Re: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to the budget...
Begin Original Message A lot of Dyna's points have validity, but one of the hard things about this discussion is the concept of cutting the GROWTH. If we're really talking about taking anticipated GROWTH and reducing it, how do we know how much cutting in staff that implies. Is it also reducing the INCREASE in staff? Also, Dyna seems to see the problem in cutting employee pay (strike, blue flu), but the same idea applies to cutting police funds. Clearly, this will take some enlightened management, made harder in the police case by the aggressive leadership of the Police Federation. RT may end up feeling lucky he didn't get rid of Chief Olson. I particularly noticed the phrase except for senior staff. What is the idea behind that? Is there an ASSUMPTION that senior staff are inherently the most VALUABLE staff? That doesnt square with my experience as a city employee. There are people who've never worked anywhere else but the city, who certainly know a lot about city processes, but who are bad apples who spoil the barrel. Also, they are not union members, so they aren't protected by the AFSCME contract. Trouble is that it would take KNOWLEDGE of what is going on to pick them out and delete their positions, so I'm pessimistic that the political representatives will ever be able to cut deadwood. By the way, the idea of using smaller vehicles for EMT calls sounds like a good one. Except that it requires adding to the equipment of the fire department. I suppose the logic of sending fire trucks and fire employees is that we're paying the employees already and own the equipment already. We're simply getting more utilization out of them. -- Jim Mork--Cooper War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our Country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out. Gen. William T. Sherman (1864) Letter to the Mayor of Atlanta. Get your free Web-based E-mail at http://www.startribune.com/stribmail ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Hiawatha speed
Jim Mork says, while talking about how to get pedestrians across Hiawatha, that train stops shouldn't be too close together, since train speeds are what makes the train a good idea. The stops are generally about a mile apart, except downtown and at 80th and 81st in Bloomington, where the owner of what was the CDC building stomped his feet (I won't develop more of this property if I don't have a stop at the main entrance to the main building) and got met council to agree to build two stops two blocks apart (at around a million bucks each). The train speeds are not going to exceed auto speeds along the route, for safety. That's why it will take 30 minutes to travel the route (around 22 mph average). The acceleration/deceleration rate is 3 mph/second. That means that if the train's top speed is 35, 23 seconds out of every run between stations will go to starting and stopping and and about two minutes for running time, if the distance is a mile. Multiply that by ten to get running time outside of downtown. Much slower downtown. Plus stopped time. Lots of suburbanite bashing when talking about roads, as usual. Ever looked at how many city residents use the same roads to get to their jobs and other destinations in the suburbs? As far as the large amounts of development some people dream about along the lrt, look for more subsidies to make that happen. The city and met council already have set aside around $9 million for subsidies in the supposedly attractive areas around the train stops. In Portland, Oregon, the city council looked at the very small amount of development that had happened around lrt stops after ten years and voted in a ten year property tax waiver for those building within a certain distance of a station (1/4 mile or 1/2, don't care to look it up). Development hasn't jumped since then. Look to the newspaper archives out there for info on the Beaverton Round, a transit-oriented development built around a station. I think the city kick-in is at least $10 million now, two or three developer bankruptcies later. As someone I know says, the spin-meisters in Portland count every gallon of paint and every nail sold near stations as development, such as the mall that was remodeled. It was there before the lrt and would have continued without it. As a Seattle developer has said: It's transit-ORIENTED development, not transit-DEPENDENT development. It has to be able to succeed without the lrt to be practical. Bruce Gaarder Highland Park Saint Paul [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha
Now try it outside your car. Try to walk from Coastal Seafood on Minnehaha 24th to East Phillips Park at 24th Cedar. Then walk across Hiawatha at 26th Street. Then, just for fun, see if you can figure out how to get from Target at Minnehaha Lake to anywhere at all in Phillips without a car and feel safe. -Original Message- From: Anderson Turpin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2003 5:33 PM To: mpls@mnforum Subject: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha I drove down Hiawatha highway yesterday, from 46th St to the West Bank exit. I looked hard for the reasons to keep Hiawatha at 35 mph, but I didn't see any. There are no residences anywhere near the road. Can anyone tell me why the speed limit isn't 55 mph throughout that whole stretch of highway, besides the promise of a misguided politician a number of years ago? If anywhere should be a highway, it's that road. Mark Anderson Bancroft ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha
Forgot to sign this last post. Corrie Zoll Midtown Phillips -Original Message- From: Corrie Zoll Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 8:19 AM To: mpls@mnforum Subject: RE: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha Now try it outside your car. Try to walk from Coastal Seafood on Minnehaha 24th to East Phillips Park at 24th Cedar. Then walk across Hiawatha at 26th Street. Then, just for fun, see if you can figure out how to get from Target at Minnehaha Lake to anywhere at all in Phillips without a car and feel safe. -Original Message- From: Anderson Turpin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2003 5:33 PM To: mpls@mnforum Subject: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha I drove down Hiawatha highway yesterday, from 46th St to the West Bank exit. I looked hard for the reasons to keep Hiawatha at 35 mph, but I didn't see any. There are no residences anywhere near the road. Can anyone tell me why the speed limit isn't 55 mph throughout that whole stretch of highway, besides the promise of a misguided politician a number of years ago? If anywhere should be a highway, it's that road. Mark Anderson Bancroft ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] protest
In a message dated 1/13/2003 8:54:37 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I think who ever is organizing these kids to parade under these banners should be the first to get killed in any future terrorist activities. I am seriously considering a trip to Palestine, Mr. Jacobsen, to work in a university there. It is my belief that if one really wants the youth to say no to suicide bombings, one must give them something to say yes to. Certainly I am frightened; I should that think you would wish me luck if I do decide to go. I would never, ever wish anyone harm in a terrorist attack (or in any other kind of attack), certainly not as a result of a traffic jam. I haven't even wished it for people who run red lights and nearly hit me, a pedestrian, with their cars. Kristine Harley Sheridan ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Speed limit on Hiawatha II
P.S. at the LRT meetings, we also found out that the 46th St. residents really know how to have a good time. In addition to asking people about their concerns regarding the LRT stops, we also asked people what they saw as the biggest advantages to LRT. At the meeting we held for the 46th St LRT neighbors at the Minnehaha Park pavilion, almost half the people participating were senior citizens. The 46th St. LRT neighbors voted that the biggest advantage of LRT was that they would no longer have to drive their cars downtown when they went partying. Jay Clark Cooper Jay Clark wrote: Longfellow Community Council has been hosting a series of meetings with neighbors closest to the LRT stops at 46th, 38th, and Lake. When we asked what concerns people had about the LRT stops, two answers have gotten the most votes: commmuters parking on residential streets, and difficulties pedestrians will have in getting across Hiawatha to the LRT stops. With the congestion, the width of Hiawatha, and the speed people drive even with the current speed limits, residents find it a daunting task to walk across Hiawatha. Add a 55 mph speed limit and trains tangling up traffic, and residents worry that crossing Hiawatha will become even more dangerous and intimidating for pedestrians to cross, particularly the elderly. Jay Clark Cooper Anderson Turpin wrote: I drove down Hiawatha highway yesterday, from 46th St to the West Bank exit. I looked hard for the reasons to keep Hiawatha at 35 mph, but I didn't see any. There are no residences anywhere near the road. Can anyone tell me why the speed limit isn't 55 mph throughout that whole stretch of highway, besides the promise of a misguided politician a number of years ago? If anywhere should be a highway, it's that road. Mark Anderson Bancroft ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Staffing Problems At City Government and How You Build Trust
I am afraid I am caught in the position of absolutely agreeing with Jim Mork on an issue. The City would not be hurt by the loss of many senior managers appointed by Sharon. The City's brain drain started under Sharon. Good people were either forced to retire or jumped at the chance to get out. With poor managers being hired or appointed and then those managers hiring people who would not threaten them by being overly competent.There are some truly good people working for the City, but they are either the old employees, (who haven't retired yet), or some one who slipped through the cracks of Sharon's and Jackie's old group. Of course some may have just developed a competency after being hired. I have known at least two planners who were thought of as "twits" leaving for other jobs and being talked about by the City like they were a loss. Even though the Neighborhoods breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing they were leaving.RT Rybak had promised to clean out the management and hire others who were truly qualified and competent. Those who would strive to return the "Great City" he remembers, but I guess he got caught up in the bureaucracy and talked out of it by advisors who were friends of incompetent bureaucrats. Or it could have been the dead wood is really "competent" at flattering RT's people into keeping them. If RT would do an evaluation of the appointed managers, fire the dead above the ears group, hire some gifted ones, and allow the new managers to replace the unsatisfied workers with bright new people, then the City might get some people creative in problem solving. I doubt this will happen.Suggestion: Create an MCDA Board made up of "qualified" residents, rather than City Council members. Then you will see the Council and Mayor far more willing to make changes. To paraphrase the pepsodent commercial, "You'll wonder where MCDA went - when you replace the Board with Residents". The Council is not going to change or limit MCDA while the Council gets to make the decisions about where the money goes. That is something that RT apparently discovered after coming to office. We all need to remember that the City Council and Mayor ARE MCDA. The bureaucracy is just a bunch of their employees. That is why you will have a hard time limiting MCDA. Council Members would have to vote to loose their main economic and political power. Anyone who believes that is going to happen needs to callme. I have this wonderful mangoele swamp in Costa Rica to sell for vacation cabin sites. Wonderful Eco-tourism sites.NRP and the City budget problems can be solved, but RT is going to have to get some new advisors. Advisors who think outside the box. Advisors who define neighborhoods as "problems" while RT is talking about "empowering" neighborhoods do not help the trust cause. RT also needs to get back in touch with the neighborhood activists who elected him. The residents of Minneapolis do not trust, or have confidence, in some of the people presently advising RT. Get some others who the people might trust and engage the residents and neighborhoods in the solutions. The solutions maybe hard, but mutually arrived at ones are easier to swallow.Start by the Council, the Mayor, and the Senior Staff taking a 10% pay cut. Until that happens I personally am not going to believe they are even interested in truly addressing this crisis. True leadership always makes sacrifices itself before asking others to do so. It is a matter of trust, how about showing a willingness to build it?Jim Graham,Ventura Village
Re: [Mpls] Update on Federal Mediation (Press Release)
The real issue is that the community has spoken. The community has made it clear that it wants Federal Mediation to move forward. If mediation is to move forward we must stop being distracted by such completely erroneous information. J. Kurtis Ballantine, Uptown Neighborhood Shawn Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: MEDIA NOTICE AND STATEMENTFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more info: Jill M. WaiteJanuary 11, 2003 Cell phone (612) 432-5065PUBLIC AND MEDIA MISLED BY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF FEDERAL MEDIATION NOW NAMEFederal Mediation Now, a grassroots coalition,has educated the community about federal mediation since September 2002. The coalition gained great credibility by holding community meetings, going door-to-door with petitions and seeking information about police issues that are important to community members. In an apparent attempt to dilute the credibility and reputation of the coalition, Zachary Metoyer incorporated under that name on December 23, 2002 and issued a letter using the name Federal Mediation Now name to solicit signatures on a petition. That petition asked that the so-called Ministerial Alliance Team be added to the community negotiating team. Metoyer is not now and has never been a member of the coalition, nor has he soughtor obtained permission to use our service mark, which includes our name. A "cease and desist" letter was mailed to Metoyer today, instructing him to stop infringingon our service mark by using the Federal Mediation Now name.Metoyers timing and use of the Federal Mediation Now name is interesting. After the CNT refused to cave in to pressure to add Olsons picks to the team, Metoyer met with Olson and issued a letter identifying himself as the President/CEO of Federal Mediation Now. That letter accompanied the petition. The position Metoyer took is directly contrary to the coalitions actual position. Department of Justice protocol does not allow the City to select the community team. The coalition has always lobbied against City involvement in community team selection. We oppose allowing Olson to stack the deck with his selections and thereby determine the outcome of mediation. What good is a sham process? All communications are issued by Federal Mediation Nows Executive Committee. Because of Metoyers unauthorized use of ourname, the media is asked to contact attorneyJill Clark at 763/417-9102 or attorney Jill Waite at 612/432-5065 for confirmation that announced positions are those of the coalition Federal Mediation Now.Shawn Lewis, Field Neighborhood-- ___Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.comhttp://www.mail.com/?sr=signupMeet Singleshttp://corp.mail.com/lavalife___Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-DemocracyPost messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mplsDo you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
Re: [Mpls] protest
Opposing war protestors in Minneapolis is fine, but advocating that certain people die is a violation of list rules against inflamed rhetoric. David Brauer List manager on 1/13/03 7:54 AM, James E. Jacobsen at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was trying to get someplace, attempting to travel on Lake Street about noon Saturday and was badly delayed by the protesters taking up the whole street and blocking traffic. 2400 sounds about right. I think who ever is organizing these kids to parade under these banners should be the first to get killed in any future terrorist activities. They could go to Isreal where Saddam Hussien is paying families of suicide bombers $25000 each. James Jacobsen // Whittier ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session
Jim Mork wrote: Begin Original Message I particularly noticed the phrase except for senior staff. What is the idea behind that? Is there an ASSUMPTION that senior staff are inherently the most VALUABLE staff? WM: The value of senior staff, if senior means number of years with the city, is that they know where the bodies are buried, so to speak. For example, even though the previous leader of public works got up some peoples' noses, he had to be on board to accomplish anything because he was the one who could supply both torque and sustaining power for a project. Conversely, he could play paper games and delay a project till the Second Coming if he wanted to--note that I'm not saying that he ever did such a thing, only that it was possible for him to do such a thing. That doesn't square with my experience as a city employee. There are people who've never worked anywhere else but the city, who certainly know a lot about city processes, but who are bad apples who spoil the barrel. Also, they are not union members, so they aren't protected by the AFSCME contract. Trouble is that it would take KNOWLEDGE of what is going on to pick them out and delete their positions, so I'm pessimistic that the political representatives will ever be able to cut deadwood. WM: There are a few who are such obvious dead wood that you can pick it out without going into city hall. The problem I hope RT will invest in reforming is the flow of paper and the amount of paper that flows and where it flows to. Reformers come through cities on a schedule, more or less, and they always make promises and decisions that change how departments are put together. However, none of them ever thinks about the paper. The paper from previous reforms doesn't go away, another layer is added to what was already too much. True, cities run on contracts and they have to be papered three ways from the middle. But there are other layers and layers that build up to an astonishing amount of wasted effort. This phenom is less obvious in Minneapolis because it's young, for a city. As an exercise in futility, I once tried to get a fence installed on a playground in Manhattan. In Minneapolis, there is a way to do it with city approval, even though it might take a while. In NYC, fogeddaboudit. The only way to make that fence happen was to put it up illegally with the remote possibility that the city would discover it and take it down sometime before we identify ETs with certainty. WizardMarks, Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Jim Graham's swampland
Sez Brother James: Council Members would have to vote to loose their main economic and political power. Anyone who believes that is going to happen needs to call me. I have this wonderful mangoele swamp in Costa Rica to sell for vacation cabin sites. Wonderful Eco-tourism sites. Sez I: Howinell did you get that swampland in the first place? I think I know but would love to hear your explanation. And THEN perhaps you will tell us why the analogy buried in the quote doesn't apply to your own proposal? Paul Weir Phillips ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Anti-War Demonstration
I helped organize the demonstration (officially and unofficially). There is a site with some photos of the demonstration at: http://www.moshwithjosh.com/antiwarprotest.html I saw the TCF sign read 5 degrees Fahrenheit just before the demonstration. It was certainly cold. I couldn't have asked for a better turnout! One good thing about having large turnouts is that the cops respect you more. The cops drove in front of us and directed traffic, which helps both us and the traffic. To whomever was there: I was the guy banging the pot with a drumstick. -Mike Jones Uptown _ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Don Samuels Resume
For those who requested to view Don Samuels resume: http://www.donsamuels.org/meetdon.htm Joseph Barisonzi Lyndale
[Mpls] From Tom Johnson - I-35W traffic weaving/merging to/from proposedramps
Project technical staff have been working on this issue for the past 2 years or so with Mn/DOT and other traffic engineers. An incredible amount of data has been gathered, and traffic simulations have been prepared to determine if the proposed ramps will serve all traffic coming south on I-35W to Lake Street and from Lake Street heading north. This component of the Project has been analyzed from every possible perspective. For the pastseveral months we have been meeting with bothMn/DOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the sole purpose ofconcluding this issue. Regarding southbound , traffic coming from westbound I-94, eastbound I-94 and southbound I-35W will all be able to use this exit to Lake Street. Restrictions will not be imposed anytime of day and there will not be a requirement for the rebraiding of existing lanes, as was once considered (e.g. bridging travel lanes to eliminate traffic having to merge). Regarding northbound, the entrance to I-35W will be permitted. Some modifications in the current freeway design will need to occur in order to relieve congestion trouble spots. This does not involve adding capacity to the freeway, but would include measures to better manage traffic flow. Recent workhas concluded that the entrance will notneed to be restricted in either the short or long-term as was once envisioned. Rebraiding of existing lanes is also not necessary. Recent postings have raised this point as a flaw in the Access Project, I hope this clarifies that these ramps will not be restricted and will not require expensive rebraiding measures. Creativity on the part of our technical team has ensured that both ramps will serve all movements no matter what time of day and without outlandish cost or freeway modification. Thank you, Tom Johnson Tom Johnson Transportation Consultant SMITH PARKER P.L.L.P Phone: 612-344-1400 Fax: 612-344-1550 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Mpls] Saturday NRP session with new city revenue streams
-Original Message- From: JIM GRAHAM During the Mayor's presentation today Mayor Rybak stated that we would have to begin the debate about the NRP cut. I (Jim Graham) answered RT that this debate had already been engaged in and was over. The debate took place before the last election. The politicians promising no cuts to NRP and to leave neighborhood control of NRP and empower those Neighborhoods won the debate. The Mayor and several candidates for City Council won on the basis of these commitments to keep NRP intact and promises to find the funding for it. We gave money, support, and votes on the basis of those commitments. It is NOT up for debate about funding NRP; it is up to those making the commitment to find the funds. [TB] I'm going to agree with the mayor here (and can already name some of the people who will be sending me emails telling me that I shouldn't do that). 2 years ago when those statements were made no one would have planned on both the change in the property tax formula mandated by the legislature and the probability that state aids to local government will be eliminated or greatly reduced. Part of the responsibility of leadership is to manage change dictated by outside forces. [Jim Graham] ... the taxpayers of Minneapolis should have a referendum on where and what they would be willing to see tax increases for. The Mayor said he would oppose such a referendum. [TB] Given that the city has already said it expects to triple the amount of property taxes it collects over the next 10 years, I think it would be difficult, probably nearly impossible to get any referendum increasing those taxes even more to pass. [Jim Graham] Can anyone tell me how 9-11 affected the City of Minneapolis' policy or debt? ... Let's face it 9-11 did nothing to get Minneapolis into this budget crises. Sharon and Jackie did, but RT and company knew this before making promises. I am insulted by the 9-11 excuse. Which part of Minneapolis was attacked, I must have missed it? [TB] It probably contributes to the problem. Without 9-11 the tanking of the economy likely would have been less severe and Local Government Aids might not be on the chopping block. LGAs are, after all, about $11 million a year coming into the city treasury. [Jim Graham] 2. Cut City employee pay by 2% across the board except for senior staff and City Council and Mayor, cut those salaries by 10%. Cuts to be in affect until budget crises solved. Senior staff, the Council, and the Mayor got us into this mess and they need incentive to get us out. [TB] I take exception to the suggestion at both the city and state levels that cutting employee salaries is a good solution. Government needs to pay a competitive wage to be competitive in hiring and retaining good employees. It also needs to get rid of any bad employees. [Jim Graham] Find new revenue streams: 3. Best new income stream - Start a City owned Casino at the old Sears building. Use profits to fully fund NRP and set aside 10% of profits to go to Native Community, including those not from reservations with casinos. State tax the profits from the casino. Such a casino would use two floors of the building, but would make the remainder far more valuable retail and commercial space; - tax it. This would also free Minneapolis from the vagaries of the Legislature. If enough is left over, put some into the general fund and buy a stadium for the powers that be. (A little for everyone) [TB] see also http://www.skywaynews.net/display/inn_voices/voices01.txt Detroit's 3 casinos collected $81.5 million in wagering taxes in 2001 and $83.5 million during the first 11 months of 2002 and will finish the year at over $90 million 2002: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/revstaxes2002_11790_7.pdf 2001: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/revstaxes2001_11789_7.pdf The wagering tax in Detroit is 8.1% I don't know why the folks at City Hall aren't working on this now. Terrell Brown Loring Park terrell at terrellbrown dot org __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to the budget...
Dyna Sluyter wrote: NRP has been one of the city's most successful programs- perhaps instead of being gored it should be the model of how city services are delivered. How can the NRP be a successful program when it failed to meet its budget target for housing expenditures and is susceptible to racial bias? Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: protest
First of all, I think it is a bit inappropriate on this list (or anywhere else!) to wish for the killing of your neighbors simply because they have a different view on foreign policy than you. I also am unable to see the connection between: (1) Being against a war for oil that will undoubtedly result in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians, and a long-term U.S. military occupation in the Middle East that will cost taxpayers billions of dollars for years to come (effectively a subsidy for Dick Cheney's oil friends), and (2) Calling for suicide bombings against civilians. In fact, most of us in the civilized world seem to regard the killing of innocent civilians as usually something to be avoided, regardless of nationality... I enjoy Minneapolis' ethnic diversity. Part of what I see as living in a city that includes people from all over the world, is seeing yourself as part of the global community. It makes sense for such a rally to occur on Lake Street, our international street (even though it was limited to Uptown). Maybe next time, organizers can lead a march straight down Lake Street through Minneapolis. And what is more important anyways; the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqis, or whether some people were delayed in traffic one Saturday afternoon in Uptown? Derek Burrows Reise Longfellow From: James E. Jacobsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2003 07:54:37 -0600 Subject: [Mpls] protest I was trying to get someplace, attempting to travel on Lake Street about noon Saturday and was badly delayed by the protesters taking up the whole street and blocking traffic. 2400 sounds about right. I think who ever is organizing these kids to parade under these banners should be the first to get killed in any future terrorist activities. They could go to Isreal where Saddam Hussien is paying families of suicide bombers $25000 each. James Jacobsen // Whittier __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Minneapolis budget crunch: Slouching toward East St.Louis...
In the last few days we've heard the predictable responses to our city's financial crisis. The usual critics of all things government and especially if it involves unions have given the expected knee jerk responses. Seizing the opportunity, they called for draconian pay cuts and vaporization of the city departments they love to hate. Meanwhile, all over city offices folks are cringing and hoping this financial crisis thing will just go away. Our financial crisis is not going to go away. I and a few others have suggested some creative win-win solutions to the budgetary shortfalls, and pretty much been ignored. Lacking any new solutions, I suspect Minneapolis will follow the same script as East St.Louis, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, and every other dying city. Act One is now over. Through the boom of the 1990s the city spent like drunken sailors. There wasn't a floozie of a development that they didn't patronize. Not all these $$$ were wasted though- they left us a huge concrete relic on Hennipen Avenue (hard to believe we paid over a million dollars to move that thing 2 blocks) and many similar monuments to financial imprudence throughout the city. Many of the players from this first act have been replaced. But we'll still be paying their pensions, and for their mistakes, for decades. Act Two is just now beginning. In high drama that would do the classics proud we will see services cut while taxes continue to rise. As city workers pay is cut the brass will stay warm and cozy in their castle with the cookoo clock. The police chief will continue to tour the city in his Lincoln Navigator, ever ready to give a reassuring soundbite at every murder scene. Meanwhile, for sale signs spread like weeds as not just whites but anyone who can flees the city. Act Three is a few years off, but if you want a preview just visit East St.Louis or any similar city on life support. City hall and it's environs will look pretty normal- all those foreclosures and forefetures will keep the courts busy. But take a walk about the city (pretty safe, criminals tend to leave an area with no economic activity). The streets aren't really dirt- the unrepaired potholes and unswept remainder of the pavement just make it look that way. There are plenty of empty buildings, in fact they'll probably have to add an extra server just to list all the tax forfeit properties. Most are falling down and a hazard, but the city can't afford to demolish them. Most of the cities revenue will come from large corporations that couldn't easily move- railroads and such. The police don't patrol much- the city can't afford the gas and wear on the rusty old cruisers. The snowplowing is kinda thin too- the main streets get plowed by the county, beyond that you'd better have four wheel drive. Unless you're lucky and have a council member on your street. With so many abandoned buildings and lots of kids with little other amusements there's lots of fires, but the response is fickle. Then again, when the water system is unreliable and the rusty pumper's tanks leak there isn't much the Fire Department can do anyway. Amid this abandonment live a few hardy soles- mostly the very young and old who can't afford to leave. They pilfer electricity from the power company with jumper cables and the city can't afford to bill for water. Like Detroit, wetlands have appeared in low spots thanks to broken water mains that go unrepaired decades... It's a rough life and the casualties are many. Fortunately the county takes care of those expenses so the city hall denizens won't have to take a salary cut... from increasingly abandoned Hawthorne, Dyna Sluyter -- ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget...
Dyna Sluyter wrote: NRP has been one of the city's most successful programs- perhaps instead of being gored it should be the model of how city services are delivered. How can the NRP be a successful program when it failed to meet its budget target for housing expenditures and is susceptible to racial bias? The housing target was over the life of the program...which is only half over (there were no interim targets), even if the second half is minimal. As I recall, the housing expenditures didn't miss by much in the first 10 years. Second, the allegation of racial bias is far from proven. The one statistical summary alleging has not presented a detailed view of its methods to be able to peer review, which, as Michael often asserts, is a necessary component for judging validity. (A side point: even if certain groups received more than their share of expenditures, that does not inherently connote bias. Or, as many a stat prof has said, correlation does not equal causation.) I would argue that opinion polls showing Minneapolis residents consistently, overwhelming supporting NRP, plus the success of many candidates supporting NRP in the last election, are a good evidence that the program has succeeded. Of course, that may be a problem for those same politicians now. ;) David Brauer King Field ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget...
David Brauer wrote: The housing target was over the life of the program...which is only half over (there were no interim targets), even if the second half is minimal. As I recall, the housing expenditures didn't miss by much in the first 10 years. 40.2% vs. the 52% target is not much? And, it is unlikely that the program will ever meet its intended goal. I think this just shows how inefficiently the NRP has been managed. Even when we are so far behind, a reallocation procedure in my neighborhood has no explicit directions to correct this problem. I believe that it's because there never was any intention of meeting the housing goal (at least that's the impression that I got from Bob Miller). Second, the allegation of racial bias is far from proven. The one statistical summary alleging has not presented a detailed view of its methods to be able to peer review, which, as Michael often asserts, is a necessary component for judging validity. Great, let's hear the statistics from the NRP! My hunch is that they don't exist. From my personal observation, in a neighborhood with approximately 8% African Americans, it is extremely rare to see any Black faces at our meetings. The one African American I know who use to attend meetings left in disgust. (A side point: even if certain groups received more than their share of expenditures, that does not inherently connote bias. Or, as many a stat proof has said, correlation does not equal causation.) If the purpose of the NRP was to provide neighborhood involvement in tax revenue decisions and if African American do not participate, then the decision making process may not representative. An inherent flaw and continual problem with the NRP. I would argue that opinion polls showing Minneapolis residents consistently, overwhelming supporting NRP, plus the success of many candidates supporting NRP in the last election, are a good evidence that the program has succeeded. Of course, that may be a problem for those same politicians now. What polls showing that residents overwhelming support for the NRP? Even though it appears that many residents think that they have heard of the NRP, I have not seen any evidence that people actually known or understand what the NRP does. I thought that you just mentioned that correlation does not imply causation, so why do you claim that the success of candidates is linked to their support of the NRP? It could have nothing to do with it. It didn't seem to do much for Cherryhomes and Campbell Politically that is, Cherryhomes did get a home improvement loan from the NRP and Biernat applied for one. I don't know if he ever got it. The NRP has succeeded in creating, what I think, is the biggest pork trough in the city's history. In a time when were are considering cutting basic services, I don't see how people have the nerve to suggest moving funds away from the basics to fund superfluous projects. It might be wiser to decommissioning the NRP until we have a budget surplus again and concentrate on correcting the city's financial woes in the meantime. I think that the only reason the NRP has the support that it does is that the people who run and implement it are politically active and well connected. I can see no other reason for supporting an organization that does not understand representative government, due process, or minority rights (and shows no inclination in learning). Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Tonight's NRP meeting
would someone please write me offlist (quick!) with the location and time of tonight's city-wide informational NRP meeing? TIA Emilie Quast SE Como ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Jim Graham's swampland And Budget Suggestions
Sez Brother Paul: Howinell did you get that swampland in the first place? I think I know but would love to hear your explanation. And THEN perhaps you will tell us why the analogy buried in the quote doesn't apply to your own proposal? Sez Jim Graham: Whatinell makes you think I own that swamp land. I do not own it, as yet. I am, however, willing to broker the deal for those who may believe in fairy tales or the City Council voting to take away its power over MCDA. I had thought to offer shares in the Brooklyn Bridge, but it being in this country that would probably be against the law. A future on actual Real Estate is a different matter. However, Brother Paul is correct; the analogy is not good. There IS a much better chance of someone wanting to buy that swampland than for the Council Members to vote to lose that economic and political power. The offer still stands though; anyone who believes it will happen may give me a call about the Costa Rican property. It is just a little ways up stream from our place, and IS waterfront property. (On all sides during high tide) The analogy buried, oh so shallow, in the quote does not apply to my proposal, because a qualified resident board for MCDA would remove the inherent conflict of interest problems that politicians face. It would also remove most of the associated deal swapping that presently goes on. A better analogy would be if the Minnesota Legislature made up the Metropolitan Council by appointing only State Senators to the Met Council because then they could spend the funds that they had at first appropriated. My question is how the CM's originally justified making up MCDA with only CM's and the Mayor? I must admit to having been asleep at the wheel when this happened; I have no memory of it. I know why they did it, but I do not know why the populous let them get away with it. Was there any public discussion of the issue? For Jim Mork: Jim that quote of 2% reduction except for senior management... left off the end. The last part said the Senior Staff, the Mayor, and the City Council should take a 10% cut until they solve the budget crisis. The City's executives act like they worked for Enron or something. Affect other people's lives with your decisions and make blunders, but still get full compensation. No, Minneapolis needs leaders willing to sacrifice also, and to lead us by example. The first things to go should be that last pay raise the Council voted for themselves. Some Council Members say they could see the deficit coming, well then they should not have voted themselves a pay raise. If they cannot live on a salary that is 10% less, then they should go back into private life and let the hundreds have a chance who would run for the same job with a lower salary. As for senior management, ask any of the next lower level management if they would take the same job with a salary reduced by 10%. I am betting a lot of offers would come in for every position. I am not asking them to make it permanent, just until they solve the money crisis. They are rewarded when there is a surplus, they should sacrifice when there is a deficit. Just like the taxpayers do. Before brother Paul gets another shot at me, I do know taxpayers are always penalized, whether in good times or bad. It was using irony to make a point. I would have said for comic relief, but this play is certainly more tragedy than comedy. So, David do the math. Add 2% across the board salary cut plus, 10% cuts from senior staff, CM's, Mayor plus 50% of NRP set aside for housing, plus 50% of NRP set aside for Commercial Corridors, plus 50% of NRP set aside for Youth Coordinating Board ??% from cutting dead wood How many million is that? Are we getting close to that budget shortfall? Layoffs are draconian, 2% is a tiny tax so everyone can keep their job and the City keeps its services. Compensate the workers after the crisis ends. Last suggestions for today: 1. City Council should stop breaking City Ordinances as favors for large Non-Profit friends. This would save thousands of hours of staff time as well as millions of dollars of legal fees and settlements. 2. Sue Brookfield and any other loan defaulter for damages and legal fees to collect the debt. Foreclose on the mortgaged property, but also get damages from all other corporate assets nationwide. Use a top litigation firm to go after these assets on a contingency basis. Minneapolis has at least two of the top litigation firms in the country, I recommend using one of them to go get OUR money. 3. Allow the State of Minnesota to regulate all licensed work by State Licensed Heating, Electrical, and Plumbing Contractors. City fees do not cover the cost and it opens the door for political graft and some possible future civil litigation. (The best bet is still the Casino) Jim Graham, Ventura Village - Minneapolis Impacted Neighborhoods Coalition We can only be what we give
Re: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget...
Perhaps one's perspective of NRP depends upon from where it is being viewed. Living in Jordan, I can assure you that NRP has been a most valued tool in fighting urban blight. We used 98 % of our funds on housing. And yes, we had minorities working on the process. We did not get as much involvement from minority and renters as we wanted, but it wasn't because we didn't try or that they were not welcomed. NRP funds helped us get rid of and rehab many substandard housing units in our neighborhood. As a result, we have many new homeowners who are participating in the neighborhood. That's the good news. The bad news is that the city seems to be putting less emphasis on listening to the neighborhoods and more emphasis on making changing that could be detrimental to our poorer neighborhoods. This is not giving much hope to our new residents, or to those of us who have lived through the hard times and were looking forward to some progress and innovation. Anne McCandless Jordan - Original Message - From: Michael Atherton [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 4:38 PM Subject: RE: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget... David Brauer wrote: The housing target was over the life of the program...which is only half over (there were no interim targets), even if the second half is minimal. As I recall, the housing expenditures didn't miss by much in the first 10 years. 40.2% vs. the 52% target is not much? And, it is unlikely that the program will ever meet its intended goal. I think this just shows how inefficiently the NRP has been managed. Even when we are so far behind, a reallocation procedure in my neighborhood has no explicit directions to correct this problem. I believe that it's because there never was any intention of meeting the housing goal (at least that's the impression that I got from Bob Miller). Second, the allegation of racial bias is far from proven. The one statistical summary alleging has not presented a detailed view of its methods to be able to peer review, which, as Michael often asserts, is a necessary component for judging validity. Great, let's hear the statistics from the NRP! My hunch is that they don't exist. From my personal observation, in a neighborhood with approximately 8% African Americans, it is extremely rare to see any Black faces at our meetings. The one African American I know who use to attend meetings left in disgust. (A side point: even if certain groups received more than their share of expenditures, that does not inherently connote bias. Or, as many a stat proof has said, correlation does not equal causation.) If the purpose of the NRP was to provide neighborhood involvement in tax revenue decisions and if African American do not participate, then the decision making process may not representative. An inherent flaw and continual problem with the NRP. I would argue that opinion polls showing Minneapolis residents consistently, overwhelming supporting NRP, plus the success of many candidates supporting NRP in the last election, are a good evidence that the program has succeeded. Of course, that may be a problem for those same politicians now. What polls showing that residents overwhelming support for the NRP? Even though it appears that many residents think that they have heard of the NRP, I have not seen any evidence that people actually known or understand what the NRP does. I thought that you just mentioned that correlation does not imply causation, so why do you claim that the success of candidates is linked to their support of the NRP? It could have nothing to do with it. It didn't seem to do much for Cherryhomes and Campbell Politically that is, Cherryhomes did get a home improvement loan from the NRP and Biernat applied for one. I don't know if he ever got it. The NRP has succeeded in creating, what I think, is the biggest pork trough in the city's history. In a time when were are considering cutting basic services, I don't see how people have the nerve to suggest moving funds away from the basics to fund superfluous projects. It might be wiser to decommissioning the NRP until we have a budget surplus again and concentrate on correcting the city's financial woes in the meantime. I think that the only reason the NRP has the support that it does is that the people who run and implement it are politically active and well connected. I can see no other reason for supporting an organization that does not understand representative government, due process, or minority rights (and shows no inclination in learning). Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: City 9-11costs
I remember seeing info about the City spending about $1-2 million on increased security safety measures at the various city water pumping filtration sites. And I think this was all paid by the City of Minneapolis, no Federal or State money, and no up-front money from the many suburbs that get water from Mpls (though presumably they will pay a share of this eventually, as they use the water. But Mpls has to borrow money to pay for it now). If you talk to the people at the Mpls Convention Center, they can tell you how many scheduled conventions were cancelled just after 9-11, and what that cost them. They might even be able to guesstimate the loss to downtown hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc., all of whom thereby paid less taxes. There are Homeland Security programs going on to provide better communications computer connections between local police state federal systems. The city is going to have to spend money to modify it's computer systems to work with these new/revised systems. These are just a couple examples off the top of my head of Mpls city costs related to 9-11. I'm sure there are many more around. And don't argue that these are not caused by an attack on the city, but are from the hysterical over-reaction of people to 9-11. I'd certainly agree. (I think most of the Homeland Security measures are a way to pump money into the hands of Geo. W's friends, and pretty irrelevant to actual security measures.) But these are a cost to the city, regardless. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson [Jim Graham] Can anyone tell me how 9-11 affected the City of Minneapolis' policy or debt? ... Let's face it 9-11 did nothing to get Minneapolis into this budget crises. Sharon and Jackie did, but RT and company knew this before making promises. I am insulted by the 9-11 excuse. Which part of Minneapolis was attacked, I must have missed it? [TB] It probably contributes to the problem. Without 9-11 the tanking of the economy likely would have been less severe and Local Government Aids might not be on the chopping block. LGAs are, after all, about $11 million a year coming into the city treasury. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget...
Just to respond to a couple of Michael's points. I'll let others carry on the debate. David Brauer wrote: The housing target was over the life of the program...which is only half over (there were no interim targets), even if the second half is minimal. As I recall, the housing expenditures didn't miss by much in the first 10 years. 40.2% vs. the 52% target is not much? No, it's not. It's all relative, but housing was still by far the biggest chunk of NRP spending...to within 80% of the target. And everyone - thanks in part to the press doing its job - knows that the first half fell short. City leaders and neighborhood leaders all know the 52 percent must be hit - it's state law. I'd say even if NRP is mortally wounded, the money must be found to meet the housing goal. Certainly, the falloff (from majority to plurality) is not enough to pronounce the program a failure. From my personal observation, in a neighborhood with approximately 8% African Americans, it is extremely rare to see any Black faces at our meetings. The one African American I know who use to attend meetings left in disgust. Hey, so did one conservative grad student, but I'm not sure that's statistically significant. Seriously, I do think that the hurdle for NRP involvement is huge. There's no doubt that the time requirements needed to sit on any board - neighborhood, NRP, or elective office - are tougher on the poor, who are disproportionately minority. HOWEVER, this is a problem throughout society. The Minneapolis City Council, elected by the people, is disproportionately white. Voting is disproportionately white - but is voting (except in Florida) biased? I'd say not - there are no racist barriers to entry, no poll tax, no lack of registration drives, no unequal treatment whatever. I think in other contexts, Michael would oppose a quota system, since it denies individual initiative. Yet he appears to be advocating this here. What's your preferred system of decision-making, Michael? What would have all groups equally represented? What polls showing that residents overwhelming support for the NRP? From the Star Tribune pre-election poll, 9/23/01, page 1a: Voters were overwhelmingly supportive of continued funding for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), with 77 percent saying it should be continued and only 15 percent saying the money could be better spent elsewhere. Even though it appears that many residents think that they have heard of the NRP, I have not seen any evidence that people actually known or understand what the NRP does. I'm sorry, I think this statement is yours to prove. The rest of the pro-versus-anti NRP debate has happened many times on the list before, so I'll listen to others. David Brauer King Field ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Saturday NRP session- Sly Di takes her sawzall to thebudget...
In a message dated 1/13/03 6:07:23 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: City leaders and neighborhood leaders all know the 52 percent must be hit - it's state law. I'd say even if NRP is mortally wounded, the money must be found to meet the housing goal. For information only: The housing % is a target, not a mandate inasmuch as there is no consequence defined for not hitting the target. This is not my opinion, but is actually the formal legal opinion of the city attorney. Concerning hitting the 52% target or not: the legislation that established the housing target did not define what "housing and housing-related expenditures" were - for the purpose of NRP. A working definition of acceptable "housing etc." expenditures was established a couple of years later by the NRP Policy Board. The Policy Board could modify the definition of qualifying expences and the compliance/non-compliance level would change - not that I'm suggesting this. Ann Berget Kingfield (Past Policy Board Chair)
Re: [Mpls] NRP...
The Rutgers report which is what Pauline Thomas referred to in her opinion piece about NRP in the Spokesman was written in either 1993 or 1994. This report can hardly be used as a barometer about the success of NRP to date. At that time we were only a couple of years into the program and only 1 neighborhood had an approved action plan. I believe Ms. Thomas is very familiar with the NRP program as it relates to the Central neighborhood. She received NRP funds for her home. However, the experience Central had with NRP is not the experience that other neighborhoods surrounding Central had. I would invite people from other neighborhoods to post regarding their experiences with NRP in their neighborhoods. I engaged in a conversation today with someone complaining about all the funds that were wasted on staff in the Phillips neighborhood during Phase I of NRP. It seems to be common belief that Phillips under the old People of Phillips (POP) poured money down the administrative drain. The FACTS are that of the $18,000,000 dollars Phillips was allocated in Phase I of NRP only 4% (@$700,000) was allocated to Administrative costs over a 10 year period. Of those dollars allocated to administrative purposes, nearly $150,000 or 1% of that has yet to be spent. That roughly translates into about $55,000 per year. The dollar amount that was addressed in the audits that ended up de-certifying POP was a mere fraction of that. I put this out there so people have the facts and not conjecture. If we are now going to engage in a dialogue about the success or failure of NRP, lets make sure we are using current factual data. The NRP data base has collected substantial data from actual contracts and projects. This is all public information. Feel free to call the NRP office and ask for information. Barb Lickness Whittier NRP Staff = Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Tom Johnson - I-35W traffic weaving/merging to/from proposed ...
Thank You Tom for your posting. I assume that you have it in writing from MnDOT and the Feds. Could you please post a copy of the same. Tom McGreevy Lake and 35W
[Mpls] Tonights Combined Neighborhoods NRP Meeting And Resolutions
At tonight's combined neighborhoods NRP meeting the following resolutions were set out and agreed upon. Each neighborhood is asked to consider passing similar resolutions. Be it resolved: 1. That the City of Minneapolis annually allocate at least 33 million dollars for supporting community development activities including funding for NRP. 2. That at least 1/3 of the annual community development resources be allocated for use by NRP and neighborhood planning and implementation. 3. That NRP remain an autonomous joint powers board and program, separate from CPED. 4. That the Minnesota State Legislature be asked to not allow the City of Minneapolis to change NRP legislation and TIF appropriations. These resolutions were not only agreed to by the 100 neighborhood representatives attending from 36 different neighborhoods, but that neighborhoods be asked to officially and formally consider and pass these resolutions or similar resolutions. The meeting organizers on various Internet sites will post other points of the meeting. This appears to be an issue that may shape Minnesota and Minneapolis politics in the coming years. The combined meeting also agreed to start a Minneapolis Charter Amendment Petition Drive in the next few days. Ventura Village will formally consider the matter at tomorrow's Neighborhood wide meeting. Jim Graham, Ventura Village. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Tonights Combined Neighborhoods NRP Meeting And Resolutions
Jim Graham wrote: These resolutions were not only agreed to by the 100 neighborhood representatives attending from 36 different neighborhoods, but that neighborhoods be asked to officially and formally consider and pass these resolutions or similar resolutions. I want to be a party of at least one to state that though there may have been some kind of consensus on tonight's resolutions and goals, there was not unanimity. Among other things I was troubled by the list of 9 NRP Goals that was put forward. Many of them were easy to agree to but others were not and really required much more time and deliberation. But those who had called the meeting and set the agenda by necessity had to push the meeting along and kept saying we all agree to this, don't we? In reality there was far too little time for a group of 100 people to come to true consensus on 9 different goals. (which we apparently did in about 30 minutes!). For instance goal #9 states that NRP should get 1/3 ($11M) of the Community Development resources. This sounds good and I would love to see NRP funded to the tune of at least $11M annually, but there wasn't any discussion about who else wants that money or what else it might be needed it for. My guess is that there are a whole host of folks after that $33M development pie. And at this point I can't say that I would put NRP as priority #1 - taking 1/3 off the top. At least not until I have a bit more information. I have great sympathy for the incredible amount of stuff that had to be covered tonight, but I felt as if most of what happened was pre-planned by a group of (dedicated) people who called 100 of us together with the assumption that we all agreed to what they had already decided upon. To be fair they did keep asking for feedback and saying don't we all agree? and we did tweak some of the goals but, as was stated, there wasn't time for word-smithing. It was too much for my poor little brain to digest and respond to. You know it just takes more than 30 minutes to get any group to create consensus about 9 core beliefs. I can understand the urgency of all of this, sort of - with the city council voting on certain aspects of the budget on Friday. So I do have some sympathy here. My hope was that we would have been able to find ways to work with the city council on this problem. Rather the basic assumption was that we were simply working with an adversary. (I can see some of you shaking your heads right now at what you are convinced is my total naivete.) My hope is that we can find a way to clearly communicate to the city council that our strong and vibrant neighborhood organizations are one product of NRP, and that they are the backbone of this city and the source of much of its energy and innovation. Take that message to the Mayor and to your city council member. Tell them how much you value NRP and about the vital role that you see for NRP in this city's future. In the end my guess is that preserving NRP will require a whole host of approaches including many of those set forth at tonight's meeting. The important thing is that you make your voice heard. Make a call. Send an email, Write a letter. Send a postcard. Do something. Paul Lohman Lynnhurst Paul Lohman [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Issues of race dominate 3rd Ward debate
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3590020.html David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Tonights Combined Neighborhoods NRP Meeting And Resolutions
I would have had more respect for this resolution if they had also indicated what else in the city budget should be cut by $33 million to provide this money. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson Be it resolved: 1. That the City of Minneapolis annually allocate at least 33 million dollars for supporting community development activities including funding for NRP. . . . Jim Graham, Ventura Village. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] protest
On Mon, 13 Jan 2003, James E. Jacobsen wrote: I think who ever is organizing these kids to parade under these banners . You're assuming that large numbers of people would not on their own find reasons to protest US/military/Bush/war actions. That they would have to be manipulated. How do you know this? --David Shove Roseville ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
