Re: [Mpls] Basim in the news again
I thought it was interesting that the Strib didn't bother to mention those facts in their article. Lisa McDonald East Harriet - Original Message - From: Karen Forbes Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2005 12:07 PM To: Barbara Lickness; mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] Basim in the news again No one seems to be concerned that this young man has been taken in by a person with a long history of violent behavior according to court records There is also the fact that Basim is a convicted felon. Mr. Sabri is not the kind of person I would want mentoring and caring for my family member I was thinking when I saw the "Free Francisco" t-shirts that it should read "Free Francisco from Basim." Speaking of public relations, would the timing of this act of benevolence have any relationship to Basim's upcoming sentencing? Nah, couldn't happen. Karen Forbes South Minneapolis > Onetime Apple Valley High School squatter Javier Francisco Serrano has > traded his nights in the school boiler room and a county jail cell for > his first taste of comfort in a long time at the Shorewood home of his > benefactor, businessman and developer Basim Sabri. > > > 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. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org > Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mplsGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] NRP Policy Board Audit for calendar year 2003
As a Policy Board member, I was pleased to receive a Memorandum dated January 19, 2005 from NRP Director Robert Miller certifying that the Office of the State Auditor has again issued an "unqualified opinion" on the Policy Board's financial statements. According to Mr. Miller's Memo, "This means that the financial statements are in conformance with applicable accounting standards and present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Policy Board as of December 31, 2003." All Policy Board members and alternates were directly mailed the audit document from Patricia Anderson, State Auditor. Jeffrey L. Strand, 2005 NRP Protection Neighborhood Representative Shingle Creek resident, Ward 4 Responding to a post from Ms. Heller, David Brauer posted a response on the Subject: RE: [Mpls] Politicking and the NRP...Wake up and smell the deficits! I hope the charge below won't overly distract the list. There's no evidence presented. There's also no indication that audit information - from NRP or other government bodies - is unavailable. There are many legitimate policy differences for us to discuss. But the frequent criminalizing of policy differences distracts from a valuable and constructive discussion. David Brauer Kingfield -Original Message-> How many Republicans got a taste of the $200+ million NRP pie? If all of > that money was sucked up by local Democrats, Minneapolis has committed a huge violation of Constitutional law: Using public money to fund a political party! Let's have an audit. Let's find out where all of that money went. As a taxpayer, I want to see the cancelled checks. I want NAMES. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Vicky Heller's error
Vicky Heller writes: Judging by results, the NRP is a colossal failure. Why do I think so? Because City debts are skyrocketing and property taxes are TRIPLING!! And services that SHOULD be provided by local government are disappearing. The trouble with this claim is that it in no way makes clear what the connection is between the NRP and the problems it points to. Correlation is not causation, as they say, and Vicky Heller does not at all show that the Minneapolis problems she points to are the results of the NRP. I agree that we've got problems, but it is not at all clear to me that the NRP is the cause, or even a main cause, of them, which is what Vicky Heller here seems to claim without evidence. (This is an error I have seen her commit a number of times.) I am skeptical of her claim, though I have no settled view of the NRP, because, for instance, there are a number of other municipalities in Minnesota that have rising property taxes and disappearing services that do not, as best as I can tell, have parallels to NRP. That means the NRP cannot be the cause of their parallel problems. What do you say to them, Vicky Heller? For my part, I begin to look at a state government controlled in no small part by a Party with some serious problems of its own, and a governor with national political ambitions on top of those problems. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re:skateboard parks
> > Overall though, I do believe involvement in sports keeps more teens away > from drugs. Or at least delays their experimenting with them. > Don Actually Don, perhaps this will spark some information from the MPBI can't imagine they would put it by residental homes...Perhaps the MPB has some answers Where are the parks located...was there any grant money for this project...any sponsorship..if not could there be...what will be the fees, what was the reason for 3 and not just one to start off with..substance abuse...what type of control? Is there more information out there?? Dorie Rae Gallagher Nokomis > REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Mpls street sign colors
In the early 1970s, the colored street signs were installed as a snow emergency system (e.g. "do not park on blue streets until 8:00 tomorrow morning," etc.). Apparently it didn't work too well; they were only used for a couple of seasons. Victoria M. Ford Possibly because people seldom actually look at the street sign on their own block; a couple days after moving in they learn how to get home without reading the street signs. I couldn't have told you what color my street sign was until I looked this morning. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Neiman Money Pit
In my opinion, the Park Board should be there to provide green space to residents, but shouldn't be building playing fields for whatever sport is currently in fashion. . . . Jim Young Seward May be your opinion, but it's not what they are legally charged to do. The actual name is "Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board". And their mission (see http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=53) includes both "parkland and recreational opportunities". How much should be allocated to each of those tasks is a major item of discussion for this Board, and most previous Boards. (And a lot of costs are pretty hard to split that way; do we measure how many square feet of each park is used for open parkland and how much for playing fields? And what about the paths? They're open parkland, until a jogger uses them, then they become recreational. So for each park pathway, count how many pedestrians vs. joggers use the path? This could soon become silly.) But their mission includes both; so they can't just throw one out altogether, as you suggested. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Neiman Money Pit
Dorie wrote: No, it is not their responsibility but $200,000 invested in activities for kids skateboarding is small in comparison to what we might spend if they were out on the street doing drugs and killing shop clerks. In school, the kid who really needed to be in sports could never get into sports ...maybe it is different with skateboarding since it is an individual effort. What makes up a kid who would take to a skateboard park more so than just flying over some homemade risers? Broken bones ahead but I think we are behind the times on the idea. My additional thoughts: I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm sticking with my knowledge of the problems created with having outdoor skate board parks in close proximity to residential homes. And again, ambitious teens in other cities have gotten off their butts and raised monies to build their own parks (including indoor skate parks). These responsible teens have also generally built their parks a safer distance from homes. It's always a good thing to consider citizens who need a peaceful, uninterrupted night sleep. $200,000. may not seem like a lot to some (as some park projects far exceed that). I'm just in favor for using that same money to keep from losing 4-5 police officers. Unfortunately, it seems more individuals involved in various sports are increasingly using illegal drugs. Sad but true. Not long ago a friend told me they were happy to chauffer their children to "break dancing" events held at community centers, as they were sure it was keeping their kids off the streets away from drugs. Recently the mother recanted, after learning her teens and many others in the dance groups were heavily involved in drugs. Some also involved in other crimes. It was convenient to buy and sell the drugs when all the teens were together at their sports-type events. Overall though, I do believe involvement in sports keeps more teens away from drugs. Or at least delays their experimenting with them. Don Whittier REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] state auditor
How little people know about their government and the jobs to which they elect other people. Sen. Higgins is on the money with the role and responsiblities of the State Auditor for monitoring compliance of local units of government. Might a highly politicized auditor take every opportunity to selectively execute her duties? Of course. Was she wrong on the law? No. If the piece was a campaign piece, Anderson would have no jurisdiction. But it was a city piece looking altogether too much like a promotion of the mayor, according to many, and that does put it in her lap. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul -- The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men: Plato -- Visit our weblog: http://bumpasblog.blogspot.com > From: Sen.Linda Higgins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 10:38:14 -0600 > To: > Subject: [Mpls] state auditor > >> Randall Cutting said: Auditor Anderson attacked R.T. without legal standing >> for her acquisitions (she has no authority to conduct legal finding of fact >> on the question of whether R.T. violated campaign laws or not). But she >> does appear to be beholden to the Rich Taxpayers League who seem to hate >> everything related to Minneapolis. Who wants to bet that a freedom of >> information act request would find emails from the rich taxpayer's league to >> Anderson's office. > > Auditor Anderson Awada Anderson did not deal with the fact of campaign laws. > > The auditor's job is looking at spending for local governments, not > campaigns. That is indeed what she ruled on. > > She ruled that our local unit of government illegally spent $42,000 to > promote the mayor. She based that on state laws. > > Perhaps the fact that people keep talking about this as a violation of > campaign law shows us that it indeed was a campaign piece and not a > government piece. > > linda higgins old highland REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES > at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, > contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn > E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, > Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > > REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] NRP - Accounting
Michael Atherton asked: "So, I believe that my neighborhood association received $2M+ in NRP funds, but they did not receive full audits in every year of the program." In answer: I was President of PPERRIA for three years during which we were expending much of the NRP-1 funds. Barbara Lickness is correct on her statement regarding auditing. On those years in which we spent more than $50,000 of NRP money, we had a full audit every year. It's only in subsequent years when spending of NRP-1 funds fell under the threshold did we get only the limited audit. (Which, by the way, is not much less work for our treasurer and finance vice-chair as the full audit. So don't minimize the limited audit.) I believe that copies of all PPERRIA audits are available for examination by anyone with the official corporate records at Pratt School. Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] newsletters
Several people have compared newsletters and list of electeds who do or do not send them. As the person who has been responsible for several of Commissioner McLaughlin's newsletters, maybe I can help respond to some of the questions being asked. Peter sends all of his printed newsletters at campaign expense. The production, the printing and the mailing are all done at campaign expense, not by public money. Photos by the campaign camera, content developed in non-office hours, etc. All of Peter's materials, including newsletters, are always union printed. Peter has been mailing newsletters on a regular basis for years. The goal was to do them every 6 months to keep current on address changes. It didn't always make that timeline, but it has been produced and mailed consistently, in both election and non-election years. The mailing list has not been every address in Minneapolis. As many have noted, that gets expensive! But it did go out to as many names and addresses as we could collect. Finally, Peter has also been doing an email newsletter out of the office for several years. That is done at public expense and items are carefully selected to meet the criteria. No photos, general information about County actions, etc. Any one interested may subscribe on Peter's Hennepin County website. Previous copies of the email newsletters are also posted there. I hope this helps inform the ongoing discussion. Lisa Vecoli Howe Neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Neiman fields
> Of course organized sports should be subsidized in the parks. Let's just > subsidize them to the same proportion that they are of the total park usage. > Organized sports are tiny fraction of the total park usage. It appears they > have had a disproportionate amount of money spent on them. the reason, I believe, the ballfields are not fully utilized is because the fee to play their is prohibitive. I play in the st paul men's amateur league and it just doesn't make sense to pay the $250 to $300 a game to play there when we already have to pay $50 an umpire, not to mention baseballs and other necessary equipment. the difference between team sports like baseball and say windsurfing is to windsurf, you need a windsurf board, if that is what they are called, and a lake. The user provides it's own board, the lake was created by nature. it costs next to nothing to provide the windsurfer, a place to windsurf, keeping it simple. for a team of baseball players to play you need a field. these do not appear by themselves. they need to be built. they are not cheap. you need to prep the land, add dirt, the mound, the fencing, benches and then it needs maintenance, something the windsurfer doesn't need. the ballfields themselves could not have cost $15million. if they did, someone robbed us blind. while it is a drain on services now, the fields should be around much longer than 30 years. perhaps the city could sell some advertising for the outfield fences? open concessions that maybe coke or pepsi would stock for free as long as everything was served in coke cups? it is not uncommon for ball fields to have advertising so it wouldn't look out of place. it wouldn't be midway stadium but a couple of signs on the fence wouldn't hurt anything. just an idea to help cover expenses. john harris webber-camden __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Mpls street sign colors
The color-coded street signs were not the FIRST snow emergency system (so tickets certainly should have been given before the signs went up) but an attempt at an improvement in the system. Ah well. Victoria Ford Kingfield Bill Lundquist said: I began work with the Minneapolis Police Department in 1966 and recall tagging for snow emergency enforcement related violations for 32 years since that date so the signs have bee in place longer than since the 70's. I have also tagged cars as a part time job for the city between the hours of 9PM and to 8AM for many of the 32 years I served before retiring. It is sad to see that no matter what the city does to try and keep people from parking when the streets need to be plowed they continue to leave the cars there to obstruct the plows. Bill Lundquist REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Neiman fields
Tony Scallon writes: Recently, students from MTS charter school went to Washington DC for the inaugural. They raised about 1/2 the costs. The school paid for the rest. The trip would not have happened without both the schools support and the fundraising activities of the students. I see the Neiman Fields as similar. Jason Stone responds: Tony is debating himself, around the question of "Should organized sports be subsidized?". The Neiman Sports Complex is subsidized simply by being there. User fees don't come close to paying for it. The real issues on the table are mammoth cost overruns, operating losses due to under-utilization, and then the larger questions of the capacity of the Park Board to absord additional operations, the effectiveness of the Board in managing projects and the appropriateness of planned projects. Of course organized sports should be subsidized in the parks. Let's just subsidize them to the same proportion that they are of the total park usage. Organized sports are tiny fraction of the total park usage. It appears they have had a disproportionate amount of money spent on them. According to the Park Board, the following numbers apply to 2003 park usage. 5.5 million people visited the chain of lakes. 294,035 rounds of golf were played. 67,858 people went swimming at supervised beaches. 88,571 people attended concerts at Lake Harriet. 10,003 people attended concerts at Nicollet Island. 4,825 people attended concerts at Minnehaha Park. 52,788 people enjoyed the 3 outdoor pool facilities. 306,795 used the recreation centers for community use. 74,248 children used the Summer Playgrounds program which was nearly axed in the 2005 budgeting process until parents showed up in protest at a Park Board meeting. On the other hand, city-wide fewer than 30,000 people participated in organized sports teams in the parks. Of those, 8,727 were in youth sports leagues. There were 669 youth sports teams, and 1,321 adult sports teams. There were 120 ages 5 to 8 sports teams. There were 697 ball diamond games played at Neiman, and 1370 soccer field games played at Neiman. There are 3 softball, 2 baseball and 8 soccer fields at Neiman. So the average usage works out to less than 1 game per field per day during the summer season. That's a net cost of over $3100 per day or $280 per game during the season to the tax payer for Neiman sports complex for 30 years (using current operating loss and $14 million in bond payments, but excluding additional millions already spent or which may be spent over the 30 year period). I'll go through budget numbers in detail at some point in the future, but it rather looks like the spending on organized team sports, versus other uses (such as passive recreation and other community interest programs) is way out of whack. In fact, passive recreation (walking, hiking, biking, bird watching, pick-up games, skiing, kite flying, picnics, boating, sail boarding, etc.) is by far the largest usage of the park system, easily out numbering all other uses by more than one hundred to one. Beach swimming (despite 4 beaches being closed due to lack of funds) and Summer Playgrounds (proposed cut for 2005) both get far more usage than the Neiman sports complex. How many beaches could we keep open for $75,000 a year? How many Summer Playgrounds does $75,000 buy? (answer: almost half of them) So, sure, let's subsidize organized team sports -- even for adults. But let's focus our tight budget on the places of greatest need, greatest use and top importance, and not on grandiose "legacy building" schemes or special interest groups. Let's maintain what we have, instead of taking on more debt to build bigger edifices to some park commissioners' egos. Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mpls street sign colors
I began work with the Minneapolis Police Department in 1966 and recall tagging for snow emergency enforcement related violations for 32 years since that date so the signs have bee in place longer than since the 70's. I have also tagged cars as a part time job for the city between the hours of 9PM and to 8AM for many of the 32 years I served before retiring. It is sad to see that no matter what the city does to try and keep people from parking when the streets need to be plowed they continue to leave the cars there to obstruct the plows. Bill Lundquist ---Original Message--- From: Ford, Victoria Date: 01/24/05 10:36:13 To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: [Mpls] Mpls street sign colors In the early 1970s, the colored street signs were installed as a snow emergency system (e.g. "do not park on blue streets until 8:00 tomorrow morning," etc.). Apparently it didn't work too well; they were only used for a couple of seasons. Victoria M. Ford REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Chris Bonniks response to Mayor's SLick Piece
Hello Minneapolis Folks, I agree with Earl's overall point that the Democratic Party needs to take the high road, and clean up our act if we are going to be considered leaders in Minnesota politics and attract voters. I also have lived in Senate District 62 and Commissioner McLaughlin's district and believe he has done some very good work over the years, but wonder if Pat Anderson decision is more politics then substance. The City of Minneapolis-Mayor Rybak mailing, seems like a standard practice for politicians including Commissioner McLaughlin, my council members, and legislators, and even congressman to send me news-updates that include photos of them. Even though it is a common practice for incumbents, it does not mean I agree with such practices. Minneapolis should adopt city ordinance that outlines our own requirements for such mailings and other campaign practices to create greater clarity in the future. We should not have to wait for state action to improve our own campaign practices. It would be interesting to hear what steps each candidate is prepared to make to create a fairer system? Can anyone confirm of deny that the most recent mailings they have received from Commissioner McLaughlin and other politicians did not include photos or headlines consistent with the complaint? I have not kept my most recent mailings over the last year but believe a comparison to other elected officials mailings would be appropriate, and informative to this debate. Can anyone also provide the costs of such mailings, because it seems like another important point of debate. Ken Bradley Earl Netball <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Chris, Before you go sputtering off half cocked, I said it should be paid for with campaign funds. I mean it. If this were part of a series of such newletters, that would be one thing. This is not a part of a regular series of newsletters. It is clearly a one time campaign piece. As such I believe it to be a foul. And an expensive one. The issue here is the timing, and the deputy mayor's claiming it to be otherwise. Had the mayor sent a newsletter in any of the past three January's you would have a good point. It's true that Peter McLaughlin lives in the 62nd district. It's true that I know him, although I would not call myself a confident.(sic) It's true that I respect the work that Peter has done in the community and for the city over a long period of time. I've been active for a long time, as such I tend to notice those that get things done, as well as those that just talk. I do not however speak for the McLaughlin campaign, I speak for myself. I referenced my role as chair of the 62nd district because I felt it relevant. In deference to list rules, I will not try to read your mind and motives for your post. I wish Chris would have restricted debate to the issue. His argument that others send newsletters has some merit. The balance did not. My father used to ask me if I would jump off a bridge if my friends did so. If we are to restore the DFL party to a leadership role in our community, we need to clean up our act. Many of us have cried loudly about the abuse of power of our Republican opponents on numerous occasions. We need to learn to play by the rules, and to act honorably. For the record, in the ancient past, while I served on the City Council, I sent out occasional newsletters, all of which were paid for with campaign funds. In my opinion the mayor's mailing pushes the limits. If his partisans cannot see that to be the case, that too might be worthy of discussion. Earl Netwal NENA Resident and Board Member Chair 62nd District DFL REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls - Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, et
RE: [Mpls] RE: Rybak Mailing, Political Junkies
Dorothy Titus: And what is wrong with the mayor giving himself enough time to determine whether or not his action was wrong? If any official were to respond immediately to any challenge without taking the time to check out whether or not his actions were indeed incorrect, we would have chaos. [Gregory Luce] Hey, I'll give the Mayor all the time in the world to consider and respond to the legality of his action, and that's surely what he has to do now. But, I'm more concerned that a larger and more subtle issue is being missed here, and that is the ethical use of public expenditures under obviously questionable circumstances (what is called the "appearance of impropriety"). Here's what we know: 1. The mayor has not done any mailings of this sort at any time during his term; 2. The mayor has less than a year left in his term; 3. There are important precinct caucuses coming up; I would be surprised if the mayor and his staff did not see potential problems with the mailing. Given what should have been an expected reaction to a $42K+ out-of-the-ordinary mailing, did the expenditure and mailing not raise ethical considerations for the mayor and his staff? Did they not look at how the public would respond and how some or many would conclude that a government office and its expenditures were misused? Did they not consider the larger ethical issue--i.e., how the public already views government and its elected officials and how to retain or regain trust in that government, rather than throw the whole shebang to the political winds? I guess the issue is I expected more from RT, while admittedly I sometimes expect less from others. Now, let's say just for fun that the Taxpayers League is in cahoots with Kiffmeyer, and the State Auditor regularly mails out informational newsletters with her mug plastered all over it. So what? I don't tell my five year old son that it's OK for me to drive 70 MPH on I-94 because everyone else is doing it and, until the State Patrol catches everyone else, I'm going to continue putting the pedal to the metal. No, I make the decision to drive the speed limit because I have to exhibit legal AND ethical behavior for him. Ethical considerations should not include what everyone else is doing to circumvent the law and/or who does or does not get away with it. That's chaos. It should include a deliberate decision not to do what is perceived as wrong or suspect because to do so in the face of it devalues our overall faith in an open, accountable, and clean system. RT stood up for that system when he was first elected. In many ways he is now his own enemy on this issue because of those promises. So, certainly give everyone time to sort out the legalities. But the time to act ethically is quickly speeding away. Gregory Luce St. Paul REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Neiman fields
Tony: > We have expenditures for operating costs. > Neiman Fields takes in revenues but not enough to cover expenses. This is > true for all the > Parks. I do not think it was ever intended for the Parks to be revenue > producers. Jason responds: But it was intended for special interest amenities such as golf courses and tournament quality sports facilities to pay for themselves while providing service at the lowest possible cost to the users. The Neiman Sports Complex charges fees and operates at a loss due to under-utilization -- not because that is its proper and natural state. Tony: > I do want to clarify one issue. The Neiman fields I am quoting that has been > a financial > problem is the "the Fort", a building that was to be developed by a private > developer. Bob Fine > and Marie Hauser Opposed this part of the Neiman Fields development. Jason responds: Commissioners Hauser and Fine may have opposed this development (I take your word for it), but they have fiduciary responsibility for the project and the problem. Tony: > Recently, students from MTS charter school went to Washington DC for > the inaugural. They raised about 1/2 the costs. The school paid for the > rest. The trip would > not have happened without both the schools support and the fundraising > activities of the > students. I see the Neiman Fields as similar. Jason responds: Tony is debating himself, around the question of "Should organized sports be subsidized?". The Neiman Sports Complex is subsidized simply by being there. User fees don't come close to paying for it. The real issues on the table are mammoth cost overruns, operating losses due to under-utilization, and then the larger questions of the capacity of the Park Board to absord additional operations, the effectiveness of the Board in managing projects and the appropriateness of planned projects. Regards, Jason Stone Diamond Lake Candidate for Park Board, District 5 http://jasonforparks.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] affordable housing and nrp
In response to the recent posts about the value of NRP and the need for housing that is affordable to households at or below 30% of Metropolitan Median Income (MMI), I would like to remind everyone that there is an opportunity to allocate some of the current, Phase II NRP funds to the development of housing that is truly affordable for very low-income households. Under the original NRP statute, 52.5% of NRP funds were required to be spent on housing. Because Phase I fell short of this requirement, in Phase II 70% must be spent on housing. NRP has established eight funds to which neighborhoods may contribute as an efficient way of meeting their housing requirements. All of these funds have income restrictions, mostly at 80% of the MMI, but Fund 7 is the only one to invest in the development of new, long-term affordable rental units. Through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, NRP Fund 7 assists mixed income projects and projects for households at or below 50% MMI with priority for those at 30% MMI. Participation by a neighborhood in any of the NRP Housing Funds is voluntary. Neighborhoods may devise their own housing strategies, different than or similar to these Housing Funds. NRP housing funds can be spent within the neighborhood or elsewhere in the City of Minneapolis. People who are interested in allocating some of their neighborhood's NRP funds to affordable housing for those who need it most, can get involved in a number of ways: . Join your neighborhood NRP steering committee or its housing task force, if it has one. . Attend neighborhood NRP meetings. While you're there, speak about the need to spend some of your neighborhood's NRP housing money on affordable housing, especially for the lower income households whose need is greatest. . Work with your neighbors to create interest in and support for affordable housing. . Respond to NRP surveys about strategies and funding priorities for Phase II. Additional information on the NRP housing funds is available through NRP. Additional information on the link between NRP and affordable housing is available through SWING, the SouthWest Interfaith Neighborhood Group for Affordable Housing. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Judith Tennebaum Linden Hills REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mpls street sign colors
Probably more info then anyone really wanted to know, but here's the source for the offical wording on street signage. -- The MN MUTCD (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices) provides some specifications on Street Name Signs at this link: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/otepubl/mutcd/mnmutcd2004/mn%20mutcd%202004-2D.pdf Flip to section 2D.38, page 2D-18. The Standards portion (requirements) specify that letters and symbols must be of uniform height and that the sign color be retro-reflective with contrasting colors between text and background. The Guidance portion (optional but recommended) recommends that the signs be white lettering with green background. It also gives recommendations on sign placement and location. So MN MUTCD points to white on green signs as the recommended standard. Using other colors; brown, blue, etc would be acceptable deviations as long as they match retroreflectivity and contrast requirements. John McClellan Keewaydin __ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free! http://my.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] state auditor
I forgot to sign my post... dennis plante jordan REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Proposed legislation affecting Minneapolis
As an now long-ago but still long-time member of the legislative staff, I would suggest that it's kind of pointless to pay much attention to proposed legislation just because it has been introduced. Probably 90% of all bills just lie there after introduction and that's because nobody, including the primary sponsors, are interested in them. As an alternative, I'd suggest watching for any bill with an interesting subject matter that is getting a hearing by any committee in either house. That means that at least one legislator is seriously interested in getting it passed. And the prime indicator of something as likely to become law is that there is at least one legislator who is seriously interested in passing it. So, in the end, don't bother reading bill introductions. Instead, read committee agendas for what is getting a hearing. (And, the way the Lege works, just because the bill ultimately stalls somewhere just means that it may reappear in an appropriation or mini-garbage bill sometime later. And that's because that one legislator knows not to give up just because of one stall.) So, watch committee agendas and not introductions. Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] state auditor
Linda Higgins writes: Perhaps the fact that people keep talking about this as a violation of campaign law shows us that it indeed was a campaign piece and not a government piece. Dennis Plante responds: Or perhaps if it had happened a year ago, the State Auditor would not even be raising the issue. In effect, making it a none-issue Maybe people keep talking about it as a violation of campaign law, because there is an upcoming election... Maybe RT should be accused of poor timing... Personally, I think there is a lot of suspect glue and chewing gum holding this accusation togetherSomewhat like an old Monty Python movie I remeber viewing, where they threw the maiden in the pond with her hands and feet bound. If she drowned she wasn't a witch (but of course she was dead). If she didn't drown, she was a witch and was promptly burned at the stake We're dealing with a state law that is indeed subjective at best. Not only is RT well within his rights, he also has an obligation to request further clarification (of this law) as it relates to mailings similar to what he recently sent-out to the citizens of Minneapolis. I truly wish the state auditor would call into question all of the photo ops, extravagant trips/appearances and personal interest appearances made by our state leaders as well. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rybak Mailing
Greg Abbott quoted: "Subd. 3. Pictures prohibited. When a statutory or home rule charter city, county, town, school district, metropolitan or regional agency, or other political subdivision of this state, issues a report or other publication for public distribution to inform the general public of the activities of the political subdivision, the report or publication must not include pictures of elected officials nor any other pictorial or graphic device that would tend to attribute the publication to an individual or groups of individuals instead of the political subdivision. Directories of public services provided by the political subdivision are exempt from this subdivision." Peter Vevang writes: I think this is an important quote. I am not an expert on the law, but from what was quoted, it isn't clear to me that the mayor using his picture in a mailing is illegal. The key phrase here is: "must not include pictures of elected officials nor any other pictorial or graphic device that would tend to attribute the publication to an individual or groups of individuals instead of the political subdivision." To translate that phrase into English, don't call it a mailing from a particular office and then mail pictures of people from some completely separate office, group or individual. The picture is attributed to the mayoral "subdivision", and has a picture of the mayor who, as it happens, embodies the mayoral "subdivision". They aren't calling this a mayoral mailing and sending out pictures endorsing DFL candidates for other offices like city Council or Park Board. As far as I can see, this isn't a smoking gun, this little quote actually proves the legality of what the mayor did, unless I am reading this wrong. If this principle holds true, than all of the stories about this mailing are in error, and a terrible journalistic mistake has been made, and the people responsible should apologize immediately and retract what they said. It isn't right to tar a good person's reputation based on evidence like this. I think we need to reserve judgement until things become a bit clearer. I repect both candidates for mayor, they are both great leaders, I would hate for this race to be decided by something like this. It seems kind of cheap. Peter Vevang Audubon REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] RE: Rybak Mailing, Political Junkies
Mr. Luce said: " And when the Mayor's spokesperson deflects the issue by saying they "welcome" clarification of the law and will "abide by any standard that is fairly applied to all," then my hackles go up and we must beg the question: whatever happened to the Mayor's own ethical standards?" and " I have to say that it is disconcerting in the least for a candidate and mayor who values clean elections and accountable government not to stand up and do the right thing when the chips are down." And what is wrong with the mayor giving himself enough time to determine whether or not his action was wrong? If any official were to respond immediately to any challenge without taking the time to check out whether or not his actions were indeed incorrect, we would have chaos. Every political machine would be throwing accusations at officials all the time just to see how far they could push them. I certainly hope the mayor will do the right thing...as soon as it is clear what the right thing is. From what I've read, I'm not sure that it is clear yet. From time to time, I get mailed literature from officials touting their achievements with their pictures. No one has challenged them. It helps me know what my officials look like. We have a long history in this country of one political party making accusations against an official and tying up that official with challenges that turn out to be false and a waste of taxpayer money and time. I think it is fair to give the mayor the time and opportunity to determine if indeed his actions were incorrect. Then he can be judged by his response to that. Dorothy Titus, Jordan neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mpls street sign colors
In the early 1970s, the colored street signs were installed as a snow emergency system (e.g. "do not park on blue streets until 8:00 tomorrow morning," etc.). Apparently it didn't work too well; they were only used for a couple of seasons. Victoria M. Ford REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] state auditor
Randall Cutting said: Auditor Anderson attacked R.T. without legal standing for her acquisitions (she has no authority to conduct legal finding of fact on the question of whether R.T. violated campaign laws or not). But she does appear to be beholden to the Rich Taxpayers League who seem to hate everything related to Minneapolis. Who wants to bet that a freedom of information act request would find emails from the rich taxpayer's league to Anderson's office. Auditor Anderson Awada Anderson did not deal with the fact of campaign laws. The auditor's job is looking at spending for local governments, not campaigns. That is indeed what she ruled on. She ruled that our local unit of government illegally spent $42,000 to promote the mayor. She based that on state laws. Perhaps the fact that people keep talking about this as a violation of campaign law shows us that it indeed was a campaign piece and not a government piece. linda higgins old highland REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Proposed legislation affecting Minneapolis
Senate Bill 318 (Local Government Property Tax and Fee Freeze): Introduced by Sen. Lawrence J. Pogemiller on January 13, 2005, to prohibit local governments from increasing property taxes or fees. The state would be required to pay local governments for any reductions made to state aid during the 2003-2004 legislative session. Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=31074 House Bill 169 (Veterans Property Tax Exemption): Introduced by Rep. Patti Fritz, Rep. Mike Jaros, Rep. Jeanne Poppe, Rep. Tom Rukavina and Rep. Andy Welti on January 12, 2005, to exempt from property taxes homes which a) qualify for homestead classification and b) are owned by a military veteran who has a permanent service-related disability. Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=31062 Senate Bill 155 (International Economic Development Zones): Introduced by Sen. Ann H. Rest on January 10, 2005, to allow qualified businesses within an "international economic development zone" to be exempt from or allowed a credit against certain property, income, and corporation taxes that are used primarily for international economic development. A qualified business would be a business that engages in international imports or exports, is certified by the foreign trade zone authority, pays each employee total compensation including benefits. The bill would designate an area a foreign trade zone if within the zone a regional distribution center is being developed, if the border of the zone is within 90 minutes of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The bill would give tax incentives to those who invest in the development of an international economic development zone: exemption from individual income taxes, from state sales tax, from property tax for 12 consecutive years (certain restrictions reduce exemptions to 6 years) until the year 2021 (HF45 Companion Bill). Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=30727 Senate Bill 186 (Housing and Redevelopment Authorities Competitive Bidding): Introduced by Sen. Scott D. Dibble and Sen. David H. Senjem on January 10, 2005, to provide a temporary exception (until August 1st, 2009) to competitive bidding requirements of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRA) for construction of a public transit facility financed with upcoming bond proceeds or federal subsidies (HF112 Companion Bill). Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=30689 Senate Bill 238 (School District Tax for Utilities): Introduced by Sen. Don Betzold, Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach, Sen. Steve Kelley, Sen. Steve Murphy and Sen. Gen Olson on January 13, 2005, to allow school districts to levy annually for building utility costs for buildings used primarily for "community education programs." The tax could be up to the lesser of the actual cost or $2 times the square footage of the facility. Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=30964 Senate Bill 261 (School District Taxation for Employee Health Care): Introduced by Sen. Dallas C. Sams and Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf on January 13, 2005, to allow school districts to tax as much as necessary to pay for the health care of eligible employees. Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=31342 Senate Bill 245 (Education Spending and Taxes): Introduced by Sen. Sharon Marko, Sen. John Marty, Sen. Tom Saxhaug, Sen. Rod Skoe and Sen. LeRoy A. Stumpf on January 13, 2005, to make a variety of education finance changes. Among the changes, this bill: 1) increases the level of charter school building lease aid, 2) increases spending for early childhood education programs, 3) establishes a new "Way to Grow/School Readiness Program" for the state to promote development of children prebirth to age six, 4) increases general community education spending, 5) establishes a new after-school enrichment program focusing on Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods, 6) increases state aid for adult basic education, 7) increases basic population aid, 8) increases adult basic education limits, 9) allows for continued generation of limited English proficiency aid after the current limit of five or more years of daily membership in Minnesota public schools, 10) increases the basic education growth factor, 11) increases the special education excess cost aid, 12) increases basic education revenue, 13) allows school districts to tax up to $100 times the pupil units (rather than $90) for the lease of a building, 14) allows districts to tax up to 100% of the cost of unemployment insurance and legal judgements and 15) increases the level at which districts can tax for "safe schools" (HF148 Companion Bill). Details and Comments: http://www.minnesotavotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=30978 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager
RE: [Mpls] NRP - Accounting
Barbara Lickness wrote: > Mike is wrong. There are two types of audits. Those > neighborhoods receiving less than $50,000 a year are audited > for financial compliance. In other words, do they follow > standard accounting practices. Do they keep a general ledger? > Do they have financial policies and procedures? Do they > balance their checking account? etc. > > All other neighborhoods have full audits by the state > auditors office. They look at everything down to the smallest > detail and they most definately confirm the accuracy of that > documentation. Most neighborhoods have full audits. Very interesting. So, I believe that my neighborhood association received $2M+ in NRP funds, but they did not receive full audits in every year of the program. So just when are full audits required? Are full audits required in every year in which funds greater than $50,000 are released? Will Ms. Lickness please identify the years that PPERRIA received full audits? Also, as I recall Enron was fully audited, what other safeguards does the NRP provide over-and-above those done at Enron? Case in point, PPERRIA released $500,000+ to a private housing developer without a formal bidding procedure. How is the NRP confident that this procedure was done fairly? If I understand this correctly, then contractors who receive less than $50,000 a year do not receive full audits, THEN what is the dollar amount of funds that have been released without full audits in Phase I? If the NRP has tight accounting procedures then this figure should be readily available. Thanks. Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Rybak Mailing, Political Junkies
>From this week's Minneapolis Observer: 6. When the mayor publishes and distributes what the state auditor calls blatantly campaign-oriented literature with public money, how many photos of the mayor are permitted before it's deemed illegal? And would the auditor have called the media to report the situation had the mayor been a Republican? >From Randall Cutting: Auditor Anderson attacked R.T. without legal standing for her acquisitions (she has no authority to conduct legal finding of fact on the question of whether R.T. violated campaign laws or not). But she does appear to be beholden to the Rich Taxpayers League who seem to hate everything related to Minneapolis. Who wants to bet that a freedom of information act request would find emails from the rich taxpayer's league to Anderson's office. Me: I may be on my high horse with no one watching, but I still feel compelled to continue commenting on this. I'm disturbed. The real question isn't what the State Auditor or Secretary of State would do if it we had a Republican mayor. That's certainly an interesting political question that gives political junkies a significant fix for water cooler talk. The real question and the real beef of the issue is the taxpayer funded expense and what the response has been to date--not from the political folks--but from the Mayor. And when the Mayor's spokesperson deflects the issue by saying they "welcome" clarification of the law and will "abide by any standard that is fairly applied to all," then my hackles go up and we must beg the question: whatever happened to the Mayor's own ethical standards? To reform government to make it more accountable and clean, we need leaders who are willing to stand up and go against the grain of politics and say, while I could play politics as usual, I won't when it comes to ethical action. Otherwise, we simply get more of the same: each party and each candidate pointing fingers and saying what the other is doing is unfair, with no true change being assured. Don't get me wrong. While I have policy disagreements with RT, I do like what I see. My mind's open on a second term, as well as looking at other candidates. But I have to say that it is disconcerting in the least for a candidate and mayor who values clean elections and acccountable government not to stand up and do the right thing when the chips are down. Gregory Luce St. Paul REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mayor Rybak's mailing
I just finished reading Mayor Rybak's glossy newsletter and I find one area very troubling. He talks about the vacancy rate in Minneapolis having dropped to 4.9%, and the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment jumping by almost 20 % since 2001. THIS IS TOTALLY INCORRECT!!! I as well as many inner city landlords I personally have spoken with are running at a vacancy rate of between 15% and 25%, and have been for almost 2 years. The rent on my 2 bedroom houses and 2 bedroom duplexes has dropped from $900 per month in 2002 to $700 per month now, and I can not get them rented. I run ads every week and do not even get phone calls! What troubles me so much is that with such misguided and incorrect information, millions of taxpayer's dollars is being spent in the wrong areas!! Steve Meldahl Jordan (work) - Original Message - From: "David Brauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 3:11 PM Subject: [Mpls] Mayor Rybak's mailing Just received a nice glossy mailing from Mayor Rybak's office. It includes some stats people may want to discuss, especially since this is an election year. * In 2004, serious crime was reduced in four of the five precincts by about 6 percent. The average Minneapolis resident is less at risk to be a crime victim today than they were a year ago. * The lone precinct where crime was up was the Fourth, on the North Side, by 2 percent. According to the newsletter, "Recognizing this, Chief McManus put additional resources on the North side early in the summer." * "Chief McManus knows that focusing resources is essential, especially after the State and Federal governments cut 120 police officers from our streets. That's why he meets every week with his precinct leadership team to review crime data and trends and determine where crime-fighting and crime-prevention strategies should be focusedthe meetings are also broadcast live [Thursdays noon] on cable TV channels 14 and 79 and rebroadcast at 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday nights on Channel 14." * Rybak explains that the state cut $26 million from Minneapolis support in 2003 and $11 million after that. He notes that in 1997, businesses paid 56 percent of the property taxes; in 2005, it's 35 percent. Meanwhile, homeowners pay 53 percent in '05 compared to 32 percent in '97. * Without the state property tax shift, the average homeowner would have paid $23 more in 2005, or 0.7 percent. * Nevertheless, the city's five year plan has reduced city debt by "$16 million so far. We've avoided another $17 million in debt, freeing up an additional $2 million a year for basic services like police protection." * New property tax revenue from 2005 to 2009 will be spend thusly: 49 percent for increased service costs, 18 percent to pay back equipment/insurance debt, 9 percent for the new library, and 24 percent for pension debt. * All 14 labor contracts negotiated in the last year have two percent raises or less; the city's workforce is down 10 percent. * As of Sept. 2004, the city has built or preserved 1,770 multifamily housing units affordable at or below 50 percent of the Metropolitan Median Income. The city's goal is 2100 units by the end of '05. David Brauer 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:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Utne Magazine Executive Will Vie for Third Ward Council Seat
Utne Magazine Executive Will Vie for Third Ward Council Seat Jeremy Wieland, circulation director of the nationally known Utne magazine, will seek the vacant City Council seat in the 3rd Ward. FOR THE WHOLE STORY>> www.mplsobserver.com -- Craig Cox Founder/Editor The Minneapolis Observer www.mplsobserver.com 612/721-0285 Support the independent media! Pick up your neighborhood newspaper! REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] NRP - Atherton wrong
Mike said Fact: There are several different types of audits. The type of audit required of NRP contractors only checks that required documentation exists, it doesn't confirm the accuracy of that documentation. The NRP orders full audits of contractors only when there serious doubts. Me: Mike is wrong. There are two types of audits. Those neighborhoods receiving less than $50,000 a year are audited for financial compliance. In other words, do they follow standard accounting practices. Do they keep a general ledger? Do they have financial policies and procedures? Do they balance their checking account? etc. All other neighborhoods have full audits by the state auditors office. They look at everything down to the smallest detail and they most definately confirm the accuracy of that documentation. Most neighborhoods have full audits. 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. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] NRP
If people want to see how the NRP money was spent you can go to www.nrp.org and print a report for yourself. Click on the globe in the bottom right and create a report. Every dime of NRP funds that have been allocated, contracted and expended by neighborhoods is available on-line at any time. In addition, the State Auditors office has audited qualifying neighborhood associations every year for the past several years. Their reports are available in the central NRP office for any neighborhood you are concerned about. 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. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Politicking and the NRP...Wake up and smell the deficits!
Terrell Brown wrote: > Every neighborhood group getting NRP money is audited. In > Loring Park its by the State Auditor. Last time I checked, the State > Auditor was a Republican. Last I checked she'd changed her name to > "Anderson" but hadn't changed political parties. > > > Remember the line from the old TV show "just the facts mam, just the > facts." Real facts please, I'll get my fiction at Borders or Amazon. Fact: There are several different types of audits. The type of audit required of NRP contractors only checks that required documentation exists, it doesn't confirm the accuracy of that documentation. The NRP orders full audits of contractors only when there serious doubts. Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Politicking and the NRP...Wake up and smell the deficits!
--- Victoria Heller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > They are supposed to deal with Potholes, Police, Parks, and > Pyrofighters. > That's it. [Note: Hennepin County provides libraries] [TB] Where did you find your list? I always thought it was a bit longer and included such things as snow plowing, garbage collection, libraries, maybe even rescue of the Mayor's car from snow banks. > > Nor should they be giving FREE garages to Listmembers [TB] Names please. Who got the free garages? The daily unsubstantiated charges are getting old. > How many Republicans got a taste of the $200+ million NRP pie? If > all of > that money was sucked up by local Democrats, Minneapolis has > committed a > huge violation of Constitutional law: Using public money to fund a > political party! [TB] Where does the Constitution say anything about a political party, any political party? > Let's have an audit. Had one. Every neighborhood group getting NRP money is audited. In Loring Park its by the State Auditor. Last time I checked, the State Auditor was a Republican. Last I checked she'd changed her name to "Anderson" but hadn't changed political parties. Remember the line from the old TV show "just the facts mam, just the facts." Real facts please, I'll get my fiction at Borders or Amazon. Terrell Brown Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Politicking and the NRP...Wake up and smell the deficits!
I hope the charge below won't overly distract the list. There's no evidence presented. There's also no indication that audit information - from NRP or other government bodies - is unavailable. There are many legitimate policy differences for us to discuss. But the frequent criminalizing of policy differences distracts from a valuable and constructive discussion. David Brauer Kingfield > -Original Message- > How many Republicans got a taste of the $200+ million NRP pie? If all of > that money was sucked up by local Democrats, Minneapolis has committed a > huge violation of Constitutional law: Using public money to fund a > political party! Let's have an audit. Let's find out where all of that > money went. As a taxpayer, I want to see the cancelled checks. I want > NAMES. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Politicking and the NRP...Wake up and smell the deficits!
[Dorothy Titus] I don't see how it would be better to let the city council determine where the money is spent. [Vicky Heller] Excuse me! Why do you think they get elected? The City Council is supposed to safeguard the public treasury; use money wisely. They are supposed to deal with Potholes, Police, Parks, and Pyrofighters. That's it. [Note: Hennepin County provides libraries] They are NOT supposed to give public money to neighborhood DFL activists. Nor are they supposed to give public money to PRIVATE BUSINESS INTERESTS! Nor should they be granting INTEREST FREE LOANS (with no maturity date) to anyone or any company. Nor should they be giving FREE garages to Listmembersor any other form of grease to the local POLITICAL MACHINE. How many Republicans got a taste of the $200+ million NRP pie? If all of that money was sucked up by local Democrats, Minneapolis has committed a huge violation of Constitutional law: Using public money to fund a political party! Let's have an audit. Let's find out where all of that money went. As a taxpayer, I want to see the cancelled checks. I want NAMES. How much of the bulging City payroll is attributable to the NRP? Why doesn't the Truth in Taxation budget show us how much this ridiculous scheme is costing the City? Judging by results, the NRP is a colossal failure. Why do I think so? Because City debts are skyrocketing and property taxes are TRIPLING!! And services that SHOULD be provided by local government are disappearing. Spending other peoples' money is definitely FUN, especially when spending it on oneself. But it's not virtuous, and the City can't afford it. Vicky Heller North Oaks and Cedar-Riverside REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Neiman fields
Thanks to all who have made the discussion of Neiman fields a reasonable discussion. Yes I am a History major (also Education Administration) as my old friend Bob Gustafson points out. I think his analysis of the Neiman fields is correct. We have expenditures for operating costs. Neiman Fields takes in revenues but not enough to cover expenses. This is true for all the Parks. I do not think it was ever intended for the Parks to be revenue producers. I think this idea should be explored at certain places that can create positive revenues for the other park board activities recreational and environmental. I do want to clarify one issue. The Neiman fields I am quoting that has been a financial problem is the "the Fort", a building that was to be developed by a private developer. Bob Fine and Marie Hauser Opposed this part of the Neiman Fields development. Again, I thank some of the positive comments from Annie Young and others on my skills. I do not count myself as an accountant. I think I do understand that revenues for many government agencies (including my school) are meant to offset some of the expenditures of an activity not to pay for all the costs. Recently, students from MTS charter school went to Washington DC for the inaugural. They raised about 1/2 the costs. The school paid for the rest. The trip would not have happened without both the schools support and the fundraising activities of the students. I see the Neiman Fields as similar. I agree with several posts that each of us have different recreational interests. We need to serve this diversity whether it be soccer, football, skateboarding, golf, walking or more I cannot list. With new immigrants and new needs for healthier life we need many different recreational opportunities. I hope we keep the Issues List Positive. We need to hear all viewpoints. Tony Scallon Longfellow Community Howe Neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
