Re: [Mpls] Strib take: Insiders don't make chief cut
While I believe I've been the Mayor's fiercest critic on this list and will continue to be so, I back him on his choice for Police Chief. Given the problems of brutality and racism among the rank and file of our police force it's imperative that we hire and outsider. Besides, didn't Lucy Gerold play a significant part in the Hard Times Cafe fiasco? Hiring a woman just for the sake of hiring a woman is sexist and counterproductive. And if Lisa Goodman is as concerned about the Mayor's affirmative action record as she claims to be, then she ought to show some integrity for once and ask to have her name taken off R.T.'s campaign fundraising literature. The Mayor took a lot of flak from the black community, and rightly so, for his failure to effectively address how blacks in Minneapolis are mistreated and underserved by our police. Now he's trying to do something about it. I think we need to give him a break on this one. Finally, as long as council members like Goodman, Barb Johnson, Gary Schiff, Dan Nizoliek, Scott Benson and Sandy Colvin Roy continue their show of indifference to blacks and other groups that have been hurt by Minneapolis law enforcement personnel, they will have much to answer for if anther race riot breaks out during their term.Peter Schmitz CARAG REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re:[Mpls] In defense of the skunk
I once met a skunk when I was walking back to home base after a harvesting session in the county woodlot. I had Swede saws, no noisy machines. Mr. Skunk and I were both on the township road - he crossing it and I traveling along it. I stopped and gave this rather grand-looking creature time to check me out. He was apparently satisfied that I was no threat to his domain and continued on his way with great dignity. To give this a local spin, my live and let live attitude also worked well with the woodchucks, beavers, and muskrats that were my quondam neighbors on Nicollet Island. Fred Markus, West Phillips, where I've seen nary a skunk. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.553 / Virus Database: 345 - Release Date: 12/18/2003 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Back room deals at the Park Board
From the Park Board Charter, Charter Sec.1 p.2-3: also Chapter 16 of the Minneapolis City Charter: "A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum; but no action of said Board, designating or purchasing or leasing lands, creating a bonded debt, or filling vacancies in the Park and Recreation Board, shall be valid unless voted for by six (6) members of said Board;" Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward
[Mpls] Fishing Gear
Annie, et al: Tackle Plus was on the north side of Lake Street, just east of 35W. I assume it's still there. South Side Farm Store at Bloomngton and 38th has worms. They're sold for composting but I assume one can also use redworms for fishing. Steve Brandt Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Who made you Kings Queens?
As much as I'm normally amused by Mr. Reitman's anti-DFL rants, I did want to add some facts that he failed to mention. Of the four dissenting votes on the appointment of an interim Parks Superintendant, three of them, John Ervin, Rochelle Berry-Graves and Vivian Mason were DFL endorsed. And of the five votes in favor of the appointment, one of them, Bob Fine, was elected by defeating a DFL endorsee and another, Carol Kummer, was appointed to her seat by the Park Board following the death of Ed Solomon, although she is a DFL party member. I would be sincerely suprised if anyone on the Minneapolis DFL Central Committee would be supportive of these closed door shenanigans. Loki Anderson Marshall Terrace = As through this life you travel You'll meet some funny men. Some'll rob you with a six-gun, And some with a fountain pen. -Woody Guthrie __ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Interesting
As you all probably know by now, a group of Jordan residents protested outside of Gregge Johnson's house in Elk River the week before Thanksgiving. He's an absentee rental property owner that we feel has caused a fair amount of problems in our neighborhood over the last several years. Probably the most important achievement (of his) to date, is that he owns the house that started the Jordan Melee. He has subsequently sent my wife and I (among others) mail, thanking us for all the free advertising he received from our endeavors, along with religious/right-wing cartoons suggesting the real duty of citizens. His defense? We're being discrimminatory, we should start protesting against the minority landlords that rent to level III sex offenders (in our neighborhood) as well. BTW-I noticed two properties for sale on his block. Dennis Plante Jordan _ Tired of slow downloads? Compare online deals from your local high-speed providers now. https://broadband.msn.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Mpls Police Chief/Park Board
Police Chief From: David Brauer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 20:03:54 -0600 Subject: [Mpls] Rybak narrows field to 2 out-of-towners So much for my speculationand R.T. kowtowing to the Federation's desire for an insider: he's narrowed the field to Charles Moose (DC Sniper case veteran) and William McManus, two-year Dayton chief. - - - - - - - Comment: About a week ago, I was talking to some relatives who live near Dayton about police chiefs. They mentioned that they heard that the Dayton Police Federation strongly supported Chief McManus moving to Minneapolis. They suspect that the Federation might have preferred Anchorage, Alaska or Portland, Maine, but Minneapolis probably will be far enough. John O'Neal Holland From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Scott Vreeland - Seward) Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 05:25:28 EST Subject: [Mpls] Back room deals at the Park Board From the Park Board Charter, Charter Sec.1 p.2-3: also Chapter 16 of the Minneapolis City Charter: A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum; but no action of said Board, designating or purchasing or leasing lands, creating a bonded debt, or filling vacancies in the Park and Recreation Board, shall be valid unless voted for by six (6) members of said Board; Comment: Reguardless of how much you deal and plan and organize, there is always that person in the back of the room who has read the rules. Thanks. John O'Neal Holland REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Strib take: Insiders don't make chief cut
I find it problematic that certain council members appear to be threatening to block Mayor Rybak's chief apointment because their favorite candidate, or issue, is not being forwarded through the final two choices. It is not the council's role to select the chief. They should provide oversight to the decision to assure somebody who would be a bad choice doesn't get hired (ie-somebody with a record of ignoring legitimate claims of police brutality or somebody who clearly doesn't have the experience to run a department). From everything I have read and heard, the final two candidates are both well qualified to serve as chief. In fact, the council members threatening no votes haven't given any reasons that relate to the two candidates themselves, but rather because the finalists don't fit their particular interest (ie-women in leadership positions or hiring from within). I hope these council members will reconsider their opposition. The city needs to bring the new chief into position with a strong signal of support and vote of confidence to the community. Michelle Martin Armatage REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Protesting landlords
Dennis Maybe this could be the start of something. Slowly having neighborhood groups protest in front of all the various less than adequate absentee landlords around the metro. Even in front of a management company office if owned by out of the area persons or corporations. Call the media ahead of time and make an event out of it. That would take the wind out of Mr. Johnson's accusation of discrimination. Those landlords get to hide out in their cushy suburban neighborhoods away from the problems they are fostering, and I bet most of their neighbors don't even know it. I'm liking this idea enough to ask to join in even though I don't live in Jordan. Ron Leurquin Nokomis East -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dennis Plante Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 9:59 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Interesting As you all probably know by now, a group of Jordan residents protested outside of Gregge Johnson's house in Elk River the week before Thanksgiving. He's an absentee rental property owner that we feel has caused a fair amount of problems in our neighborhood over the last several years. Probably the most important achievement (of his) to date, is that he owns the house that started the Jordan Melee. He has subsequently sent my wife and I (among others) mail, thanking us for all the free advertising he received from our endeavors, along with religious/right-wing cartoons suggesting the real duty of citizens. His defense? We're being discrimminatory, we should start protesting against the minority landlords that rent to level III sex offenders (in our neighborhood) as well. BTW-I noticed two properties for sale on his block. Dennis Plante Jordan _ Tired of slow downloads? Compare online deals from your local high-speed providers now. https://broadband.msn.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: MPD: Mpls Mayor wants to micro-manage police dept
The police department of any city is in desperate need of oversight from elected officials. It's the mayor's job to ride herd on the cops. The inclination for all chiefs is to protect the blue code even as the federations take potshots at him/her. It's disingenuous to suggest that police chiefs be given free rein to manage without oversight. Oversight is not micromanagement. The record is so replete with abuse that the only accountable people in government are elected officials. Minneapolis cops are among the most abusive in the country. They must be corralled and set straight. A badge is not a license for assaulting civilians. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul From: Ed Fesler [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 07:32:07 -0800 (PST) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MPD: Mpls Mayor wants to micro-manage police dept; 1 million spent restoring glass ceiling at City Hall I hope the Minneapolis City Council rejects Mayor R.T. Rybak's attempt to run the police department out of the Mayor's office. I thought we were electing a Mayor two years ago-not a police chief. I approve of most of what Rybak has done as Mayor, but I don't like what he's trying to do to the police department. Here is a Star Tribune story on the police chief selection: http://startribune.com/stories/462/4276680.html The hand-picked advisory committee had six candidates to choose from-two Minneapolis Deputy Chiefs and four outside applicants. Two women have risen through the police ranks to the rank of Deputy Chief-Sharon Lubinski and Lucy Gerold. They were the two internal applicants for the position of Police Chief. Of the six candidates, three were African American men and the two Deputy Chiefs were white women. There is one white man on the list-the Chief from Dayton, Ohio. According to WCCO, the candidate Rybak really wants is the white guy. Maybe the real unspoken question the committee asked was are you willing to be the Mayor's boy? No African-American man will permit such a thing. Lubinski and Gerold have never been boys. The Minneapolis Police Federation is a labor union that does a very good job representing the views and attitudes of rank-and-file cops. Many liberals and critics of the police don't like the Police Federation. The Police Federation would rather have a woman as Police Chief than another outsider. Most of the Police Chiefs over the last twenty years have been outsiders with an adversarial attitude toward the rest of the department. What is the evidence that Mayor Rybak wants to micro-manage the Police Department? First, Rybak tried to force Chief Olson out. Then Rybak tried to muzzle the police department and rank-and-file cops by centralizing communications in City Hall. All communications with the media were supposed to go through the City Hall office. If the police department is going to be run by politicians instead of run by cops maybe we should change the city charter to make the police chief an elected position. An even better solution might be to elect a new mayor. How about Sharon Lubinski or Lucy Gerold for mayor? The City Council should hold its ground and insist on one of the Deputy Chiefs. R.T. Rybak needs to stop trying to run the police department himself. Is there really a glass ceiling at City Hall? Yes-and they spent a million dollars to restore it! Here is the Pioneer Press story on the restoration of the stained glass windows in the City Hall rotunda: http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/7525841.htm Ed Fesler[EMAIL PROTECTED] Minneapolis __ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ MN-POLITICS-DISCUSS http://www.e-democracy.org/mn-politics/ is a CIVIL discussion of Minnesota public issues and politics. --- Don't like E-Democracy's rules? You have alternatives: http://www.e-democracy.org/mninteract Messages (text-only, no attachments) are to be signed with your full real name, city and e-mail address. No member may post more than twice a day. Moderator/Discussion Rules Manager: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe to MN-Politics-Discuss send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To receive daily digest: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For the list to retain its value, and to show respect for your fellow list members, please keep a Minnesota focus on your posts. Thanks. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mn-politics-discuss/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't
[Mpls] Re: Who made you Kings Queens?/It's Alive!
In a message dated 12/19/03 7:29:18 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: As much as I'm normally amused by Mr. Reitman's anti-DFL rants, I did want to add some facts that he failed to mention. Of the four dissenting votes on the appointment of an interim Parks Superintendent, three of them, John Ervin, Rochelle Berry-Graves and Vivian Mason were DFL endorsed. And of the five votes in favor of the appointment, one of them, Bob Fine, was elected by defeating a DFL endorsee and another, Carol Kummer, was appointed to her seat by the Park Board following the death of Ed Solomon, although she is a DFL party member. I would be sincerely surprised if anyone on the Minneapolis DFL Central Committee would be supportive of these closed door shenanigans. Loki Anderson Marshall Terrace Keith says; Perhaps I allow instinct to run ahead of research; I am human, not a machine. I do not think the numbers presented above refute my comments. The degree of Machine taint, or influence, may not be revealed in acknowledged details mentioned by Mr. Anderson. My main point is: A political machine transcends the individual sum of it's parts. It adapts and evolves (like flu virus?). It survives, hence it should be observed. And the term Central Committee gives me a healthy shiver, anytime. Keith Reitman Ain't affiliated with no Central Committee NearNorth REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Park Board - Actionable Open Meeting violation?
IF - big "if" - it can be proved that a majority of the Park Board met outside of a properly noticed meeting for the purpose of making this decision, it may be an actionable violation of the open meeting law on the part of each of them. Where personnel matters are concerned it's often murky, but this seems suspicious. Lawyers on the list - please comment. Ann Berget Kingfield
[Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent
I want to publicly state how pleased I am that John Gurban has agreed to become the Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System. Mr. Gurban is an extremely qualified applicant. He actually lives in Minneapolis, unlike many of the candidates. John Gurban is currently Executive Director of the Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association, the state professional association. Mr. Gurban is familiar with MPLS park staff and the park system. He has extensive experience with the planning and implementation of parks, recreation and environmental initiatives. Our current Superintendent, Mary Merrill Anderson, and other park professionals are unanimous in their regard for Mr. Gurban's qualifications. Mr. Gurban's previous experience includes: - managing a recycling and environmental service - directing parks and recreation systems in Apple Valley, MN, British Columbia and Colorado - creating a master plan for the Greater Victoria [Canada] park system - program manager for the Olympic Committee of Manitoba -strong background in environment, recreation, planning and management. For months the Park Board has been following a process we had established. In November we received a list of 7 top candidates from our search firm. Two weeks ago we spent several days interviewing these 7 and were especially pleased with the quality of 2 of the applicants. I was really disappointed when the two most qualified candidates withdrew last week. Unfortunately, the process left only less qualified candidates in the race. The withdrawal of the candidates may have been caused by several of the Park Commissioners themselves (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4269752.html). The process unfortunately became flawed. Action was needed to produce the best candidate for the position. It is vital to have strong, knowledgeable, capable leadership in these difficult times. We need a leader and I believe we have found one. I urge the community and all Park Board Commissioners and Mr. Gurban to keep our Park system strong. Minneapolis does not need the embarrassment of another great candidate withdrawing due to internal differences. Marie Hauser, Commissioner, 3rd Park District REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mayor wants to micro-manage police dept; $1 million spent restoring glass ceiling at City Hall
I hope the Minneapolis City Council rejects Mayor R.T. Rybak's attempt to run the police department out of the Mayor's office. I thought we were electing a Mayor two years ago-not a police chief. I approve of most of what Rybak has done as Mayor, but I don't like what he's trying to do to the police department. Here is a Star Tribune story on the police chief selection: http://startribune.com/stories/462/4276680.html The hand-picked advisory committee had six candidates to choose from-two Minneapolis Deputy Chiefs and four outside applicants. Two women have risen through the police ranks to the rank of Deputy Chief-Sharon Lubinski and Lucy Gerold. They were the two internal applicants for the position of Police Chief. Of the six candidates, three were African American men and the two Deputy Chiefs were white women. There is one white man on the list-the Chief from Dayton, Ohio. According to WCCO, the candidate Rybak really wants is the white guy. Maybe the real unspoken question the committee asked was are you willing to be the Mayor's boy? No African-American man will permit such a thing. Lubinski and Gerold have never been boys. The Minneapolis Police Federation is a labor union that does a very good job representing the views and attitudes of rank-and-file cops. Many liberals and critics of the police don't like the Police Federation. The Police Federation would rather have a woman as Police Chief than another outsider. Most of the Police Chiefs over the last twenty years have been outsiders with an adversarial attitude toward the rest of the department. What is the evidence that Mayor Rybak wants to micro-manage the Police Department? First, Rybak tried to force Chief Olson out. Then Rybak tried to muzzle the police department and rank-and-file cops by centralizing communications in City Hall. All communications with the media were supposed to go through the City Hall office. If the police department is going to be run by politicians instead of run by cops maybe we should change the city charter to make the police chief an elected position. An even better solution might be to elect a new mayor. How about Sharon Lubinski or Lucy Gerold for mayor? The City Council should hold its ground and insist on one of the Deputy Chiefs. R.T. Rybak needs to stop trying to run the police department himself. (HUMOR) Is there really a glass ceiling at City Hall? Yes-and they spent a million dollars to restore it! Here is the Pioneer Press story on the restoration of the stained glass windows in the City Hall rotunda: http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/7525841.htm Ed Fesler[EMAIL PROTECTED] Minneapolis Corcoran __ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Park Board superintendent
Keith Reitman wrote, Please try to remember; this goes beyond the Fab 5 who did the dirty. A machine runs this town; the DFL Matrix. They will do what they want to do; and it may not actually be decided at an open meeting; nor even by those voting. Like it or loppett. Then Loki Anderson wrote, As much as I'm normally amused by Mr. Reitman's anti-DFL rants, I did want to add some facts that he failed to mention. Of the four dissenting votes on the appointment of an interim Parks Superintendant, three of them, John Ervin, Rochelle Berry-Graves and Vivian Mason were DFL endorsed. And of the five votes in favor of the appointment, one of them, Bob Fine, was elected by defeating a DFL endorsee and another, Carol Kummer, was appointed to her seat by the Park Board following the death of Ed Solomon, although she is a DFL party member. I would be sincerely suprised if anyone on the Minneapolis DFL Central Committee would be supportive of these closed door shenanigans. [BRM] I join Loki's comments. Let me add three more points: First, just as many DFL-endorsed commissioners voted against the appointment (Berry Graves, Erwin, Mason), as voted for it (Dziedzic, Hauser, Olson). Three-quarters of the opposition were DFL-endorsed commissioners. Second, if the DFL-endorsed candidate (Tracy Nordstrom) had been elected as the commissioner representing Park District 6, the seat that Board President Bob Fine now holds, then the appointment would not have gone through. I don't speak for Tracy, and I haven't asked her how she would have voted on this issue; but I worked on her campaign, I have known her for years, and I would bet the ranch that not only would she have refused to be a party to the backroom maneuvering that evidently went on here, she would have spoken out against it. The DFL endorsing convention rejected Bob Fine for a reason. Third, I have been hearing about this issue from quite a few DFL Party activists in the past couple days, and not a one supports the process by which the Park Board made this appointment. Not a one. Ann Berget wrote, IF - big 'if' -- it can be proved that a majority of the Park Board met outside of a properly noticed meeting for the purpose of making this decision, it may be an actionable violation of the open meeting law on the part of each of them. Where personnel matters are concerned it's often murky, but this seems suspicious. [BRM] I wondered the same thing as this story unfolded. It appears that the five commissioners who supported the appointment knew in advance what was going to happen, shared information among themselves that was not shared with their colleagues, and surprised the other four. Those tactics stink. But they don't violate the open meeting law unless the majority was meeting together secretly before the open meeting. If the majority commissioners were just talking to each other two or three or even four at a time, then they weren't breaking the law, as far as I know. Marie Hauser wrote, For months the Park Board has been following a process we had established. In November we received a list of 7 top candidates from our search firm. Two weeks ago we spent several days interviewing these 7 and were especially pleased with the quality of 2 of the applicants. I was really disappointed when the two most qualified candidates withdrew last week. Unfortunately, the process left only less qualified candidates in the race. The withdrawal of the candidates may have been caused by several of the Park Commissioners themselves (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4269752.html). The process unfortunately became flawed. Action was needed to produce the best candidate for the position. [BRM] Fair enough. And I appreciate Marie Hauser stepping forward and explaining the majority's thinking. But I am left with several questions. If action was needed to produce the best candidate for the position, why was that action necessarily an immediate appointment? Why not reopen the search, even if only for a brief period? If Bob Fine's high-school classmate is truly the best candidate that can be found, then that fact would still be true after a more open process. Any why the secrecy? Why were some -- most -- commissioners evidently privy to material information that was not shared with their colleagues? If it is true that the process unfortunately became flawed, why not start over with a process that fixes the flaw? How is no process at all better than a flawed process? BRM Brian Melendez, Chair, Minneapolis DFL Party Lowry Hill (Ward 7) REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see:
RE: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent
Marie Hauser, Commissioner, 3rd Park District wrote: Minneapolis does not need the embarrassment of another great candidate withdrawing due to internal differences. I say: Minneapolis does not need the embarrassment of it's elected officials circumventing process and showing utter disrespect for thier fellow board members. This is disrespectful to the citizens of Minneapolis as well. Shame on you. MJ Mueller Seward REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract _ Enjoy the holiday season with great tips from MSN. http://special.msn.com/network/happyholidays.armx REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Strib take: Insiders don't make chief cut
--- Michelle Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I find it problematic that certain council members appear to be threatening to block Mayor Rybak's chief apointment because their favorite candidate, or issue, is not being forwarded through the final two choices. It is not the council's role to select the chief. [TB] I disagree with the comment about not being the council's role. We have a process for selecting a Chief which includes approval by the city's Executive Committee AND the City Council. The Mayor is merely making a nomination or recommendation. Why go outside when you have a strong, qualified and competent inside candidate? Good employers generally promote from within when they have such a candidate. What message does it send to city employees when department heads are hired from the outside? Promoting a current employee has fewer unknowns. You have someone you have been working with for over a decade. That is better than any interview process and reference checking than anyone has ever developed. It costs a tremendous amount of money to hire and train a new employee, promotion from within cuts these costs considerably. Councilmembers have a responsibility to those who elect them to work to insure that we have the best person we can get in the job. I don't want my Councilmember to be the Mayor's rubber stamp. Terrell Brown Loring Park __ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Party at City Hall
For those politico listers or architectural buffs who lurk in the bowels of city hall time to time, should be advised of the party today commencing @ 3 pm today to officially unveil the rotunda restoration. I have been advised a number of the usual suspects (politicians) will be in attendance, some possibly to deliver a stem winder to commemorate the occasion. Coffee and cookies will be provided, but alas, no open bar. Lee R. Eklund Victory REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Strib take: Insiders don't make chief cut
Terrell Brown wrote: I disagree with the comment about not being the council's role. We have a process for selecting a Chief which includes approval by the city's Executive Committee AND the City Council. The Mayor is merely making a nomination or recommendation. I don't want my Councilmember to be the Mayor's rubber stamp. MM responds: I agree the Council should not just be a rubber stamp. They should look critically at who the Mayor recommends. But, I believe they should be looking specifically at the nomination before them and determining if that individual is qualified. Instead, several are looking comparatively at who the Mayor is not selecting and pre-determining that they won't approve who he does select. The Mayor couldn't possibly select the top choice of all 13 Council Members, because all 13 Council Members would not agree on a top choice. Goodman and Colvin Roy are unhappy the Mayor didn't select a woman. Niziolek is unhappy he isn't selecting from within the department. Somebody else could be unhappy if he didn't select an outsider or a minority, etc. etc. Using those standards to approve or not approve a nominee seems shortsighted and ineffectual. Council members should be looking at Rybak's nominee and determing whether that person could serve effectively in the position. If they don't think the final nominee would serve the city well, they should vote no. That is not what I hear them saying about the two potential candidates. Michelle Martin Armatage REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent
Marie, What was the process (public or otherwise) you used to determine that the existing search was flawed and what was the new process you created to choose John Gurban? If the points you mention are indeed true, why the decision to subvert the process behind closed doors and exclude nearly 50% of the elected officials who have the elected responsibility for making the decision? Or will John Gurban only be representing half of the city? KtW Kurt Waltenbaugh ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marie Hauser Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 8:59 AM To: City of Minneapolis Subject: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent I want to publicly state how pleased I am that John Gurban has agreed to become the Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System. Mr. Gurban is an extremely qualified applicant. He actually lives in Minneapolis, unlike many of the candidates. John Gurban is currently Executive Director of the Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association, the state professional association. Mr. Gurban is familiar with MPLS park staff and the park system. He has extensive experience with the planning and implementation of parks, recreation and environmental initiatives. Our current Superintendent, Mary Merrill Anderson, and other park professionals are unanimous in their regard for Mr. Gurban's qualifications. Mr. Gurban's previous experience includes: - managing a recycling and environmental service - directing parks and recreation systems in Apple Valley, MN, British Columbia and Colorado - creating a master plan for the Greater Victoria [Canada] park system - program manager for the Olympic Committee of Manitoba -strong background in environment, recreation, planning and management. For months the Park Board has been following a process we had established. In November we received a list of 7 top candidates from our search firm. Two weeks ago we spent several days interviewing these 7 and were especially pleased with the quality of 2 of the applicants. I was really disappointed when the two most qualified candidates withdrew last week. Unfortunately, the process left only less qualified candidates in the race. The withdrawal of the candidates may have been caused by several of the Park Commissioners themselves (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4269752.html). The process unfortunately became flawed. Action was needed to produce the best candidate for the position. It is vital to have strong, knowledgeable, capable leadership in these difficult times. We need a leader and I believe we have found one. I urge the community and all Park Board Commissioners and Mr. Gurban to keep our Park system strong. Minneapolis does not need the embarrassment of another great candidate withdrawing due to internal differences. Marie Hauser, Commissioner, 3rd Park District REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Strib take: Insiders don't make chief cut
Peter T Schmitz wrote: Hiring a woman just for the sake of hiring a woman is sexist and counterproductive. WM: We would not be hiring either Gerold or Lubinski just because she's a woman, but because, as women, they have a different perspective, one that cannot be gained easily as a male, if at all. Lubinski, particularly, has a different perspective as a member of a minority group. They have a myriad of other qualifications as well. Finally, as long as council members like Goodman, Barb Johnson, Gary Schiff, Dan Nizoliek, Scott Benson and Sandy Colvin Roy continue their show of indifference to blacks and other groups that have been hurt by Minneapolis law enforcement personnel, they will have much to answer for if anther race riot breaks out during their term. WM: I doubt that this preference shows an indifference to 'blacks and other groups.,' though it could be 'better the devil you know' WizardMarks, Central Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Be nice to digest readers....
And PLEASE delete the previous post if you're not quoting directly from it in your reply. Digest readers (who get 10-15 bundled posts in one e-mail) don't want to scroll through repeated text. David Brauer List manager REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Shenanagans, questionable appointments. etc....
First off, let me give credit where credit is due: the Republican Party are the premier players in this sick sport. A pro choice or in any way moderate republican never gets past the precinct caucus, and may very well get thrown out of same. Persons of color, even if they be upstanding citizens with multiple college degrees and dressed in conservative attire are routinely removed by security forces from Republican Party gatherings. Both major parties tend to function as job finding networks, finding employment for whatever good soldiers had the misfortune of losing their or their candidate's last election. The Republicans being the party of big business and bigots have much more corporate and fundamentalist religious resources for this sort of shenanigans though, so a down on their luck DFLer may very well share the unemployment line with the rest of us. Our mayor has just thumbed his nose at the MPD rank and file and destroyed what little morale is left in the department by going outside the city for a chief. historically the chief job went to the cop who did the best job of pounding lawn signs for the winning mayor. The police federation can no longer deliver a couple thousand Minneapolis voters for their anointed candidate, so R.T. can probably get away with this snub. Which raises the question of how R.T. got to be mayor in the first place. R.T. put himself on the map when his major opponent was unable to get an endorsement at the 2001 DFL city endorsing convention. R.T. had nowhere near the support of half the delegates in that room, but was the beneficiary of some shenanigans of supporters of a candidate that had already been dropped and some devious supporters of a republican candidate who was camped just outside the convention. After a few ballots the Machiavellians won and threw the race into a primary. This was in fact a repeat of the 1993 endorsement battle, when supporters of dropped candidate Jeff Jefferson and others blocked an endorsement of Sharon Sayles Belton. IIRC some of the same Machiavellians were involved in both shenanigans. Fast forward to the recent botched appointments... our school board started this fad of attempting to bypass the deliberative selection process we have entrusted them with. Despite the public outcry that bit of favoritism brought, a bare majority of the park board has attempted a copycat crime, hurriedly entrusting our civic legacy of parks to someone we've never heard of. Pardon me, but I think we can get by for a few months without a Park Superintendent while the Park Board conducts a proper search and selection process. 2004 will of course with a presidential election be a big year for shenanigans. Again the gold, silver, and bronze medals go to the Republicans- on our north city limits the Bush administration's misnamed Defense Department has managed to save 300 jobs at United Defense with a multi billion dollar contract. After a couple decades of layoffs (check out United Defense's parking lot) most every one of these 300 workers hair grayed long ago. We tax and spend Democrats could have given then a generous early retirement, retraining programs, etc. and saved the taxpayers billions... One must give the democratic machine their due though... A couple months back the DFL state central committee met in Willmar. On the agenda was a proposal to move the caucus date to early february, making Minnesota a major player in the presidential selection process. Minneapolis was virtually unrepresented at that meeting. My own Northside district, the 58th, was totally unrepresented. I was there only because I received an e-mail from the State Central Committee mailing list informing me of the meeting, I received no mailed notice. Being a member in good standing of the democratic wing of the Democratic Party I of course attended, only to be told that I was no longer a delegate... The national election is 10 months away, so grab a chair and enjoy the shenanigans. Already a couple folks are plotting a takeover of the Minneapolis based Stonewall DFL caucus, their barely publicized screenings are over and their slate is set. Stonewall DFL members may note that the membership renewal notice was missing from the annual meeting notice- that way if you forget to renew you may be denied the right to vote at the annual meeting. The meeting is also scheduled for January 10th in Minneapolis, when many Dean supporters will be campaigning in Iowa. Stonewall DFL could have had that meeting concurrent with the state central committee meeting on the 24th, but then all those pesky outstate members and the DFL wing of the party might be in attendance... So settle back and get ready for a big year of political shenanigans. Meanwhile, perhaps we should start an award for best politician shenanigan of the year- any nominations? hack'n in Hawthorne, Dyna Sluyter REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has
[Mpls] Re: Back room deals at the Park Board
I don't see what this requirement has to do with the hiring of a Superintendent. It requires a 2/3rds majority in 3 specific situations, none of which apply here. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish Ericsson P.S. That said, I still have some questions about how (and why) this hiring was done this way, and I will be talking to my Park Board members about this. But clearly they had the legal authority to do this. From the Park Board Charter, Charter Sec.1 p.2-3: also Chapter 16 of the Minneapolis City Charter: A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum; but no action of said Board, designating or purchasing or leasing lands, creating a bonded debt, or filling vacancies in the Park and Recreation Board, shall be valid unless voted for by six (6) members of said Board; Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] HC Sheriff's Deputies Cleared of Sexual Assault---Sez Who?
Communities United Against Police Brutality EMAIL NEWSLETTERDecember 19, 2003** CUAPB DENOUNCES CONTINUED WHITEWASH IN PHILANDER JENKINS CASEThe following is a press statement we released to the media yesterday:The Washington County Attorneys Office announced today that it will not prosecute the Hennepin County Sheriffs Department for the beating and sexual assault of Philander Jenkins. While the statement released by Washington County Attorney Doug Johnson alleges that evidence of sexual assault is inconclusive, we believe his decision is tainted by politics and continues the whitewash surrounding this caseFrom the start, it is clear that the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office has taken action to prevent Philander from receiving justice in his case. It is sad to see that Washington County Attorney Doug Johnson has joined the coverup.Philander was put into isolation immediately after the incident and was prevented from communicating with his family. He was not permitted access to a telephone and was not allowed paper, complaint forms or writing implements. Members of his legal team were harassed and repeatedly denied visitation. One member of his legal team was arrested as he stood outside of the Hennepin County jail.Despite repeated requests, Philander was denied access to jail staff nurses after the incident. After a barrage of phone calls to the jail from the community, Philander was finally taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for medical care several hours after the assault. Initial records released from Hennepin County Medical Center indicate a disposition of sexual assault victim. Despite repeated efforts by Philander and his family to receive his full medical records from that visit, Hennepin Cou nty Medical Center has withheld those records for over two months.Philanders family and the community demanded that he receive an independent medical examination from a caregiver not on the Hennepin County payroll. A court order was sought from Judge Katherian Rowe. Even before Philanders lawyer appeared in court, Sheriffs Department staff had ex parte communications with Judge Rowe to influence the terms of the court order. Sheriffs took Philander to his examination but took him away from the facility before the time of his appointment. His doctor arrived to find Philander gone. Judge Rowe refused to issue another court order for the exam, despite these actions by the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office.Considering this history, we are very wary about a number of gaps in the Washington County Attorneys Office statement: * Contemporaneous statements from two inmates who saw Deputies enter Philanders cell and described hearing the beating and sexual assault, including hearing Philander tell the Sheriffs Deputies to "stop pulling down my pants" and "get your hands away from there." These statements were recorded on Hennepin County Sheriffs Office "First Person Statement" Forms.* Information on blood or other analysis of kleenex tissues Philander used to stop anal bleeding after the attack. Philander had secreted the tissues into his jail jumpsuit and taken them to the Hennepin County Medical Center. Once there, he gave them to nurses, who put them into a plastic bag and sealed it. A chain of custody and test results for these tissues need to be produced.* Information on security videotapes of the area of Philanders jail cell. These were noted in the witness statements. Were they preserved? Who has them?* Philanders attorney saw him in the immediate aftermath of the assault. sp; We have seen photographs of Philanders injuries, including scrapes, bruises and gashes on his face. His attorney saw blood on his jail jumpsuit. None of this is discussed in the statement.* The statement indicates that a rectal swab showed "no semen." Philander never stated that the sexual assault involved penile penetration. He stated that he was assaulted with a type of solid object like a stick.* There was no indication on the report of any examination for anal tears or other trauma typical of anal sexual assault.We believe that if a Black man had been accused of the kind of sexual assault Philander Jenkins experienced, Washington County Attorney Doug Johnson would be only too happy to prosecute. However, since this assault happened at the hands of Hennepin County Sheriffs, Doug Johnson refuses to prosecute and, worse, actually shows bias against Philander Jenkins in his statement.We have concerns, too, about the BCA investigation of this case. As soon as the BCA announced that its investigation was complete, Philanders attorney requested copies of the findings. Officers with the BCA told Philanders attorney that no report was ever done on the case. This statement is laughable at best and certainly could not be truthful.Because of the controversial nature of this case and because of BCA ties to local law enforcement agencies including the Hennepin County
[Mpls] In transit
As I will be traveling for the next several days, I may not be able to quickly respond to complaints and free non-plain-text posts from the clutches of our list server. I strongly recommend you non-AOL non-plain-text users learn how to post plain text, and AOL users upgrade to version 9.0, which - as detailed a few days earlier - lets you post plain text. I WILL still be doing my job here though, so no funny stuff! Happy holidays, David Brauer List manager REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Interesting
Good for you. We did the picket thing in Whittier in 92 to a bad landlord. It certainly did send him a wake-up call. He was pretty mad at us for awhile. But, he didn't resort to selling, not just then anyway. After we picketed him, he agreed to form a willing partnership with to deal with the issues in his properties. We didn't have CCP/SAFE in Whittier at that time and none of the technology available today, so we were pretty much on our own. This partnership resulted in his properties turning around for the better, him becoming an active neighborhood board member, the establishment of the Whittier Rental Property Owners group and the partnership with NRP for the rental property rehab program. The group is active today in Whittier and has been instrumental in helping to identify ways their peer owners can make improvements to their properties, deal with problem tenants, create solid meaningful leases and work together as a positive force in the neighborhood. I encourage any neighborhoods with high rental ownership to be the catalyst for rental property owners to work together to create positive partnerships with one another and the neighborhood. Barb Lickness Whittier = 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 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Back room deals at the Park Board
I went back to the list archives April 2002 to try to remember the details of the renting of the Theodore Wirth House. Isn't Jon Gruban the director of the organization that rented the Wirth house for 55 cents a square foot and wouldn't allow public access to even Theodore Wirth? ( The one that is still living). The issue of ethics was raised about the appropriateness of gifts the organization gave to Park Board Commissioners. I don't remember all the details or any resolution to the ethics question. Jon Gruban may be the best candidate and if so he should go the kind of process our current Superintendent went through. I also notice a lot of blame is being heaped on Vivian Mason. What did she do? She asked publicly how committed the finalist was. It seems a reasonable and important question to me. It showed in retrospect how that candidate would handle public criticism. >From what we have seen that is an important skill. Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward
Re: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent
Well if the process was flawed, than why was everyone criticizing Vivian Mason when she called it that, at the beginning. I guess according to Hauser the process is flawed only after you don't get what you want, and you want to railroad through a candidate. Maybe the two top candidates after dealing with some of these park board members decided the job wasn';t worth it if they had to work with some of them. One good point is that the Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association, I believe, has their offices in the Park Superintendent building. So maybe they won't have to move, if Gurban decides to move in!!! Lisa McDonald East Harriet - Original Message - From: Marie Hauser Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 10:37 AM To: City of Minneapolis Subject: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent I want to publicly state how pleased I am that John Gurban has agreed to becomethe Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System. Mr. Gurban isan extremely qualified applicant. He actually lives in Minneapolis, unlike manyof the candidates.John Gurban is currently Executive Director of the Minnesota Parks andRecreation Association, the state professional association. Mr. Gurban isUnfortunately, the process left only less qualified candidates in the race. Thewithdrawal of the candidates may have been caused by several of the ParkCommissioners themselves (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4269752.html)The process unfortunately became flawed. Action was needed to produce the bestcandidate for the position.Marie Hauser, Commissioner, 3rd Park DistrictREMINDERS:1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.htmlFor external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteractMinneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-DemocracyPost messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mplsGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Mpls] The Golden Bedspring Award
In reference to the trip to suburbia to protest at an absentee Jordan landlord's home, I'd like to contribute my memories. In the 80's, I lived in a very slowly gentrifying neighborhood in St. Louis. Some of the local activists were unhappy with some of the landlords and invented the Golden Bedspring. It was an eponymous bedspring inserted into a wooden base and spraypainted golden. After alerting the press, they would arrange a convoy of the neighbors to the landlord's home, parade up and down the sidewalk for 20-30 minutes in hope of getting some of HIS neighbors curious, then march up to the door and present the award, and deliver some sort of verbal blast. The one time I went along, our target was not home or decided not to answer the door. But we all had a good time and considered it a success anyway. Long term, not being a neighborhood insider, I don't know how successful the GBSA was but it did serve as a rallying point for those frustrated by silence in their efforts to get a dialogue going. It may be worthwhile to try something similar here.Mark Greenwald, the Wedge
[Mpls] Park Board - Huge Sucking Sound!
Envision this: A loud sucking sound is being reported by citizens of Minneapolis...it is discovered that the shenanigans of the Minneapolis Park Board and their behind the scenes backroom deals are the cause of this. Apparently a staff toilet in the back halls of their sparkling new headquarters is the source of this loud noise. It is confirmed that those Park Board Kommishes who supported interim Superintendent Gurbin are taking turns doing their best to flush all manner of democracy and decency down the toilet. Soon it is spectulated that our fair city will run out of water due to the excessive flushing of said Kommishes. Eduardo Parra Cleveland Land of 10,000 Toilet Flushes! REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Plain Text posting in Pegasus
Does anyone have instructions on how to do plain text posting in the Pegasus email program? Thanks, - Jason Goray Sheridan NE __ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Shenanagans, questionable appointments. etc....
Dyna wrote: A pro choice or in any way moderate republican never gets past the precinct caucus, and may very well get thrown out of same. Says who? I am pro-choice and in support of equal freedoms (such as contract) for glbt individuals. If that doesn't make me moderate I don't know what would. Connie Nompelis Deputy Chair, Minneapolis Republican Committee __ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Shenanagans, questionable appointments. etc....
Constance Nompelis wrote: Says who? I am pro-choice and in support of equal freedoms (such as contract) for glbt individuals. If that doesn't make me moderate I don't know what would. I'm generally pro-life and against same-sex contracts - marriage - but agree with the DFL on labor issues. You're a moderate, I'm a centrist. Neal Krasnoff Active Member, Communications Workers of America Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Shenanagans, questionable appointments. etc....
Neal Krasnoff wrote: Constance Nompelis wrote: Says who? I am pro-choice and in support of equal freedoms (such as contract) for glbt individuals. If that doesn't make me moderate I don't know what would. I'm generally pro-life and against same-sex contracts - marriage - but agree with the DFL on labor issues. You're a moderate, I'm a centrist. Neal Krasnoff Active Member, Communications Workers of America Loring Park I'm pro-life, pro-choice, pro-freedom, pro-labor and think government should get out of the marriage business and leave it to churches. I'm a right-wing, conservative Republican. Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Background for Park Board Back room deals
Here is the context and the content of the controversy about the Wirth House: From: STAR TRIBUNE (Mpls.-St. Paul) Newspaper of the Twin Cities Headline: Gift to park employees challenged // Free memberships in association may violate law Date: 07/02/02 Section: NEWS Page: 03B Edition: METRO Byline: Steve Brandt; Staff Writer Length: 13.9 Subject: minneapolis;employee;park;building;law;ethics Slug: PARK02 About 150 Minneapolis park employees may have run afoul of a state law by accepting free memberships in a state association that rents the house that used to be occupied by park superintendents. The 1994 law prohibits public employees from accepting most gifts from people or entities with a direct financial interest in their decisions. The free memberships might well be improper, said state Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, who was one of the law's sponsors. A formal park system policy also prohibits employees from receiving anything of value from a person or association with which the park system does business. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, which has leased the superintendent's house since 1997, values the 150 memberships at $19,000 annually. The association is a professional organization for park and recreation workers. Assistant Park Superintendent Mike Schmidt says the benefits of membership include a newsletter and training sessions for park employees. He maintained that the law's restrictions apply only to gifts from lobbyists. Nonetheless, following a Star Tribune inquiry, the park system said that the top six park officials, including Superintendent Mary Merrill Anderson, now will pay their own memberships. Schmidt said we thought it was better if we stepped back at this level. The state association disclosed the free memberships after the Park Board was criticized by some for not charging enough rent. The association pays $9,000 annually and said it pays another $1,000 voluntarily for maintenance. It described the free memberships as an added value of the lease, although the lease does not mention them. The lease dates to 1997, after David Fisher, then the park superintendent, decided he didn't want to live in the house any more. The house was built in Lyndale Farmstead Park in 1910 to entice Theodore Wirth to Minneapolis, and it was the place where the legendary superintendent and his staff ultimately sketched many of the designs for popular city parks. Jon Gurban, the state association's executive director, called it an incredible stretch to connect the free memberships and the law. He said his group has solved an issue for the park system by occupying a deteriorating building. The park system installed air conditioning, replaced single-pane windows, improved insulation and refinished floors. The association paid the first $5,000, and the Park Board paid the balance. Schmidt said he didn't recall the amount. The original lease was for two years, and the association began a second three-year extension Monday. The Park Board must pay $10,000 if it wishes to buy out the lease before it expires in 2005. The Minneapolis Park Legacy Society has been lobbying to use the house's first floor for exhibits on park system history. . Written by - Steve Brandt at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 612-673-4438. In my humble opinion this was and is a bad financial deal for the Park Board and citizens. This no bid, cozy relation and lack of process and exchange of gifts is indicative of insider deals. We also have an interesting quote from Jon Gurban. Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Back room deals at the Park Board
Unfortunately Scott - we already had checked this a couple of weeks before. It applies to filling vacancies for Commissioner not for choosing the Superintendent. Nice try! Annie Young citywide Park Commissioner At 05:25 AM 12/19/03 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From the Park Board Charter, Charter Sec.1 p.2-3: also Chapter 16 of the Minneapolis City Charter: A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum; but no action of said Board, designating or purchasing or leasing lands, creating a bonded debt, or filling vacancies in the Park and Recreation Board, shall be valid unless voted for by six (6) members of said Board; Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward Annie Young Stand Up ~ Keep Fighting
[Mpls] Fwd: Meet the Final Candidate for Chief of Police! (picket signs optional)
This slithered in while I was at work today... Begin forwarded message: Come Meet the final candidate for Minneapolis Police Chief. YOUR INPUT INVITED THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!! Why wasn't our input sought before the final choice had been made? on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2:00 p.m., Rm. 333 City Hall.Mayor R.T. Rybak has set up a time for members of the GLBT communities, and our allies, to meet the person he is recommending to be the next chief of police for Minneapolis. The mayoral media machine is clearly at work here- knowing that R.T.'s choice will be a tough sell at the council they're trying to co-opt the GLBT community into supporting said mayor's choice. Come meet the finalist before the City Council goes forward on the hiring; give your input and ask questions in person. The name will be announced to the public at a noon press conference in the Rotunda. OK, we have the media dog and pony show scheduled at noon, and the GLBT contingent penciled in for 2 o'clock. What group will the mayor be lobbying at 1 and maybe 3 p.m.? And will the council be introduced to the possible new chief in the morning, or given the mushroom treatment? The Mayor is especially eager to hear our voices, as well as for us to hear directly from the candidate. After he's already made his choice... Thank you for working this in between your holiday shopping excursions! OutFront Minnesota giggling in Hawthorne, Dyna Sluyter REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Background for Park Board Back room deals
Here is the context and the content of the controversy about the Wirth House: From: STAR TRIBUNE (Mpls.-St. Paul) Newspaper of the Twin Cities Headline: Gift to park employees challenged // Free memberships in association may violate law Date: 07/02/02 Section: NEWS Page: 03B Edition: METRO Byline: Steve Brandt; Staff Writer Length: 13.9 Subject: minneapolis;employee;park;building;law;ethics Slug: PARK02 About 150 Minneapolis park employees may have run afoul of a state law by accepting free memberships in a state association that rents the house that used to be occupied by park superintendents. The 1994 law prohibits public employees from accepting most gifts from people or entities with a direct financial interest in their decisions. The free memberships might well be improper, said state Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, who was one of the law's sponsors. A formal park system policy also prohibits employees from receiving anything of value from a person or association with which the park system does business. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, which has leased the superintendent's house since 1997, values the 150 memberships at $19,000 annually. [snip] The state association disclosed the free memberships after the Park Board was criticized by some for not charging enough rent. The association pays $9,000 annually and said it pays another $1,000 voluntarily for maintenance. It described the free memberships as an added value of the lease, although the lease does not mention them. Think there's any comparable property I can lease for only $9,000 a year? Let's see, large historic home located in a park in a highly desirable neighborhood near a lake for only $750 a month. I'd be lucky to get a one-bedroom apartment in that kind of location for that money. Jon Gurban, the state association's executive director, called it an incredible stretch to connect the free memberships and the law. He said his group has solved an issue for the park system by occupying a deteriorating building. The park system installed air conditioning, replaced single-pane windows, improved insulation and refinished floors. The association paid the first $5,000, and the Park Board paid the balance. Schmidt said he didn't recall the amount. Having done rehab work on a hundred year old house before, I'd bet the Park Board paid $20,000 to $100,000 for its share of this work. The $5,000 from Gurban's association is a pittance, not the generous solving an issue he tries to make it sound like. The original lease was for two years, and the association began a second three-year extension Monday. The Park Board must pay $10,000 if it wishes to buy out the lease before it expires in 2005. I say kick them out at the end of their lease. If we weren't short money, I'd say kick them out now. I've been mistakenly on the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association's mailing list for much of the past year. Their missives have been interesting reading. From my perspective, it seems their primary purpose is to lobby and politick for more spending and perks for their members. That's not illegal, but it sure isn't altruistic, either. Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: MPD: Mpls Mayor wants to micro-manage police dept
Ahh, but, Erik, In Minneapolis, the Mayor retains authority over the police department, one of the several positions he oversees. This is far different from a civilian review board which should be designed - but never is, given police politics - to review only complaints against officers that are not sustained by the Internal Affairs Unit. The day-today oversight remains in the Mayor's office. In both Minneapolis and St. Paul charters, police chiefs (and fire chiefs) receive terms-certain (in St. Paul, it's six years, overlapping 4-year mayoral terms, theoretically to insulate the police and fire functions from politics. Actually, those arrangements have been to the detriment of communities wanting greater control over the police and fire functions, more accountability from both. Chiefs should be, as are all other department heads, selected and retained at the will and pleasure of the Mayor(s). Absent that, Mayors and Councilmembers cannot be held accountable for renegade cops, firefighters and chiefs, and they should be. This is not good government. In any event, one of the few truly powerful oversight responsibilities the Mayor has is the selection of the chief and oversight of the cops. As for the Council(s), they still have advise and consent authority, another critical role in the balance of power. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul From: Erik Hare [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 12:43:01 -0600 (CST) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Minneapolis Issues [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MPD: Mpls Mayor wants to micro-manage police dept On Fri, 19 Dec 2003, Andy Driscoll wrote: The police department of any city is in desperate need of oversight from elected officials. In general, I agree with Andy on this point. The need for civilian oversight is glaring and obvious. The department has had plenty of opportunity to reform itself, and failed utterly. It's the mayor's job to ride herd on the cops. This is where I'm concerned. Certainly, the inability (or lack of interest) of the council in providing for a real civilian review board has been a major problem. And in a weak mayor system, what ultimately can the mayor do? Let's say that the new chief is picked on the willingness to be Rybak's boy. Even if that is the case, how long will the politics of the situation allow such a chief to continue to be under the thumb of the mayor? If a chief was openly the mayor's choice, how much would that chief be undermined immediately? The weak mayor system puts all responsibility like this ultimately with the council. Certainly, Rybak should try his best and hope for either support or at least an abstention from the council. But the power game aspect of it alone makes this sound very unlikely to me. Erik Hare [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://tcfreenet.org/people/hare Irvine Park, West End, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, North America, Earth Fine Amish furniture, cedar chests, and crafts http://www.harmonycedar.com MN-POLITICS-DISCUSS http://www.e-democracy.org/mn-politics/ is a CIVIL discussion of Minnesota public issues and politics. --- Don't like E-Democracy's rules? You have alternatives: http://www.e-democracy.org/mninteract Messages (text-only, no attachments) are to be signed with your full real name, city and e-mail address. No member may post more than twice a day. Moderator/Discussion Rules Manager: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe to MN-Politics-Discuss send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To receive daily digest: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For the list to retain its value, and to show respect for your fellow list members, please keep a Minnesota focus on your posts. Thanks. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mn-politics-discuss/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
