[Mpls] Been Through This Before: School Funding
Dear List, I have just been waiding through the archives, and I couldn't find the post. But, I went through this before debunking the $14,000 myth. It is a myth BECAUSE folks equate the $14,000 dollars with time spent in instruction. When you focus only on instruction time (and even adding in building costs) you come up with about $2000 dollars spent per pupil on actual instruction time. A woeful pittance. -Brandon Lacy Campos -Powderhorn Park From: Brown, Terrell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dana Bacon [EMAIL PROTECTED],Victoria Heller [EMAIL PROTECTED],Mpls Forum [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Mpls] Save Our Schools Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 14:23:34 -0600 Try this: 46,037 students (from the MN Dept of CFL) http://cfl.state.mn.us/datactr/enroll/GED0203.xls The District's budget for fiscal year 2002 is $664.5 million (from MPS) http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/about/report_2001/challenges_progress.shtml That is $14,434 per student. Then one of the MPS budget presentations ( http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/news/legislate/Budget%20Presentation%20Slides% 2012-11%20PDF.pdf ) says: MPS currently spends $700 million to educate nearly 50,000 students each year. Annual spending per student of $13,800 is above other local and national urban areas with similar demographics. It appears that the $10,226 only includes part of the spending, it excludes capital expenditures (i.e. buildings) and debt service. In the past I've seen costs up around $17,000 and think that if I spent the time I could justify any cost in that range with a valid basis. Terrell Brown Loring Park terrell at terrellbrown dot org -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Dana Bacon Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 1:14 PM To: Victoria Heller; Mpls Forum Subject: Re: [Mpls] Save Our Schools Visiting http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/about/report_2001/challenges_progress.shtml, I found that Minneapolis spent $10,226 per pupil in 2000. Did our per-pupil expenditures increase by $6,000 over the past two years? If not, I'd like to know how 7,450 plus 9,000 equals 10,226. snip Dana Bacon Page neighborhood --- Victoria Heller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Just a suggestion... Someone might contact the school board in our sister city Austin, Texas to find out how they deliver education for $9,000 LESS per student than Minneapolis. Districtwide Per Student Spending: $7,450 Districtwide Median SAT: 1052 Average Elementary School Performance: 75% (% of students who pass standardized performance tests) Districtwide Student/Teacher Ratio: 20.8 Vicky Heller Cedar-Riverside and North Oaks TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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 _ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Save Our Schools
Dana Bacon wrote: I found that Minneapolis spent $10,226 per pupil in 2000. Did our per-pupil expenditures increase by $6,000 over the past two years? If not, I'd like to know how 7,450 plus 9,000 equals 10,226. Vicky replies: The $17,000 per student figure in Minneapolis (2002) came from School Board candidate and Listmember Doug Mann. There was quite a bit of discussion on this list about the subject prior to the elections. The St. Paul Pioneer Press published the figure at $14,000 for the 2001 school year. Doug's Reply to Dana and to Vicky's reply to Dana It appears that $10,226 per student is what you get if you divide the 2002 *operating budget* of $471 million dollars by 46,037 students (fall of 2001?). The total budget for 2002 was $664.5 million / $14,434 per student. I don't know if we are talking about the actual or projected budget for 2002 or when the fiscal year begins and ends. The report on the web site is dated 2001, presumably December 2001. The school board usually gets a big year-end financial report in December. That's where I got some budget information that wasn't otherwise available to the general public the last time that we had this discussion. The Strib's figure of $600 million for the 2002 budget reported last year is probably off by about $55 to 65 million. As I pointed out (in a post to the mpls list), the MPS announced cuts that were probably cuts from a projected budget, not a cut by comparison to the 2001 budget. It is likely that the Strib subtracted something like $35 to 55 million from the 2001 budget rather than from the projected 2002 budget, which was closer to $700 million at one point (as far as I recall). The financial situation wouldn't have looked so bleak if the real budget figures were revealed at that time. The figure of $17,000 per student per year cited by Vicky didn't come from me. Thank you Terrell Brown for feeding us the following web site addresses: 46,037 students (from the MN Dept of CFL) http://cfl.state.mn.us/datactr/enroll/GED0203.xls The District's budget for fiscal year 2002 is $664.5 million (from MPS) http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/about/report_2001/challenges_progress.shtml I couldn't download the data from the state due to a corrupted file that I was trying to download. -Doug Mann, King Field http://educationright.tripod.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Save Our Schools
In a message dated 1/23/03 10:41:31 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Here are the key messages our legislators need to hear: 1. They will be held accountable -- We will hold our legislators accountable for funding the "adequate and efficient" public education guaranteed to every child by Article 13 of the Minnesota Constitution. 2. Schools are the state's most important investment - Our public schools are the bedrock of our state's health and success. No other investment is comparable in long-term value to our economy and our quality of life. 3. Support the progress that's being made - There are no easy answers to the challenges of multiple languages, special education, racial and economic disparities and high mobility. But progress is being made. This is no time to give up on our most vulnerable kids, who need our support and commitment. 4. Know the facts about school funding - Many Minnesotans would be surprised to learn that Minnesota does not rank near the top among states in public school per-pupil spending. We're 21st. And while in absolute dollars, funding has usually increased from year to year, costs -- like health insurance -- have risen faster. Schools already have cut administrative costs to the bone, while the state and federal governments continue to mandate new services without paying for them. It is not sufficient to merely demand increased funding. It is imperative that SOS offer proposals for funding these increases. Does SOS support property tax increases, shifts to other revenue streams, if so, what? Other ideas? Ann Berget Kingfield
Re: [Mpls] Goodman, Lane, Benson Commentary NRP Resolution
The bigger question is has the joint powers board agreed to the non-funding of NRP. Don't yell at Park, School Board and County folks unless they are agreeing to this. Plus I still think the bottom line is that with reduced resources, most council members would rather control those resources then let the neighborhoods have control. Lisa McDonald East Harriet. - Original Message - From: Gregory D. Luce Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 10:27 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Goodman, Lane, Benson Commentary NRP Resolution [I'll try this again in plain text--sorry, Mr. List]Thanks for the answers from Jack Kryst. Here's a related and interestingissue that came out of my conversation with a council member yesterday (whograciously invited me to call and was immediately available to answer myquestions):NRP is obviously governed and controlled by a joint powers board made up ofreps from, among others, the school board, park board, and Hennepin County.The schools and parks have apparently given up a share of TI funds to NRP,thus explaining their seats on the board (not to mention the benefit bothreceive from NRP spending).With that in mind, why is the City, and more specifically its councilmembers and Mayor, taking all the hits and heat onthis? Shouldn't the fire be spread to those also with the power ofgoverning and/or potentially funding NRP; i.e., the schools, the parks, andthe County? Not sure what the answer is, but it is worth discussing if weare to be candid about the whole shebang.Gregory Luce/Project 504St. PaulJack Kryst wrote:[In 1990 a number of tax increment districts were refinanced in a way thatdeferred a significant portion of the debt service and allowed the taxincrement stream to be used for other community development purposes. Themost significant of those purposes was the first phase of the NRP Program.Although It was never expected that there would be sufficient TI tocompletely fund the twenty years of both phases, it was also not anticipatedthat legislative property tax changes would severely reduce that TI streamand that this would occur at the same time that the deferred debt becamedue. The result is not an NRP deficit but reduced resources that need to beallocated between NRP and other community development priorities in a waythat negatively impacts both.]TEMPORARY REMINDER:1. Send all posts in plain-text format.2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible.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/mplsGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Mpls] Public Forms-Minneapolis Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Feb 6, 7
Minneapolis Bill of Rights Defense Committee UPCOMING PUBLIC FORUMS Keith Ellison, Minnesota House of Representatives, will moderate Panel Discussions Thursday February 6, 2003 7-9pm at Henry High School Auditorium, 4320 Newton Avenue North, Minneapolis (near 44th and Penn) Panelists will include: Senator Mee Moua; Omar Jamal, Somali Justice and Advocacy Center; Caroline Palmer, president, National Lawyers Guild Minnesota Chapter, and others. Friday, February 7, 2003 7-9pm at South High School, 3131 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis (near 31st and Cedar) Panelists will include: Senator Scott Dibble; Representative Neva Walker: Omar Jamal, Somali Justice and Advocacy Center; Peter Erlinder, national President, National Lawyers Guild, and others. The Minneapolis Bill Of Rights Defense Committee was formed in order to promote a City Resolution opposing those parts of the USA PATRIOT and Homeland Security Acts, and associated orders and directives that threaten our Constitutionally guaranteed Civil Rights. Our organization is limited to promoting this resolution. We are not associated with any political party or other organization beyond a common interest in this goal. We welcome the participation of people and groups from across the political and social spectrums. Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, the United States government responded to the threat of terrorism with legislation including the USA PATRIOT and Homeland Security Acts, various Executive and Military Orders, and directives made by the executive branch of the federal government. Although intended to increase domestic security, they grant sweeping and unconstitutional powers, and contain the potential for widespread abuse of civil liberties and political repression. UNCHECKED POWER CAN AND WILL BE ABUSED, AND WILL NOT BE WILLINGLY RELINQUISHED ACT NOW - WHILE YOU STILL CAN It's time for citizen action! We must take back our Constitutional rights! Locally, city-by-city, we will pass resolutions to oppose and work for the repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act and related Acts, Orders, and Directives. 27 local governments have already passed such resolutions, with many others in progress. Call Ken Bradley at 612-728-8962 for more details.Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now
RE: [Mpls] Been Through This Before: School Funding
-Original Message- From: -Brandon Lacy Campos I have just been waiding through the archives, and I couldn't find the post. But, I went through this before debunking the $14,000 myth. [TB] What spin ... the $14,000 myth? We know exactly what that number is. The school board tells us their budget, you divide it by the number of students and puff ... $14,000. Math, just as they teach it in MPS. It costs us $450 just to bus a kid to school, 5 or 6 times that for a special ed kid. When you focus only on instruction time (and even adding in building costs) you come up with about $2000 dollars spent per pupil on actual instruction time. A woeful pittance. [TB] Okay, now I get it. You want more. At our average of 25 students per classroom you're only spending $50,000. That gets us the teacher (in some cases not even that) and nothing more. Unless you want to cancel the health insurance benefits for the teaching staff. Now I don't know what the magic number should be. I suspect where we actually are is somewhere between Jesse Ventura's education is a black hole and the woeful pittance I'm not sure why we have some students who do very well while others are doing poorly. Students in the same school building, even in the same classroom. The success stories suggest to me that there is more involved than just the money. Terrell Brown Loring Park TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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 Schools and their budgets
Okay, I admit, I just don't get it. I have read every post about the Minneapolis schools and its budget woes - I have read the articles about tax shifts and reductions in state aid and you know what, I still don't get it. Where is the money going and how much would be needed to do the job? It appears the Minneapolis schools spend somewhere around $14,000 a year per student. Given a class of 20 kids, that is $280,000 a year for a classroom. Say, the teacher's salary and benefits takes $100,000 - that leaves $180,000 for facilities, etc. If transportation is the big bug-a-boo, for heavens sake, stop the buses and let kids got to schools in the neighborhoods. I'm not convinced we need magnet schools and all sorts of fancy programs, every school should be a warm, inviting place to learn. If, however, transportation takes $450 per student, that is another $8,000 and we still have $172,000 for books, administrators, utilities, etc. Can someone on the School Board or School Board staff please break down these costs so we can see where the money is going. And if you can't do it, how about sending every kid to the Sylvan Learning Centers? I am also not anti-tax and would be willing to spend money on income taxes to fairly pay for school costs. But property taxes are an ugly tax that hits people with limited means unfairly in this day of property value run-up. Jan Del Calzo Lynnhurst (whose kids were on the first buses that rolled for the paired schools of Hale and Field way back when - do don't yell at me for being anti-busing. I'm anti spending money we don't have.)
[Mpls] Mpls Housing Issues
Interesting story in today's NY Times regarding the ongoing demolition of Chicago's high-rise housing projects, and the relocation of residents. A lawsuit has been filed contending that former residents are being steered to mostly black, high-crime and impoverished neighborhoods, perpetuating segregation, rather than relocating said residents to more economically and racially diverse neighborhoods. [see http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/24/national/24HOUS.html?todaysheadlines note- you must register as member (free) to view the Times] Last week I heard similar concerns being voiced by residents attending a neighborhood meeting in the Jordan community (a JACC mtg). While the meeting was called to discuss the MCDA's real property disposition policy, much discussion centered on the location of new affordable housing developments/units throughout the city and local resident's concerns over further concentration of poverty in their already poverty-impacted neighborhoods. Several City Council members and MCDA reps were in attendance to field questions and respond to neighborhood concerns. While density bonuses and lot area variances provide much needed flexibility for cost-effective development in our city, the locational issues associated with affordable housing seem unresolved- at least based on community discussions I've heard. The MCDA owns a lot of vacant property in north side neighborhoods (and Phillips on the south side) as a result of teardowns over the past decade, and many local residents want to see market-rate rather than subsidized housing units built. To my mind, this controversy demonstrates the value of neighborhood input to the overall city planning process. These issues are very important and will impact many aspects of life in our city for decades to come-- jobs, economic development, schools, crime, yada, yada-- the everyday operational aspects of city life. I'd like to hear some feedback from list members on this issue. I know Friday isn't a good time to post something with expectation of feedback, but... please prove me wrong. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Save Our Schools and hold health care accountable
Saving our schools is the central item on the Save Our Schools 2003 agenda. What to cut or whether to raise taxes is what the legislature will have to decide. We plan to remind them often that if we keep on cutting schools, we' ll soon be a cold Mississippi. SOS 2003 hasn't written any legislation, but I'm happy to give you my own opinion on what to do. Number 1 - Hold the health care industry accountable. Everybody knows the per-pupil cost of education, broken down 50 different ways, but nobody knows how much a doctor visit or a prescription medicine costs. And it matters more every year. In the city of Minneapolis, the health care premiums are rising 20 percent next year, according to the seminar last fall with Barret Lane. Health care is increasingly driving government budget deficits. The state just can't ignore this any more. Number 2 - Change health care plans so consumers will consider cost. The University of Minnesota has one health plan designed for that, and it was featured in the Washington Post as a great innovation. It covers a family for 100 percent of the first $2,500 or so in health care costs, including prescription drugs, each year. The family is responsible for the next $2,500, and everything above that is covered. This protects people against catastrophic medical expenses but lets Minnesotans be frugal. I think people above a certain income also could pay for things out-of-pocket and then file for reimbursement. We would then see the ridiculous bills the insurance companies deal with all the time. Meanwhile, doctors could cut back on the staff they need just for billing. Encourage all employers, public and private, to adopt plans like this. Number 3 - Refuse to pay for the marketing of pharmaceutical products. TV advertising for drugs is not just inappropriate - it's hugely expensive, and it's paid for by all of us. I think the state health plans should refuse to cover any prescription drug that is advertised on TV. That's a start. Heather Martens Kingfield TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Stribmail;NRP;Police Cuts;Finance
Stribmail: I'd just like to observe to those people who frequently have to remember to sign their posts, inserting the signature is the DEFAULT with Stribmail. And if you use it only for Mpls Issues Forum, you can just set the signature up for the requred signature here and leave it that way. That was what I did. I chose to make this email address for this forum only. So, the peculiar signature I use here shows up nowhere else. *** I wrote to a friend I have who lives down in Austin TX, asking for his opinion on how their city council works. Sorta getting a reality check on the greenness of the grass on that side of the fence. Isn't it interesting that this 3rd ward election is so much more intensely scrutinized than Brian Herron's old ward election was. Wonder why. After taking a closer look at the Austin TX city budget for 2003, I'm glad we have our problems and not theirs. They are expecting a DECREASE in assessed valuations. And they have a $79 million budget deficit. So, I guess we just have to settle for working out our own problems. Austin doesn't have any handy solutions for us. By the way, Minneapolis plans to spend $688 per capita. Austin plans to spend $725. Seems to me we are more thrifty than they are. *** Eli Kaplan has a good point. If the state cuts educations funds, the school district should take it FIRST from the things the state said the school should do. Unless it was mandated by the local taxpayers, it should be the first candidate. *** I met Pat McGowan. I trust Robert Olson more. Let's NOT consolidate law enforcement in county hands. What exactly are McGowan's achievements, anyway? ** A government agency without true accountability is a dangerous entity. --Michael Atherton In short, he doesn't like the CIA much. ** -- 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] RE: observations of observations of 3rd ward politics
megan goodmundson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I will now practice something I recently learned from Olin Moore. That is, using someone else's thoughts and words as my own, to respond to Ms. Dyna's above-quoted viewpoint. If the Olin Moore campaign has even a remotely similar attitude, it is even worse than I have already determined. Megan Goodmundson Jordan, 3rd ward, where Moore is less Eric writes: Megan, This is very misleading. Olin's camapign has not participated on the list. Period. The Moore campaign has not sanctioned any e-mails on this list. After reading the bulk of the e-mails relating to the Third Ward race, it appears that many of here have made their minds up. Why waste precious time with a couple of dozen when there are still thousands out there who are undecided or uninformed? While Dyna and Vanessa are strong supporters, they are not the Moore campaign. So Megan, in reference to your language above, stop lying about who said what. Thousands of voters in the Third, one thousand people on here from across the region. There is good reason for taking the time to post here during a short campaign, and there are other reasons where it's not the best of decisions. There was a time when people got off their butts and went out to one of the neighborhood debates, or picked up the phone and called the candidate if the candidate hasn't knocked on your door. It's good that Don and his campaign can take the time to do this, that doesn't mean that logically Olin is bad. That seems to be the turn this thread has taken. I think this list is great, but campaigns should not live and die by it (and do not). If a campaign skips participation there is no need to feel some form of personal disrespect. This list is informative, but it's not an official forum for elected officials in Minneapolis, or even the Third Ward. Eric Mitchell Maple Grove __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] A Business Plan via Community Education
Thinking of starting a new business? Maybe expand an existing business? You need a business plan! Check out Minneapolis Community Education! Winter Quarter starts soon. Online Business Planning How You Can Create a Better Business Plan Using the Internet This class will provide instruction and guidance in using Internet resources to help you develop your own business plan. The class will use a computer-equipped classroom and students must be familiar with using PCs, the MS Windows operating system and the Internet. A combination of classroom discussions and handouts, PowerPoint presentations and Internet resources, will be used to cover the various topics that should be included in your business plan the types of information needed and where to get it. Students will use a computer-based course outline with hypertext links to Internet resources in given topic areas. This self-directed learning environment will provide you with a directed discussion on the basic concepts involved with developing your business plan, plus the computer-based course outline that includes linked, online resources to gather the additional information pertinent to your specific needs. Topics will include an overview of business planning, market research and analysis, competition, pricing, budgeting and finance, personnel, growth, franchising, etc. Evaluate your business concept and develop a formal business plan. Identify your goals and establish strategies to be successful. The business plan helps you focus your daily activities, control your finances and obtain the capital you need to be successful. Without a business plan, you don't know where your business is going and you can't measure your progress. Take advantage of this low-cost, high-return learning opportunity today! Force yourself to get the job done now. Class size is limited. Four evenings; two-hour classroom sessions each evening. Course Instructor: Michael Hohmann ( www.mahohmannbizplans.com ) Tues. evenings-- Feb 25th, March 4th, 11th and 18th, 2003 7-9 p.m. Cost: $30 [note- This class is only offered once every couple of years, so take advantage of it while you can.] Southwest Community Education Southwest High School 3414 W. 47th St., Mpls., MN Rm E-105 Call Tom Neiman to register 612-668-3100 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - end - TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] School Costs
Sorry this did not read the way I made it. I will try again Total per pupil $13,350 Debt service $717 Building construction/major construction $2286 Community education programs $359 Operating capital $296 Food service $307 Transportation $606 Special Ed $1532 English Language Learners $145 Everything else (see list) $7048 Hope this reads better. Marj Rolland Windom Neighborhood mrolland wrote: I want to provide some information regarding the expenditure per pupil using data available from the state department of education's Profiles report. The latest data they have published is 1998-99. Total expenditure per pupil: $13,350 Included within this figure are the following per pupil expenditures: Debt serve for long term borrowing 717 Building construction/major construction2,286 Community Ed., ie adult and early ed 296 Operating capital - computers, textbooks, copy fax machines 359 Food Services307 Transportation 660 Exceptional Instruction (special ed) 1,532 English Language Learners * 145 Everything else such as classroom teachers, 7,048 athletics, utilities, janitors, summer sch, after-school, prinicpals, insurance, legal costs, payroll, MIS, accounting, purchasing, human resources, research, testing costs, clerical support, etc *ELL figure compiled by district -- in state Profiles report it is included within general instruction. I hope this helps. Marj Rolland Budget Director Mpls Public Schools and Windom Neighborhood resident TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] A Business Plan via Community Education
Thanks Jim. MH -Original Message- From: Jim Mork [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 1:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] A Business Plan via Community Education Super! You're another reason Minneapolis is a great place to live! -- 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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 on the Issues: Public Health
In order to keep the discussion on the issues going: Don Samuels on: PUBLIC HEALTH Minneapolis is a city of people - and their public health is important to the long term health of preservation of neighborhoods. · Commit to supporting lead abatement programs and protect the health of children in the Third Ward from other environmental toxins. · Strengthen youth's capacity to make the right choices regarding drug abuse, sexuality and violence. Ensure these topics are part of the City's public health system and integrated into our educational and community systems. · Provide support to our seniors to maintain affordable housing, access to public education and a diversity of volunteer opportunities. Jonathan Palmer in Victory TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Save Our Schools and hold health care accountable
Thanks for the note. I just found out MPS health insurance costs are expect to rise 24 percent next year -- I'm checking into the specifics. Heather Martens - Original Message - From: Jim Mork [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 10:58 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Save Our Schools and hold health care accountable Not a bad thought, Heather, about healthcare. But after we've nearly bankrupted ourselves, we'll finally wake up to the truth that we should have cut the insurance companies out of the loop. They are the biggest hungriest monster ever hidden in the closet. While EVERY other industry is suffering, United Health Group is making money hand over fist. It is a hemorrhage of money and doesnt save anything at ALL. And that's its only excuse for EXISTENCE. And while everyone hammers school administration, the health insurance industry gorges. Begin Original Message Saving our schools is the central item on the Save Our Schools 2003 agenda. What to cut or whether to raise taxes is what the legislature will have to decide. We plan to remind them often that if we keep on cutting schools, we' ll soon be a cold Mississippi. SOS 2003 hasn't written any legislation, but I'm happy to give you my own opinion on what to do. Number 1 - Hold the health care industry accountable. Everybody knows the per-pupil cost of education, broken down 50 different ways, but nobody knows how much a doctor visit or a prescription medicine costs. And it matters more every year. In the city of Minneapolis, the health care premiums are rising 20 percent next year, according to the seminar last fall with Barret Lane. Health care is increasingly driving government budget deficits. The state just can't ignore this any more. Number 2 - Change health care plans so consumers will consider cost. The University of Minnesota has one health plan designed for that, and it was featured in the Washington Post as a great innovation. It covers a family for 100 percent of the first $2,500 or so in health care costs, including prescription drugs, each year. The family is responsible for the next $2,500, and everything above that is covered. This protects people against catastrophic medical expenses but lets Minnesotans be frugal. I think people above a certain income also could pay for things out-of-pocket and then file for reimbursement. We would then see the ridiculous bills the insurance companies deal with all the time. Meanwhile, doctors could cut back on the staff they need just for billing. Encourage all employers, public and private, to adopt plans like this. Number 3 - Refuse to pay for the marketing of pharmaceutical products. TV advertising for drugs is not just inappropriate - it's hugely expensive, and it's paid for by all of us. I think the state health plans should refuse to cover any prescription drug that is advertised on TV. That's a start. Heather Martens Kingfield TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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 End Original Message -- 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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: Mpls Housing Issues
I can see why residents want market-rate housing in their neighborhoods. I would too. Why is it contradictory to have market-rate housing that is also affordable? When you wrote of affordable housing, you did not specify what you meant by affordable. The affordable housing they are building out here in Burnsville starts at $180,000. What would it cost to build a new home in some of these places? Just a ballpark range, please. There are several different methods of constructing a house too. Some are less expensive than others, for example, modular vs. stick built. If it were my neighborhood in the city, I would want housing comparable to the housing already in place. It wouldn't matter to me if it were subsidized housing, but I would want whoever moved in to have the means and motivation to maintain the property. One idea that would help to new construction to be affordable might be to build duplexes for owner-occupants. It's easier to shoulder a mortgage with the rental revenues (I almost said income -- whoops!) cash flow. Another might be for the City to work a partnership deal with some non-profit like Habitat for Humanity who regularly build housing with a large amount of volunteer labor as well as contributions from the future owner. Maybe that's not a legal idea -- but we should be creative about infill development. The city could make the numbers work better, depending on how they price the lots. Wouldn't it be better to sell the lots cheap and start collecting taxes rather than carry the costs of the property on the books? Instead of seeing these vacant lots as a problem, what if we looked at them as opportunities to upgrade neighborhood quality of life? Barbara Nelson Burnsville Once and future Minneapolitan Definitely not knowledgeable about housing issues TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Third Ward campaign observations or lack thereof
List member Eric Mitchell writing from Maple Grove about the silence of the Olin Moore campaign in re mpls-issues: This list is informative, but it's not an official forum for elected officials in Minneapolis, or even the Third Ward. We list members don't write in a vacuum - this is often a fruitful public dialogue and many nuances get expressed here that find application far beyond their parochial origins. A number of us have civic responsibilities and the opportunity to compare notes is very helpful. I expect to be informed by the conversations we have and I participate in return with serious intent. Policies may be decided elsewhere, but the thought that goes into their formulation is refreshed and strengthened by the presence of hundreds of such persons as myself in this useful forum. Who minimizes the significance of this background murmur experiences the cost of isolation - there will be more such dialoguing, not less, as time goes by. Fred Markus, Horn Terrace, Ward Ten, in the Lyndale Neighborhood --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 1/10/2003 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Upcoming correction in the Southwest Journal
A Jan. 9 article said Tom Johnson, project manager for the I-35W Project Advisory Committee, had previously worked as lobbyist for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He was not a registered lobbyist, but served as a liaison as MnDOTs director of national relations. The distinction is that he was not paid to pass bills, like a lobbyist; his job was to communicate the states and counties recommendations to the Minnesota delegation and make sure they understood the issue. The article contained two errors. Scott McBride did not office with Johnson at Smith Parker. Also, Johnson and Louis Smith did not travel to Washington D.C. to talk to members of the Minnesota delegation about the I-35W project. They contacted them by mail. Scott Russell Reporter, Southwest Journal TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] RE: observations of observations of 3rd ward politics
Eric, Thank you for your reply and your excuse as to why Olin Moore does not participate on this list. I accept your reasoning as to Moore's campaign strategy. In reference to your response to my post, specifically my practicing a technique I recently learned from Olin Moore himself, that is using someone else's thoughts and words as one's own, it seems that you are under the impression that I was referring to this list. However, I was not refering to this list, rather, I have seen Olin Moore in person, at several recent debates and events, adopting the ideas, viewpoints, thoughts, words and experiences that Don Samuels has already shared or otherwise expressed. Also in your response to my post, it seems as if you belief I am under the impression that Ms. Dyna, Ms. Vanessa, or any other list member is posting on behalf of the Moore campaign. I am not under that impression and will not take anyone else's expressions as those of Olin Moore's until Olin Moore himself expresses such viewpoint. Although, based on some of the expressions of Ms. Dyna and Ms. Vanessa, I can understand completely as to why you would make a definite distiction between the Moore Campaign and the viewpoints shared by those ladies. Again, I do appreciate your response, however, it seems as if my post lied about nothing. And please allow me to make one more clarification, you have never seen a posting from me on this list before, and you probablly won't see too many more after this. That's because I do get off my butt and do and go to neighborhood debate's. Megan Goodmundson Jordan, 3rd ward, where Moore is still less __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] 3rd ward race
Jim, I can call anyone a thug. This is my right under the First Amendment, but as it happens, I'm only calling the majority of Minneapolis Police officers thugs, and working in the community to stop the brutal things that they do to the people that I care about. I don't know who Sullivan is, but I'm a former city council candidate and a current law school student. Barbara Schneider (murdered by MPD 2000) was a member of my mothers congragation. Fidel Depaz, the brother of Efrain Depaz (murderd by MPD 2001) is a friend of mine and to date every encounter I've had with a street level Minneapolis police officer has been abusive and bordered on violent. I'm not rich at all, in fact, I'm usually broke, but I know the difference between right and wrong. My great-grandparents were Holocaust survivors and they grilled in to me when I was young that you do not stay silent when those you care about are brutaly mistreated. I have only refered to public individuals, (police are such) as thugs, and only police and only Minneapolis Police at that. I think most people actually agree with me, particularly on the North Side. I did call Clara Schmitt-Gonzales a control freak, and I stand by that. I myself, being on the MTN board of directors am also a public official, though I don't actually do that much. If someone tries to sue me than much of this will become a matter of public, legal record and that will only help change policies for the better. Anyway, Jackie Cherryholms already tried to sue a list member for something he said on the list and it didn't work. My neighborhood is in the middle of a contentious election and I have every right to make my views known and try to influence the policies that may result from this election if not the election itself. Tamir Nolley Holland --- Jim Mork [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tamir: Sullivan protects you when you call elected officials thugs, but you could end up on the wrong end of a lawsuit if you call private individuals who just happen to have some relationship to a political official a thug. Just how rich ARE you, anyway? -- 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 __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Goodman, Lane, Benson Commentary NRP Resolution
Greg you've just about got it: Greg Luce wrote: But non-funding from whom, and who decides non-funding? Can the city unilaterally determine not to fund NRP? Or is it merely an equation of leftover TI money no longer being there and thus, voila, no funding? Statutorily designated sources of revenue for the NRP have been exhausted with the exception of some remaining Common Project TI that is committed to Common Project debt. Additional funding for NRP is, therefore, in competition with all other City demands for the Community Development resources that remain. The allocation of those resources is at the City's discretion; is the crux of the policy discussion now taking place; and brings us back to the commentary that started this thread. Jack Kryst King Field TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Anti war resolution
Below is a copy of an antiwar resolution being considered by my hometown, Portland, Me. Too bad a big, sophisticated berg like Minneapolis can't do this. (Bar Harbor, Me., another huge metropolis, is also considering a resolution). Linda Mann Kingfield (draft as of 1/13/03) Resolution on Possible War Against Iraq=20 WHEREAS, the people of Portland join with others throughout the United = States in having suffered a grievous loss of life from the terrorist = attacks on September 11, 2001; and WHEREAS, based on current information no proven linkage has been made = between the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the government = of Iraq; and WHEREAS, a war with Iraq will jeopardize the lives of American soldiers = and will kill many innocent Iraqi civilians, who have already suffered = enormously under Saddam Hussein's rule and United Nations sanctions; and WHEREAS, a war with Iraq would threaten to further destabilize the = Middle East, possibly leading to a wider, regional war and increased = support for Al Qaeda and other groups dedicated to terrorism, making the = citizens of Portland and the rest of United States less, not more, = secure; and WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for genuine multilateral action to = eliminate weapons of mass destruction world wide; and WHEREAS, the international community supports United Nation's weapons = inspections to achieve disarmament in Iraq and governments around the = world still oppose United States military action without express consent = of the United Nations Security Council; and WHEREAS, the state of Maine and the city of Portland are suffering from = fiscal crises such that programs that benefit working people and the = poor are being threatened by severe budget cuts. And it has been = estimated that a war in Iraq would likely cost U.S. taxpayers over $100 = billion, an amount that could go a long way to meeting our health and = education needs; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of Portland: HEREBY, opposes a preemptive invasion of Iraq by the United States, but = supports instead a genuinely multilateral diplomatic approach to the = valid objective of disarming Saddam Hussein, sanctioned and directed by = the United Nations; and RESOLVED, that the Portland City Clerk shall forward copies of this = resolution to President Bush, Senators Collins and Snowe and to = Representatives Allen and Michaud. TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Significant Endorsements for Don Samuels
Significant Endorsements For Don Samuels To Be Announced On Saturday morning January 30, 2002 at 10 am the Don Samuels for City Council campaign will make a significant endorsement announcement at a press conference in Northeast Minneapolis. Don Samuels, the community activist and small business owner, is running an insurgent campaign for City Council in Minneapolis Third Ward. Running as a Democrat, but without the endorsement of the DFL Party, the Samuels campaign has been building support and momentum since their stunning second place finish in the Primary on December 30, 2001. The Samuels campaign will hold a press conference at the launch of a volunteer literature drop on Saturday morning. The press conference will be at 10 am at the home of Kim Carlson, 2308 Marshall Street NE. There will be significant photo and film opportunities. For additional information about Don Samuels and the campaign please visit www.DonSamuels.org or contact Joseph Barisonzi, Campaign Coordinator at 612-518-5536. Joseph Barisonzi Lyndale TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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: Mpls Housing Issues
The more I think about these properties, the more I believe that where there's a will, there's a way. For example, how about a little creative financing to make houses on these lots affordable? Here's one idea: The city could lend a prospective owner a reasonable portion of the downpayment required to buy the land and build a house. They would enter into a common ownership agreement with the buyer. Let's say, for simplicity's sake that the downpayment needed is $15,000. The city loans the prospective owner $5,000 and the city puts up $10,000. The city then requires the owner to pay back the $5,000 with sweat equity -- either the owner must sink $5,000 in cash into capital improvements or the equivalent in sweat equity over the course of, let's say, 5 years. The city could approve the value of prior and inspect the work afterwards to make sure it was done satisfactorily (safe and up to code). After the agreed amount of dollars or dollar equivalent was put into the house, the city would agree that the loan was satisfied, but would retain it's $10,000 stake in the value of the home -- and recoup the money at the time of the sale -- either in proportion to the property's appreciation in value, or at an agreed-upon interest rate. I see several pluses to this kind of deal: 1. The city no longer has the carrying cost of the property, plus the property begins to pay property tax. Both of these offset the amount loaned to the prospective homeowner, making this net a less expensive transaction than it appears on the surface. 2. Properties get improved, hence valuations taxes rise. 3. The city doesn't lose a dime because they retain their interest in the property and collect it (plus appreciation or interest) at the time of sale. In fact, this should make money for the city over time. 4. If the prospective owners default, the city retains the property. I, personally, did a similar deal with my younger sister and brother-in-law and it worked perfectly. They could never have afforded a house right after they married, and this gave them a toe-hold to enter the market. Obviously, this kind of thing is targeted to those people who are working liveable wage jobs, but still cannot afford to enter the market right now -- those priced out of it because of the entry costs. It wouldn't do much for the truly poor. But, hey! It's a start and we have to start somewhere. There are a few more details to work out than what I have described, but the point is, this is a win-win situation. The question is, does Minneapolis have the will and creativity to put their heads together and find a solution? Just some random thoughts on a Friday night, . . . Barbara Nelson Burnsville Once and future Minneapolitan Still ignorant of housing issues TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Private replies
Be careful, folks - a couple of private replies made it to the list today. Please make sure not to automatically address a private post to the list...by default, it goes to the sender. Be VERY careful not to hit reply all when sending out a private reply. Been there, been embarrassed by that ... David Brauer List manager TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] Freedom of speech
I believe that Jim Mork is referring to the 1964 US Supreme Court decision in the case of the New York Times v. Sullivan. This rulingbecame an important precedent, meaning it has affected many other court cases since then. Without looking it up, my recollection is that the court ruled that in a case for libel or slander, the party being slandered would have to prove "actual malice" on the part of the party who said or wrote the offending words, if the subject of the alleged slander was a public official. But if the person being slandered is a private party, that's another story. We'll have to check who qualifies as which one... obviously elected officials are public officials, but I'm not as sure about individual police officers. A smart attorney like Brian Melendez may want to jump in here with more info about the case. Normally this wouldn't be a "mpls issue" but it is if we're going to get into the issue of whether people can be sued for things they say about other people in their list postings. Speaking of which, it looks to me as though people are sending private replies to people, and then the recipients are reposting those private replies to the whole list. Unless I'm mistaken, this has happened THREE timesjust today! And I think they were all private messagesfrom Jim Mork to other members. Now, it may be that Jim's messages were just fine and no harm was done, but I think our esteemed List Manager will remind us to be careful about this. There may be cases when people want tosend a private reply and not have it seen be everyone so while we uphold freedom of speech, let's uphold the other side of it and respect the right to privacy. Don Jorovsky New Brighton - Original Message - From: Tamir Nolley Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 5:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] 3rd ward race Jim, I can call anyone a thug. This is my right under theFirst Amendment, but as it happens, I'm only callingthe majority of Minneapolis Police officers thugs, andworking in the community to stop the brutal thingsthat they do to the people that I care about.I don't know who Sullivan is, but I'm a former citycouncil candidate and a current law school student. Barbara Schneider (murdered by MPD 2000) was a memberof my mothers congragation. Fidel Depaz, the brotherof Efrain Depaz (murderd by MPD 2001) is a friend ofmine and to date every encounter I've had with astreet level Minneapolis police officer has beenabusive and bordered on violent.I'm not rich at all, in fact, I'm usually broke, but Iknow the difference between right and wrong. Mygreat-grandparents were Holocaust survivors and theygrilled in to me when I was young that you do not staysilent when those you care about are brutalymistreated.I have only refered to public individuals, (police aresuch) as thugs, and only police and only MinneapolisPolice at that. I think most people actually agreewith me, particularly on the North Side. I did call Clara Schmitt-Gonzales a control freak, andI stand by that. I myself, being on the MTN board ofdirectors am also a public official, though I don'tactually do that much.If someone tries to sue me than much of this willbecome a matter of public, legal record and that willonly help change policies for the better. Anyway,Jackie Cherryholms already tried to sue a list memberfor something he said on the list and it didn't work.My neighborhood is in the middle of a contentiouselection and I have every right to make my views knownand try to influence the policies that may result fromthis election if not the election itself.Tamir NolleyHolland--- Jim Mork [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tamir: Sullivan protects you when you call elected officials "thugs", but you could end up on the wrong end of a lawsuit if you call private individuals who just happen to have some relationship to a political official a "thug". Just how rich ARE you, anyway? -- 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 athttp://www.startribune.com/stribmail__Do you Yahoo!?Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.http://mailplus.yahoo.comTEMPORARY REMINDER:1. Send all posts in plain-text format.2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible.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/mplsGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Mpls] Private Replies
I realise that I'm over my limit, but I want to apologize to Jim and to the list for sending my reply to the list. I hit the reply button assuming it would only go to Jim. Sorry about that. Tamir 3, you probably know where __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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: community ed class
I hope the problem has been resolved. MH -Original Message- From: Jim Mork [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 4:10 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: community ed class Don't know. I don't think I ever click on reply all. Computer glitch? Remember To err is humanbut it takes a computer to screw it up beyond all recognition. -- 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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] SOS;Council Members;Crime Reports; Un So Weiter
For those out there who think it can be done for way less, here are some figures from online sources of local private schools: 1. Minnehaha Academy, tuition is $8420 or $9575, depending on level; 2. St Paul Academy, $14,500; Cretin-Derham Hall, $14,210; Mounds Park Academy, $14,140. Caveat: ALL of the schools have giving pages on their web sites with the goal of raising millions of dollars for the expenses that are NOT covered by the tuition. I couldn't find online budgets (they don't have to share that data), so we have no idea what the cost of instruction would amount to if they didn't collect money beyond tuition. And, of course, they escape a lot of the programs forced on public schools. We should segregate those programs and budget outside the school administration budget for them, so that we can get a true picture of what MPS really spends on teaching its students. * I liked the suggestion Heather made for reining in the cost of healthcare. God knows it is a soaring part of every out-of-balance budget. But her suggestions fall short of what will solve the MPS problem because of the fact that the health insurance industry is assured its place at the trough. I have a feeling that until the taxpayers of the country take ON the insurance industry, this growing cost will continue to eat the money that should go to other purposes. Hint: Check the latest Strib article on United Health Group (40 percent earnings growth in 4th qtr) http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/3610461.html Here in Cooper, we are particularly lucky to have an ambitious crime prevention specialist named Thomas Thompson. Today I got another email from him with a spreadsheet on 2002 crimes in Longfellow, Seward, and Cooper. Cooper had a pretty fair 2002 record. Here the criminals don't want any TROUBLE, they just want to steal your stuff! And that got me to thinking that the cops ought to watch likely gang members and then do surprise patdowns on suspicion of firearms violations. If they have a loaded gun on them, give them some jail time. There is no CONCEIVABLE excuse for anyone not licensed to carry to have a loaded firearm on their person. And if things were done right, the penalty would be very, very stiff. It would be really desirable if the criminally-oriented would be as afraid to be caught WITH a gun as to be caught without one. _ Following up on Vicky Heller's suggestion that we emulate Austin Texas, I'd like to propose that North Oaks do the same. North Oaks, according to its web site, has 4,000 residents. Given the Austin ratio of 93,000 residents per council member, that means North Oaks should be govern by the big toe of one of its present council members. How about it, Vicky? Sound good? Minneapolis may be a big sophisticated berg, but it is in a cold war with Republican suburbs. Maybe Portland Maine doesn't have that problem. With regard to Barbara Nelson's search for creative ways to rescue properties and make them affordable, how about contract-for-deed arrangements. That's a popular way for first-time owners to work their way into ownership. The city might hold the deed. -- 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 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
