star Tribune. I'm sure David will provide a local twist to what is usually described as a national energy plan/strategy; referencing concepts such as distributed energy systems which have application right here in Minneapolis-- local production for local consumption scenarios. (http://www.startribune.com/ ) Thanks for the headsup on this. I got an email from the Sierra Club regarding demonstrating at this speech. Personally, I would really like to see Bush's AIDs adviser, Scott Evertz come to Minneapolis -- an ideal time for that would be when the Republican Party is having their regional conference in Minneapolis -- end of July. Buck Humphrey: Many have questioned where I got the story regarding Buck Humphrey: Here is the link -- it was posted by Bill Dooley: Interesting blurb in the May 13, 2001 edition of the CHECKS AND BALANCES online political newsletter. Under the title You Make the Call, the story basically blames Buck Humphrey for the Sharon Sayles Belton non-endorsement because he did not work the delegates the week prior to the convention. Here is the story: http://www.checksandbalances.com/MN/players-page/ppindex.htm; -- EY: I'm still wondering who the sources were on this -- there seem to be lots of folks within the DFL very irritated at Buck Humphrey. I think it a stretch to blame Buck for SSB's poor performance at the convention. Online Candidate Forums: Any chance of some Minneapolis online Mayor and City Council forums? I'd be glad to help with setting up an online eighth ward candidate forum. I'm also interested in some in person forums. It would be good to get some Brian Herron supporters to help with this also. Matthea, Wizard, David Finke -- is your candidate -- Brian Herron ready for competition in a forum such as this? Are any of you willing to help organize this forum -- or are you afraid to have your candidate compete? Robert Lilligren already has introduced himself to the list, and posts regularly -- which lets people know where he stands. He's getting a reputation for being responsive to people, and has a longstanding reputation for fairness and looking at all sides of the issue. Council Member Herron appears to read this list, but does not post. I'd like to invite Council Member Herron to post -- and let us know more about his accomplishments as City Council Member for the last 8 years. Quick responses, that answer the question -- as RT did, are a quick and direct way of dispelling rumors. Eva Eva Young Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] tagging
Robert Wood wrote: Personally, I like graffitti when it is interesting artistically and contains an interesting message culturally or politically, tagging fits neither of those definitions. Artistically interesting or not, graffiti typically appears on the property of others, not one's own. Ignoring zoning laws for the sake of argument, I think that graffiti done with the consent of a property owner would have strong First Amendment protection. The problem is that graffiti is normally applied without consent and is thus a property crime. Any argument to support such illegal behavior would also support the act of burning down someone's house as instance of performance art. We should respect the right of another to not be subject to actions against their will. Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] tagging
Michael Atherton wrote: Any argument to support such illegal behavior would also support the act of burning down someone's house as instance of performance art. Conor Donnelly replies: Comparing graffiti to arson is laughable, even if only to make your point, that we hold private property sacred above all else. Property crime is just one problem of many facing the city. Of all property crimes (theft, arson, etc.) graffiti seems to me, by far the least serious. However, I'm not a lawyer, judge, or property owner, so those factors might be clouding my judgment on this. -- The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once. -Albert Einstein ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mark Stenglein's checkbook
A disclosure of a candidate's previous campaign contributions is certainly a legitimate and fair way to infer political beliefs or allegiances. The information becomes particularly valuable for a candidate who has not disclosed his agenda in any detail. In such instances, it is necessary to do some independent investigation to try to determine a candidate's agenda. Unfortunately, Mark Steinglen's website provides hardly any substantive information. The only theme that I can discern is that he thinks that government should be run more like private business in order to cut costs and save the taxpayers' money. Not exactly an earth shattering proposal; at most, we know that he probably cannot be labelled as a leftist. The other available information appears to be a City Pages cover story several weeks ago. A main theme of that article was that Mark Stenglein's positions on the County Board do not indicate any clear pattern that reveal a political philosophy or make it feasible to predict where he will stand on future matters. Stenglein's quotes in the City Pages indicated that his approach is by design; he believed that decisions should be made on an issue-by-issue basis. One of his quotes revealed another county commissioner's criticism that Stenglein does not have a political soul, to which Stenglein responded that he does not believe he should have a political soul. Most of us political observers/activists are interested in figuring out a candidate's political philosophy. Although someone could probably make a case for not having a political philosophy, a lot of us are skeptical of such a claim. Why would someone leave a lucrative business career for government service without some sort of substantive philosophy of what government should be about? The likely responses that come to some our cynical minds are either 1) the candidate's main goal is to obtain the power and prestige of high elective office, and will take any position at any time in order to advance that goal, or 2) the candidate is hiding his real agenda in order to avoid offending voters. The revelation that at the beginning of his political career, Mark Stenglein made substantial campaign contributions to a candidate and a PAC that can fairly be described as far rightwing, supports an inference that Stenglein's purported lack of philosophy is a mask to cover an ctual political ideology that would be offensive to most Minneapolis voters. The burden is on the candidate to provide enough information. Stenglein also now needs to explain his previous financial loyalties. Does he agree with the political agendas of Gingrich, McKigney, Boshwitch, etc? What exactly does he intend to accomplish as mayor? What will he do about the lack of affordable housing? What is his stand on corporate subsidies? What is his perspective on racial profiling? What is his environmental agenda? There is already a lot of information available about the other mayoral candidates on these issues, from both their records and their campaign statements. A summary of information available about Stenglein is that he professes not to have a political ideology, wants less government spending, and used to donate a lot of money to candidates who are too far right to win elections in Minneapolis. Any more information would be welcome. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn, Ward 8 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Buck Humphrey or Chris Allison
In a message dated 5/15/01 2:29:38 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Buck Humphrey: Many have questioned where I got the story regarding Buck Humphrey: Here is the link -- it was posted by Bill Dooley: Interesting blurb in the May 13, 2001 edition of the CHECKS AND BALANCES online political newsletter. Under the title You Make the Call, the story basically blames Buck Humphrey for the Sharon Sayles Belton non-endorsement because he did not work the delegates the week prior to the convention. Here is the story: http://www.checksandbalances.com/MN/players-page/ppindex.htm; -- EY: I'm still wondering who the sources were on this -- there seem to be lots of folks within the DFL very irritated at Buck Humphrey. I think it a stretch to blame Buck for SSB's poor performance at the convention. Eva Eva Young Central Anyone who is so dissatisfied with Buck Humphrey, no matter which party you are traditionally part of, you are welcome to get involved with the planning of Green Party Member Chris Allison's campaign for Secretary of State. Chris Allison announced candidate for Secretary of State, seeking Green Party endorsement appointed member of Gov. Ventura's Advisory Commission on redistricting Green Party of MN Coordinating Committee member [EMAIL PROTECTED] Whittier ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Buck Humphrey, Political Superman
Feeling a bit of a contrarian today...Ya know, if Buck indeed WERE wily enough to singlehandedly sabotage SSB's endorsement, he would be one heck of a guy and his diabolical power should be harnessed and used against worthier causes. Ann Berget Kingfield 10-10
Re: [Mpls] energy policy
I have a question for list members. Is anyone, companies or government harnessing the hydroelectric power of St. Anthony Falls? Should Minneapolis (no disrespect to St. Paul) as an economic focal point of the region, develop a municipal power structure to ensure its continued strength in the region? Basically, we could attract business if we were able to guarantee that we will not have brown outs like they have in California. The reason I was thinking of this was because Minneapolis become the world's greatest flour producer (for many years) on the strength of the grain mills using hydro power. Are we letting this natural loss of potential energy go untapped? In light of power / energy issues, came we make Minneapolis a stronger city with a municipal power plant that serves the city. Josh Kroll Powderhorn Park As Pres. Bush comes to St. Paul tomorrow to announce his new energy policy, MN legislators continue to debate state energy policy. Look for an op-ed on the Bush energy plan by Mpls.' own David Morris tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Star Tribune. I'm sure David will provide a local twist to what is usually described as a national energy plan/strategy; referencing concepts such as distributed energy systems which have application right here in Minneapolis-- local production for local consumption scenarios. (http://www.startribune.com/ ) ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] energy policy
Addressing Mr. Kroll's question regarding harnessing St. Anthony Falls for hydroelectric power generation, Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) currently operates a 12 megawatt hydroelectric facility on the Mississippi River at Hennepin Island (adjacent to St. Anthony Falls on the north side of the river). According to NSP's web site, they've operated at or near the St. Anthony Falls site since 1923. Dennis Jon Ward 11 - Park District 6 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] MCNC 8th Annual River Clean Up and Celebration
Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition Eighth Annual River Clean-Up “We Drink the Water, We Breathe the Air” Saturday, May 19th 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. clean-up 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. food and entertainment at Boom Island 1:30 p.m. boat ride boarding; 2:00 p.m. boat leaves (fee required)* Special appearances by Ronald McDonald, Crystal Clear Water Princess, Billy Bass the Fish. Entertainment includes Paul Metsa and other musicians Pick-up sites: Boom Island, Grain Belt site, Edgewater site (Marshall and Lowry), Marshall Terrace Park, North Mississippi Regional Park, Broadway Station Pizza, Federal Reserve Bank, East End of Stone Arch Bridge and a site to be determined near Cedar Riverside The Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition (MCNC) was formed in 1993 and now has 20 community groups as members. Can we count on your participation? Fraternal groups, youth groups, church groups, artists, neighborhood organizations and anyone interested in keeping our river clean is invited. We attract from 500 - 600 great volunteers every year. We offer free bags and gloves, free food and entertainment, environmental exhibits and a half-price river boat ride courtesy of the Padelford Packet Boat Company. Local businesses have generously supported our efforts over the years to reward our hard working volunteers. We are fortunate in living near one of the world’s great rivers - a national and world renowned water resource. As the current stewards of the river, we need to keep it free from trash and contaminants. With your help, we can educate more people about the significance of the Mighty Mississippi and keep it “clean and green.” Thank you for your participation! Please call our volunteer clean-up coordinator, Randy Kouri at 612-788-0249 or leave a message at our voice mail, 612-789-3672, if you have any questions or comments, and we will return your call. Bring a friend and neighbor - see you on May 19th! Voice: 612-789-3672 FAX: 612-781-1191 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Candyce L. Sartell President Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition
[Mpls] Minnehaha Creek path meeting
The Strib covered the Watershed's District's public meeting in today's paper; sorry I didn't get a chance to post the link until now. Looks like list members' opinions got through! http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?story=84173897 David Brauer List manager, Minneapolis-Issues ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mayoral Candidate Stenglein
At the April Mpls Property Rights meeting, I believe Mark Stenglein said the following (paraphrased): It doesn't make sense to put poor people out in Minnetonka when Minneapolis has the infrastructure to take care of them. Can anyone confirm that he made a statement like that? One statement Stenglein did make was to say that he was a good friend of Joe Biernat. He was asked why he has not been able to use his influence with his good friend to address some of the housing issues in the city such as the continuing loss of affordable rental housing, the number of boarded buildings, punishing houses (demolition) rather than bad tenants or landlords, the silly Biernat-sponsored ordinance that will charge people with empty houses a $400 annual fee and the like. His response was that he did not always agree with his good friend, but that he wasn't going to start a war with Joe. One has to ask why using your influence with a colleague (and a good friend) to make changes you support is starting a war. Further, if questioning a council member who is your good friend would be tantamount to starting a war, how will Stenglein deal with city council members if be becomes mayor? He claims to be the candidate of change. What will he change and how will he do it? Jordan Kushner's post regarding how to assess a candidate's political philosophy may be a good place to start answering that question. The likely responses that come to some our cynical minds are either 1) the candidate's main goal is to obtain the power and prestige of high elective office, and will take any position at any time in order to advance that goal, or 2) the candidate is hiding his real agenda in order to avoid offending voters. Fran Guminga Bottineau, Ward 3 County District 2 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] energy policy
Dennis Jon Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) currently operates a 12 megawatt hydroelectric facility on the Mississippi River at Hennepin Island (adjacent to St. Anthony Falls on the north side of the river). According to NSP's web site, they've operated at or near the St. Anthony Falls site since 1923. Warning--the following is all from memory but I do have an (old) electrical engineering degreee grin I don't remember the date but the first hydro electric plant in the western hemisphere was at St. Anthony Falls (West side of the river though). There is a historic marker about it just across Main Street from Tuggs Bar. NSP was also operating a hydro facility at the lower St. Anthony Falls (I think it was about 40 MW--megawatt). I don't know if that plant is still operating. Also, the Ford Plant owns the dam right below the 46th St (Mpls) Ford Parkway bridge and operate a small hydro facilty there. To put this capaicty in perspective, The Sherco Coal plant on the Mississippi has three gerating facilities of about 800 MW each. The Alan S King Coal Plant on the St.Croix is between 300 and 600 MW. The power capacity of the supply to the average house is 24 KW (or 0.024 MW). Assuming that at peak use a house uses about half of that capacity, the 12 MW capacity at the falls would power 1000 homes. NSP did have a proposal to expand the capacity of the St. Anthony Falls to something under 100 MW. The problem was that for a significant part of the summer, fall and winter, ALL the water going over the falls would be diverted to the hydro faclity. . sheldon mainsseward neighborhoodminneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] the shameless agitator in the electronic town square yes, i really am running for library board. check http://www.shamelessagitator.org for details. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] St. Anthony Falls (Was: energy policy)
Sheldon Mains wrote: snipped NSP did have a proposal to expand the capacity of the St. Anthony Falls to something under 100 MW. The problem was that for a significant part of the summer, fall and winter, ALL the water going over the falls would be diverted to the hydro faclity. Hrmph. Do you mean to say, then, that in the springtime some of the water would be allowed to get downstream without actually having done any work? Seems like an irresponsible waste to me. You're right, that is a problem. I'm glad somebody shot *that* idea dead in the street. Seriously, though - I know this may seem to be getting a little bit off topic, but does anyone know whether the original falls would ever be reclaimable in any sort of worthwhile form? I know this is almost purely hypothetical, but should something ever make the generating plant no longer feasible, might there be a chance of getting that geological marvel back in operational order? What a fabulous centerpiece that would make for a downtown that claims to value the heritage of its river. That'd be, like, really cool, eh? Respectfully, Mark Holtz Kea'au, Hawaii (Formerly of Downtown, 7th Ward) ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
