[Mpls] Judge: Biernat's statements to FBI should be admitted
Judge: Biernat's statements to FBI should be admitted Rochelle Olson Star Tribune Published Sep 17, 2002 When Minneapolis City Council Member oe Biernat told FBI agents that he had illegally accepted free plumbing work, he did so voluntarily, a federal judge ruled Monday. Biernat's lawyer, Jan Symchych, had argued that the statements were coerced and should be suppressed, but Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan recommended admitting them as evidence in Biernat's upcoming corruption trial. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3236280.html Shawn Lewis, Field Neigbhorhood -- __ Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Biernat: He was scared and his tummy hurt
Is this what we call leadership? This sounds like something a five year old girl would say. It's a symptom though of a much bigger problem: The epidemic of justifying horrible conduct by CREATING excuses. In the private sector, one gets paid for producing results, not for coming up with 20 reasons why the job couldn't get done. Apparently we're still willing to pay people in the public sector for making excuses. Until this changes, nothing will improve. Here is the actual quote from Rochelle Olson's article: The statements were tainted, Symchych has said, because Biernat was on the prescription drug Cipro to fight off a stomach ailment from a trip to Guatemala; because he was intimidated by an aggressive FBI agent, Sean Boylan,. Vicky Heller North Oaks ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Board of Estimate levy vote
Forwarded with permission on behalf of Wallace Swan, Board of Estimate and Taxation, in response to David Brauer's post asking for more information about last week's 8 percent levy limit vote that allocated $500,000 more to the library and park boards. I have read your letter asking about the decision-making process regarding the setting of the city levy. First, I must note that I am responding solely on behalf of myself and no other Board of Estimate and Taxation member. Second, I must note that I have seen a brief reference in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune (and a somewhat longer reference in startribune.com ) to the funding for Libraries and Parks presumably being taken from the city pension fund. The pension fund reference is singularly inaccurate. The real facts are as follows: The Mayor's proposed levy scenario called for the yearly payment to be $4,451,158 to be levied for the Minneapolis Employee Retirement Fund for pay 2003, (even though this figure was actually the one submitted by MERF for pay 2002). However, the proposal adopted by the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation used the accurate figure that was actually requested for pay 2003 by letter from the Minneapolis Employee Retirement Fund, which was $3,990,564. We have confirmed the accuracy of the figure not only by re-reading the letter received by our Board, but also by direct conversation with the Director of the Minneapolis Employees Retirement fund. The $460,436 difference between the $4,451,158 amount and the $3,990,564 amount (plus $77,157 from the bond redemption fund) was used to provide the Library and Park Boards with the same dollar amount for operating funds in 2003 as they received in 2002 (from the combination of property taxes and Local Government Aids). The purpose of this was to ensure that services to adults and children throughout the city do not suffer even more significant cutbacks than they will already receive with the 0% increase that our levy allows. The amount that both these Boards will receive is stringent because they must absorb inflationary changes without any compensating new revenue in 2003. All of us, including the Libraries and Parks, must live on the more limited funds that are available. The Board of Estimate and Taxation is supposed to balance not only at the interests of the City of Minneapolis, the Library Board and the Park Board--but all of the people of the city of Minneapolis. As I mentioned during the course of the meeting, our Board indeed did comply with the far-sighted request of the Mayor to no longer have more than an 8% property tax increase---so that we can retain the ability to keep low and middle income people in their homes. You may remember that several years ago, I warned the city about the need to have a plan to reduce our debt--and this plan is one of the consequences of the need to address those problems. But at the same time, because of the shift of the money mentioned above, we were able to ensure that the limits upon the Library Board and Park Boards operating budgets lessen the negative impact upon the children and adults of the city. In essence, we were able to protect the interests of the taxpayers while at the time ensuring that our libraries and parks are protected as much as fiscally possible. Dr. Wallace Swan Member, Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation - forwarded by David Brauer, list manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Traffic Reduction
In a message dated 9/15/02 4:55:21 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes (in part): So can you tell me how Mr. Engwicht will solve this problem without more concrete? Mark Anderson Bancroft Neighborhood (Hey, Mark -- is this our first direct dialogue on the Minneapolis Issues List? It seems funny, after having spoken in person while neighbors and while MG I were doing childcare in the Bancroft neighborhood.) Well, I don't think Mr. Engwicht will solve our traffic congestion problem. I do think his website presents some unique and positive suggestions, which I outlined in my previous e-mail. Walking and biking are positive things we can do. Of course, we need to invest in creating walkable, bikable neighborhoods which include local grocery stores, hardware stores, and other businesses and services integrated into neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods in Minneapolis do have significant mixed-use elements and include some essential businesses and services, but many have lost these. Some investment in "smart development" will be needed over a few years. As to the freeway and arterial highway situation, I think you and I are coming at it from opposite experiences, Mark. As I recall, you commute some distance everyday by car, while (for the past two years or so) I have used an HPV to work at many clients' homes and businesses within two or three miles of my home. I have begun to change to a more "sustainable" lifestyle in an intentional way. I see the urban transportation issue as a public health issue and as an environmental issue. The pollution cars make is not good for us or our kids or for the lakes and streams and so forth, and all the creatures who live around here. The litany of woes caused by auto generated pollution is long. I won't repeat it in detail here and now, but I can dig into it if it will help the conversation. So, I think we need to move away from petroleum-based transportation to less pollutive things. There is a significant health implication (apart from the very significant pollution issues) involved in urban transportation and transportation infrastructure as well. Again, I will be brief, but there are two categories here. The first is individual health impacts (again, just those not related to pollution). By encouraging "passive" transportation over "active" transportation, we have become a culture of veal calves. We are obese, our muscles and bones are weakened, and we suffer from what doctors call an epidemic of serious, easily preventable diseases such as diabetes, depression, and cancers. Doctors now see exercise as playing a major role in individual health, and see urban design as playing a major role in preventing diabetes, many cancers, depression, and other diseases. The immune system is strengthened through exercise. Doctors at the World Health Organization and at the CDC have noted that urban design stops people from getting adequate exercise. People who work long hours and commute by car are frequently unable to get enough exercise to be healthy. Children are bussed or driven to school, where they receive less physical education than ever. Check out the WHO and CDC websites for more info, and tell me what you think. Also check out websites related to urban sprawl, car-free urban design, and "smart growth" -- a google search using any of these phrases should give enough options for some helpful web-surfing. The second (non-pollution-related) negative health impact is actually more social. I noticed that when I was doing daycare and built the "alleycart" -- a homebuilt pushcart to take small children to the Parks and back, that we had wonderful interactions in the neighborhood. People we would have passed by anonymously in a car were now truly our neighbors. We talked, they listened to the kids laugh, cry, sing, and call out as we passed by. Even now as I ride a cargo trike through south Minneapolis, I stop to say hello to elderly people who smile and wave, to children, and even to other middle-aged folks like myself. As more people engage in active transportation within neighborhoods, we build community and human connection, which is also very important to human health. Now, to shift gears: the problem of moving people and material through the city and metro area is huge. We can all agree, I think, that traffic congestion is bad. I suggest several strategies to do away with most traffic congestion: 1. "Smart Growth" -- aggressively create multi-use urban neighborhoods where people can live, work, and shop for the most part within walking distance of home. 2. Create intentional "active" transportation options metro-wide -- more bike and pedestrian friendly trails and roads connected by... 3. Comprehensive public transportation optionswe have a very limited bus system in the Metro, built on 50 or 60 year-old models of transportation. We need a greater variety of options: more routes, and smaller (bio-diesel?) busses running more frequently on
[Mpls] mpls news in the pioneer press
MINNEAPOLIS: Biernat confession to be used at trialMinneapolis City Council Member Joe Biernat's confession to taking a bribe will be admissible at his trial, U.S. Magistrate Arthur J. Boylan ruled Monday.( BY JUDITH YATES BORGER, Pioneer Press, 09/17/2002 03:01 AM CDT) Judith Yates Borger Staff Reporter Minneapolis Bureau St. Paul Pioneer Press 612 338-8198 Cell: 651 503-0162
[Mpls] Wasting Money: Private vs. Public
If a private company wastes money, whether large or small, it's none of our business. When a public company wastes money, whether large or small, it is the business of its Board and shareholders. When the government wastes money, at any level, it's the business of the citizens and taxpayers. Owning equity in a company, whether public or private, is VOLUNTARY. Higher standards apply to PUBLIC MONEY because being a taxpayer is NOT VOLUNTARY. Robert Schmid wrote: The public/private comparison that some people favor so much is really only valid when comparing small companies to the public sector. Vicky Heller North Oaks ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Under the influence
I had to laugh when I read that CM Biernet actually tried to use as a defense being under the influence of Cipro?! Cipro is an antibiotic not a narcotic like morphine or Demerol. Not an anti-anxiety medication like Xanax or Valium. It is an antibiotic like all of us have taken for various infections. I believe that the worst side effects are of a gastrointestinal nature. I believe that with each day he embarrasses himself and the office that he holds. I believe that he should cut his losses before he embarrasses himself and his constituents any more and just resign. Karen Forbes Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] County race: bedfellows check
Also shown in a big photo is Councilmember Robert Lilligren - a DFLer, though not afraid to run against endorsed party choices. There's no explicit indication of a Lilligren endorsement of Felien, but the pic sure implies one. Is Councilmember Lilligren supporting Felien? That would give Ed two of the 4-6 council members in the new Fourth. Lilligren has never thought much of Peter McLaughlin. Peter also actively worked for Robert's opponent, Vicky Brock last year. He was even distributing literature for her. Robert did support green candidate Natalie Johnson Lee when she ran against Jackie Cherryhomes, so there would be precident for that. From what I understand, Peter McLaughlin is quite angry that Felien dares to run against him. It goes against the Divine Right of Peter McLaughlin doctrine. Peter McLaughlin's role in pushing the idea of a downtown sales tax of 1% to pay for a stadium will be an issue in this campaign as it will in others. Now it's a two person race for County Commissioner. It will be interesting to see if there are going to be debates. My guess is Peter McLaughlin will want to do the Rosegarden strategy -- all part of the Divine Right theories. McLaughlin also is a big booster of Urban Ventures Colin Powell Youth Center in the Central neighborhood -- something a number of Central Neighborhood residents weren't fond of. Peter brags about (on his website) getting the county to give Urban Ventures a $500,000 loan. UV is clearly a fundementalist organization (not like Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Charities which truly do lots of good in the city). In my opinion UV Leadership -- Art Erickson and Ralph Bruins -- have a history of anti-gay activity in the Central neighborhood. They were also involved with the Motel Central scheme along with Basim Sabri. (That was the scheme that ultimately brought Brian Herron down). Eva Young Near North Minneapolis, MN ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Biernat: He was scared and his tummy hurt
This is the problem with having a council member still in office while under indictment. He has a right to defend himself, even if it's by making himself look clueless and stupid. What does it say about his effectiveness as an elected official, though, that he is fighting to have his cluelessness taken into account in his court case? Rosalind Nelson Bancroft Victoria Heller wrote: It's a symptom though of a much bigger problem: The epidemic of justifying horrible conduct by CREATING excuses. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Biernat: what would his statement be without coersion?
Has Biernat ever said what part of his tainted statement is untrue? In his statement, as I understand it, he basically admitted that he did the action he is accused of and he conceded that he knew that his action would compromise his position on the City Council. Is he claiming the part where he admitted getting the free service did not actually happen? Or, is he trying to take back the part where he admitted that he knew he would be beholden to the plumber because he could expose his illegal acceptance of free work? I would like to know what kind of statement he would make, under oath, right now when asked the same questions. Or, is his point that he would now use the Fifth Amendment and not answer the questions. Michelle Mensing Armatage - Original Message - From: Victoria Heller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mpls Forum [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 8:33 AM Subject: [Mpls] Biernat: He was scared and his tummy hurt Is this what we call leadership? This sounds like something a five year old girl would say. It's a symptom though of a much bigger problem: The epidemic of justifying horrible conduct by CREATING excuses. In the private sector, one gets paid for producing results, not for coming up with 20 reasons why the job couldn't get done. Apparently we're still willing to pay people in the public sector for making excuses. Until this changes, nothing will improve. Here is the actual quote from Rochelle Olson's article: The statements were tainted, Symchych has said, because Biernat was on the prescription drug Cipro to fight off a stomach ailment from a trip to Guatemala; because he was intimidated by an aggressive FBI agent, Sean Boylan,. Vicky Heller North Oaks ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Biernat: He was scared and his tummy hurt
Victoria Heller wrote: It's a symptom though of a much bigger problem: The epidemic of justifying horrible conduct by CREATING excuses. We can blame the public for their willingness to accept such excuses. Kudos to Paul Zerby for being the one and only councilmember to have the courage to call for Biernat's resignation. I'm very impressed because I don't think that the candidate I supported would ever have called on Biernat to resign. Hurray Paul! Here is the actual quote from Rochelle Olson's article: The statements were tainted, Symchych has said, because Biernat was on the prescription drug Cipro to fight off a stomach ailment from a trip to Guatemala; because he was intimidated by an aggressive FBI agent, Sean Boylan,. Yea, because he was in a weakened state his capacities were diminished to the point that he was too stupid to see that a guilty person stands a better chance of getting off if they have their day in court than if they confess. Give me a break! Let's hope that plea bargain isn't too lenient. At least we'll get a chance to have an honorable Green elected. Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] County race: bedfellows check
Eva Young wrote: In my opinion UV Leadership -- Art Erickson and Ralph Bruins -- have a history of anti-gay activity in the Central neighborhood. They were also involved with the Motel Central scheme along with Basim Sabri. (That was the scheme that ultimately brought Brian Herron down). It's always interesting to me how political ideology and alliances affect the way we see the world around us. Here's Eva lambasting Urban Ventures for their fundamentalism and other political ties, a point that may be completely valid in our little insular world of candidates and political posturing, but one which is lost on those of us who aren't in the loop. When I hear about Urban Venture, for instance, I think only of my 14-year-old daughter's soccer team and the marvelous experiences she's shared with her Latino teammates. Without UV, these experiences would not be open to her. It's another example of how sometimes politics just doesn't figure in the lives of ordinary folks. Craig Cox Hiawatha -- Craig Cox Executive Editor Utne Reader/Utne Reader Online 1624 Harmon Place Minneapolis, MN 55403 phone: 612/338-5040 (ext. 319) fax: 612/338-6043 [EMAIL PROTECTED] SUBSCRIBE NOW. CLICK HERE: http://www.utne.com/subscribe/ Get our FREE Utne Web Watch: The Best of the Alternative Web www.utne.com/webwatch ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] County race: bedfellows check
Eva Young wrote: From what I understand, Peter McLaughlin is quite angry that Felien dares to run against him. It goes against the Divine Right of Peter McLaughlin doctrine. WM: This doesn't even make sense. A politician loves an opponent like Felien, it's less work. Felien knows, if no one else does, that it was a no contest between him and McLaughlin. The unfortunate part is that it doesn't test the mettle of the incumbent and I do like a debate on the issues.. It will be interesting to see if there are going to be debates. My guess is Peter McLaughlin will want to do the Rosegarden strategy -- all part of the Divine Right theories. WM: This is pure slander in the interest of the writer and perhaps in the interest of her political party, the GOP. Peter McLaughlin has done a pretty good job as commissioner. Good incumbents do not have to assume divine rights, (even if they were both divine and right on the same occasion). They do their work and get reelected on that basis. It helps if they're presentable to the general public as well. McLaughlin also is a big booster of Urban Ventures Colin Powell Youth Center in the Central neighborhood -- something a number of Central Neighborhood residents weren't fond of. Peter brags about (on his website) getting the county to give Urban Ventures a $500,000 loan. UV is clearly a fundementalist organization (not like Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Charities which truly do lots of good in the city). In my opinion UV Leadership -- Art Erickson and Ralph Bruins -- have a history of anti-gay activity in the Central neighborhood. They were also involved with the Motel Central scheme along with Basim Sabri. (That was the scheme that ultimately brought Brian Herron down). WM: Where to start. Catholicism, as practiced in the US is fundamentalist, as are all the Christian religions, in the sense that they proseletize for their viewpoint every chance they get--and make chances when there is a lull in the proseletyzing. They use it for political purposes (a woman's right to choose, equal rights for women, both adamently opposed by Christian churches). As a cradle Catholic, I have a bead on what my bunch have been and are doing, but the Prostetants don't seem to be doing any differently in the area of missionary work. All the hoo-hah about Urban Ventures is based on personalities--Erickson and Bruins personalities and the personalities of those who oppose the Powell Center. Erickson doesn't thrill me either, but a place that's willing to address some of the needs of the kids around here, now that's a plus. Parents get to choose to send their children there or not as their consciences dictate. Erickson's alleged homophobia is based entirely on a pamphlet or flier that no one has been able to produce during the last ten years. Produce one reliable instance of Erickson acting out his homophobia and you might, just might, be able to build a case. So far, you got bupkus. 95% of the population of Central is homophobic in one way or another for whatever reasons--and that includes gays and lesbians. The hotel scheme wasn't insidious. It was developers wanting to put a hotel where some folks thought one should not go. The anti-hotel folks won. Whether Erickson had an interest in the hotel or not is beside the issue sine there ain't no hotel on Second Av. between Lake and 31st. and now no possibility of building one since Sabri filled the seven lots with store fronts. One of the unavoidable truths about competing desires over land use is that someone wins and someone loses due to physics (no two things can occupy the same space at the same time). I'm glad Peter could find money in the county budget to target kids in this area for special, positive attention. Anyone else could have applied for the money if they had the pieces in place to build programs for kids. Everyone who was into kids in the area had an equal chance to get the money IF they had the programs in place to deliver the programs. If the choice is between playing soccer on a field Art Erickson raised the money for and standing around bored thinking of ways to create havoc in the neighborhood, between fundamentalist Christians and fundamentalist gang bangers, guess who gets my vote every time? I'm sure McLaughlin will give us all the particulars of why we should reelect him. Argue the issues, not the rumors. WizardMarks, Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] County race: bedfellows check
Craig Cox wrote: It's always interesting to me how political ideology and alliances affect the way we see the world around us. Here's Eva lambasting Urban Ventures for their fundamentalism and other political ties, a point that may be completely valid in our little insular world of candidates and political posturing, but one which is lost on those of us who aren't in the loop. When I hear about Urban Venture, for instance, I think only of my 14-year-old daughter's soccer team and the marvelous experiences she's shared with her Latino teammates. Without UV, these experiences would not be open to her. It's another example of how sometimes politics just doesn't figure in the lives of ordinary folks. I'm sure that there are many Palestinians who feel the same way about Hamas' community involvement and many Israelis who perceive them much differently. It's not always morally justified to live our small middle-class lives when our neighbors a few miles away live very different ones. This is how I felt discussing minority dropout rates with parents in South, who would immediately change the topic to the funding of their school programs. What goes around, comes around. Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Computers in schools
About changing the platform of school computers from Mac to something else: The most immediate result would be having to buy all new software. Hmm. I've questioned whether having young children use computers is a worthy goal, and I think that's a better question than what platform should be used. Larry Cuban, a researcher at Stanford University, has done research and reviewed others' research about the effects of computer use with young children, and he concludes that children shouldn't use computers before they are seven years old. The Educational Testing Service has issued a report by Harold Wenglinsky that calls computers an unrealized promise. A steadfast proponent of computer use in schools, Wenglinsky seems perplexed that computers haven't yielded the achievement results that everyone seems to expect, despite all the effort and resources devoted to computer use and teacher training. He stubbornly urges that schools pursue MORE teacher training on computers. As a former teacher, I say if something fails, don't keep doing it. Don't waste Kindergarten teachers' time trying to find appropriate ways to use computers with young children. Let them use their training time becoming more effective all around - not just during the half hour a week they may spend on computers. Stop making computer use an end in itself. Let the teachers of the older students use computers to further their academic aims; don't just tell them they'd better teach with computers. The state now requires that all teachers seeking certification prove they can figure out ways to use computers with children. Charter schools in Minnesota, regardless of their focus or the age of their students, have to show how they will integrate computers throughout the curriculum. Our state requires computers to be good for all children, but the evidence doesn't indicate that they are. I think this has something to do with how much money there is behind the computer proponents. One big booster is the Milken Family Foundation, whose work is heavily cited by MPS. (Remember Michael Milken? Now that he's out of jail, he's making national education policy.) I am concerned about the effect of an interest-group driven policy on our younger children, for whom computer use is the most egregious misuse of time. MPS policy continues to require Kindergarteners to use computers, to learn things like pre-research skills and how information is organized. Is this time well spent for five- year-olds, most of whom are still learning letter-sound connections and how to count? Which of the school board candidates would consider changing the policy that requires young children to use computers, as a stand-alone subject, each week? Heather Martens Kingfield ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Computers in schools
About changing the platform of school computers from Mac to something else: The most immediate result would be having to buy all new software. Hmm. I've questioned whether having young children use computers is a worthy goal, and I think that's a better question than what platform should be used. Larry Cuban, a researcher at Stanford University, has done research and reviewed others' research about the effects of computer use with young children, and he concludes that children shouldn't use computers before they are seven years old. The Educational Testing Service has issued a report by Harold Wenglinsky that calls computers an unrealized promise. A steadfast proponent of computer use in schools, Wenglinsky seems perplexed that computers haven't yielded the achievement results that everyone seems to expect, despite all the effort and resources devoted to computer use and teacher training. He stubbornly urges that schools pursue MORE teacher training on computers. As a former teacher, I say if something fails, don't keep doing it. Don't waste Kindergarten teachers' time trying to find appropriate ways to use computers with young children. Let them use their training time becoming more effective all around - not just during the half hour a week they may spend on computers. Stop making computer use an end in itself. Let the teachers of the older students use computers to further their academic aims; don't just tell them they'd better teach with computers. The state now requires that all teachers seeking certification prove they can figure out ways to use computers with children. Charter schools in Minnesota, regardless of their focus or the age of their students, have to show how they will "integrate computers throughout the curriculum." Our state requires computers to be good for all children, but the evidence doesn't indicate that they are. I think this has something to do with how much money there is behind the computer proponents. One big booster is the Milken Family Foundation, whose work is heavily cited by MPS. (Remember Michael Milken? Now that he's out of jail, he's making national education policy.) I am concerned about the effect of an interest-group driven policy on our younger children, for whom computer use is the most egregious misuse of time. MPS policy continues to require Kindergarteners to use computers, to learn things like "pre-research skills" and "how information is organized." Is this time well spent for five-year-olds, most of whom are still learning letter-sound connections and how to count? Which of the school board candidates would consider changing the policy that requires young children to use computers, as a stand-alone subject, each week? Heather MartensKingfield
[Mpls] FYI: SavetheGuthrie Event
For those of you who may be interested: The Historic Guthrie Preservation Coalition invites you to a fundraiser Wednesday, September 18, 2002 7-9 pm at the home of Dore and Ron Mead 112 East Elmwood Place, Minneapolis Special Guest: Ralph Rapson, Guthrie architect Your hosts are: Sara Bell, Ann Berget, Roger Brooks, Linda Donaldson, Phil Freshman, Rita Goodrich and Tim Fuller, Jane King Hession, Ginny Housum, Duane Kell, Bob Mack, Jack Manley, Dore and Ron Mead, Paul Metsa, Paul and Letty Mindrum Merrill, Jack Reuler, Bob and Sally Roscoe, Charlene Roise, Aaron Reubenstein, Gary Schiff, Carolyn Sundquist, Virginia Sweatt, and Ted Thompson. Members of the Historic Guthrie Preservation Coalition are SavetheGuthrie.org, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Transportation Infrastructure, Fundamentalism, Accountability
Gary Hoover: The second (non-pollution-related) negative health impact is actually more social. I noticed that when I was doing daycare and built the alleycart -- a homebuilt pushcart to take small children to the Parks and back, that we had wonderful interactions in the neighborhood. People we would have passed by anonymously in a car were now truly our neighbors. We talked, they listened to the kids laugh, cry, sing, and call out as we passed by. Good point, Gary. I think it is funny and ironic that we discuss all these other social ills that, at bottom, have urban design as a first cause, yet we never consider in our study of transportation issues whether our choices make this WORSE! We forget how life ties all these issues together and a wrong move on one side leads to unforeseen costs elsewhere. Gary again: Even now as I ride a cargo trike through south Minneapolis, I stop to say hello to elderly people who smile and wave, to children, and even to other middle-aged folks like myself. As more people engage in active transportation within neighborhoods, we build community and human connection, which is also very important to human health Quite apart from the gratification, Gary, I find alternative transportation modes pretty much REQUIRE me to interact more. This then binds me into my neighborhood as a byproduct, without all the intentional methods that people sometimes shy away from. Gary: Congestion Tax: we need to explore this disincentive for driving in congestion. You can access information on it at the BBC -- apparently it has worked well in Singapore(?), and London is setting up a program. Think of it as behavioral modification with the benefit of raising revenue to fund the transformation to a more active, healthier urban environment for us and our kids. I dont consider it behavior modification. I consider it taking externalities and returning to those who originate them. The same thing as the excess fees paid by people who create excessive solid waste. Minneapolis makes your garbage fee depend on the size of your cart and how many carts you have. Same idea as the congestion tax. Wallace Swan, Board of Estimate and Taxation: You may remember that several years ago, I warned the city about the need to have a plan to reduce our debt--and this plan is one of the consequences of the need to address those problems. But at the same time, because of the shift of the money mentioned above, we were able to ensure that the limits upon the Library Board and Park Boards operating budgets lessen the negative impact upon the children and adults of the city. Not much to say except too many business people with their hands out and too many tractable people on the City Council. Those tractable people are gone, but the hangover lingers. Robert Schmid: I know I'm going from the specific to the general again, but I just realized that this argument is not very valid. I've worked in and around some very large companies and, frankly, they run exactly the same way. Yeh, Victoria Heller is recyling popular mythology. She should watch the No Shame segment on Wall Street Week with Fortune where they constantly highlight cases of being paid huge sums for LOSING money. What was the $2 million golden handshake to Dennis Evans by the First Bank System board for Victoria? He had made a bond play that lost $300 million. Is that what you call results? WizardMarks: WM: Where to start. Catholicism, as practiced in the US is fundamentalist, as are all the Christian religions, in the sense that they proseletize for their viewpoint every chance they get--and make chances when there is a lull in the proseletyzing By that standard, Quakerism is not fundamentalist. Heather Martens: MPS policy continues to require Kindergarteners to use computers, to learn things like pre-research skills and how information is organized. Is this time well spent for five- year-olds, most of whom are still learning letter-sound connections and how to count? I'd say that I don't consider it as such. At least not when all other valid educational goals are being met. Jim Mork (Cooper) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! News - Today's headlines http://news.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Festival/Arts in the City
Thought I'd try one more blanket email - We still need a few more volunteers for both shifts (listed below) for the upcoming festival with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, this Saturday, September 21. Please contact me ASAP if you can help out - no need to respond if you can't. Thanks, Liz Greenbaum ArtiCulture Director ergreenbaum wrote: Hi all - ArtiCulture has been invited to be part of a new festival with Abbott Nortwestern Hospital on Saturday, September 21. The theme is Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Spirit. ArtiCulture is the healthy mind with simple bookmaking as our arts activity. It will be in the park just east of the hospital. There will be food, drink and musical entertainment. The reason I am sending this e-mail is a need for more volunteers - no artist abilities needed - just a desire to help with the arts activities and have fun. We need volunteers for 2 shifts: 1st shift - 11am to 2:15pm (setup/festival) 2nd shift - 2:15pm to 5:30pm (festival/breakdown) Please respond only if you can volunteer. If you can't, please pass it on to someone who may be able to help. Thanks much, Liz Greenbaum Director ArtiCulture __ The NEW Netscape 7.0 browser is now available. Upgrade now! http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ __ The NEW Netscape 7.0 browser is now available. Upgrade now! http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] County race: bedfellows check
At 01:52 PM 9/17/02 -0500, WizardMarks wrote: Eva Young wrote: From what I understand, Peter McLaughlin is quite angry that Felien dares to run against him. It goes against the Divine Right of Peter McLaughlin doctrine. WM: This doesn't even make sense. A politician loves an opponent like Felien, it's less work. Felien knows, if no one else does, that it was a no contest between him and McLaughlin. The unfortunate part is that it doesn't test the mettle of the incumbent and I do like a debate on the issues.. Well I heard from Mark Stenglein that Peter McLaughlin was rattled by Felien's campaign. I think part of what he's frustrated by, is Felien is putting out the Challenger newsletter. WM: This is pure slander in the interest of the writer and perhaps in the interest of her political party, the GOP. Peter McLaughlin has done a pretty good job as commissioner. Why do I hear complaints about Peter McLaughlin regularly from most of the people I know in his district? McLaughlin also is a big booster of Urban Ventures Colin Powell Youth Center in the Central neighborhood -- something a number of Central Neighborhood residents weren't fond of. Peter brags about (on his website) getting the county to give Urban Ventures a $500,000 loan. UV is clearly a fundementalist organization (not like Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Charities which truly do lots of good in the city). In my opinion UV Leadership -- Art Erickson and Ralph Bruins -- have a history of anti-gay activity in the Central neighborhood. They were also involved with the Motel Central scheme along with Basim Sabri. (That was the scheme that ultimately brought Brian Herron down). WM: Where to start. Catholicism, as practiced in the US is fundamentalist, as are all the Christian religions, in the sense that they proseletize for their viewpoint every chance they get--and make chances when there is a lull in the proseletyzing. They use it for political purposes (a woman's right to choose, equal rights for women, both adamently opposed by Christian churches). As a cradle Catholic, I have a bead on what my bunch have been and are doing, but the Prostetants don't seem to be doing any differently in the area of missionary work. Ok, this is an example of what I mean: The Urban Ventures Leadership Development Ministry http://www.heartlandsynod.org/PIPpages/Urban.html The goal of Leadership Development is to develop students who by their senior year in high school are so committed to Jesus Christ that they can survive and thrive in any environment. Many are targeted by the Leadership Development staff for Bible study and discipleship, Scripture memory, mentoring, leadership development, retreats, summer camping and community service. === Now excuse me, but I thought that the Dems -- folks like Peter McLaughlin -- were opposed to Bush's Faith Based Initiatives. If that's the case, why does McLaughlin want county money going to an organization like this? What happens with kids who come from different religions than the one espoused by Art and Ralph? All the hoo-hah about Urban Ventures is based on personalities--Erickson and Bruins personalities and the personalities of those who oppose the Powell Center. Erickson doesn't thrill me either, but a place that's willing to address some of the needs of the kids around here, now that's a plus. Parents get to choose to send their children there or not as their consciences dictate. Erickson's alleged homophobia is based entirely on a pamphlet or flier that no one has been able to produce during the last ten years. The newsletter was included in the board packet for an NRP Central steering committee (both Walt Gutzmer, and Jennifer Gahnstrom were on that committee). The meeting notes were sent out by Urban Ventures -- and Gutzmer -- the specified gay rep was the only one to get the newsletter which included a moving article about how gays should repent and become straight. I've talked with others, besides Gutzmer who have contemporaneous recollection of this one. The hotel scheme wasn't insidious. It was developers wanting to put a hotel where some folks thought one should not go. An overwhelming number of folks didn't want the Motel. Speaking of the Motel and where it was planned for -- has anyone driven by that block and looked at Sabri's developments over there -- they really are about that tackiest things I've seen in a long time. The anti-hotel folks won. Whether Erickson had an interest in the hotel or not is beside the issue sine there ain't no hotel on Second Av. between Lake and 31st. and now no possibility of building one since Sabri filled the seven lots with store fronts. Yup, very tacky and poorly made store fronts -- not alot invested there, so Sabri would have no problem tearing down the storefronts could he get more land on that block and get the zoning variance for the
Re: [Mpls] joe biernat's tummy ache
I never thought I would agree with Lynn Mickelson about anything or would find myself defending Joe Biernet but let us not forget police interrogation tactics. They are mainly interested in getting a suspect to go along the cops' decision to arrest and charge they; really don't care about the facts after they've decided to go after someone. Practically all of those people on death row who have been cleared by DNA evidence at one time confessed to the crime! Linda Mann Kingfield (Still think he's guilty even if the FBI was mean) ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Computers in schools
I find I come from a different angle than most on this topic. To put it in context, I make my living off of computers, and am an engineer in the field, helping to develop new techniques and tools too. However I hardly touched a computer until 12th grade. In the next three years I knew enough about computers to get a good job in the industry. Now I don't think I'm Gods gift to the computer industry or anything, and I'm not any brighter than the average guy. So it taught me a simple lesson. If your focused, you can learn everything you need to about computers in a relatively short time. So I don't resent not having too many computers in the schools growing up. I am much happier to have learned the basics, reading, writing, math (instead of how to plug in numbers on a calculator or computer), how to do *real* research (instead of typing a word into a search engine on the internet) etc. Because in the end, if you know your basics, transferring them to a new platform is a piece of cake (at least if you compare it to learning the basics). I certainly don't think computers are bad, I use them every day! But I highly question their benefit as a learning tool, especially in the lower grades in school. Working with a bunch of other engineers who all have degrees in math and computers, we gripe about this all the time. We see the knowledge gap in the interns! It pains us to hear stories like Kindergarteners and grade schoolers being required to work with computers. Ninths graders being required to have graphic calculators. That's a really stupid policy-they shouldn't have a calculator at all. They have plenty of time for that later. They need to start with the basics! It's a universal understanding at my job, that a lot of these policies about computer use is depriving the kids of what they really need to know. It's not too hard to teach someone to use a computer, but if you get stuck with someone who doesn't know reading writing and math, your in for a world of hurt! Tom Holtzleiter Kingfield ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Board Election
Eva Young: Why do I hear complaints about Peter McLaughlin regularly from most of the people I know in his district Got nothin' against Crazy Ed, actually like him a lot, but don't really have a complaint against my county board rep, McLaughlin either. Didn't they decline to be involved with the stadium? Sounds like they were more down my line than the Council was. WizardMarks: There is an assumption that these folks are teaching some nefarious stuff, but I'd be willing to bet they're teaching pretty standard Christian dogma. Park Av. Methodist does the same in their programs. So do all the other churches. Try are week or two at Catholic Youth League or Luther League and get their version of the same old same old. Quaker programs don't teach any religion at all. Don't overgeneralize about Christian behavior. Jim Mork (Cooper) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! News - Today's headlines http://news.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
